Best Moment as a fresh young sailor, assigned barracks 'cleanup' duties in bldg. #242 across from our hanger spaces, i got to spend a lot of time with Cdr. Bucher and the rest of the crew of the Pueblo.....just recently released from N.Korean detention. These men were given a portion of the bldg. to use for themselves, and with no formal duties, enjoyed max liberty over the six month period of their 'debriefing'. with many a 'sea story' for this sailor willing and able to listen. Being close by at this time, i can verify that this crew was treated very badly by our Navy.....and government, and i felt extremely ashamed at their situation. They were an extraordinary bunch of sailors. ..... later, it was SERE school for me and an aircrewman spot on VP-31's aging P2-V fleet of aircraft, flying 10 hour+ 'sub hunting missions up and down california's coastline, from the mexican border to NAS Moffitt, Whidbey Island etc. and back again.... several times per week. .......with the occasional cross-country hops to China Lake, Yuma, Big Springs, Pensacola, Jacksonville and so on. These were heady days for a 19 year old sailor. I occupied the radioman's seat, as well the observers seats in the rear plane area and the nose of the plane............. which was probably the best view that i'll ever have in this life.
