I served ship's crew from 85-89. The 86 and 88 cruises had their fair share of excitement. The 86 more so..(Sidra). We transited the Suez into the Med to relieve the America and was the first Nuc carrier to do so. Being out on deck for that was amazing...
Once the Arab Community realized that we were Nuc, there was a huge protest and we were not allowed to transit back the way we came. We were forced to sail throught the Straights of Gibralter and then down around the Cape of Good Hope to get home. It made for a longer than normal deployment but, we hit several ports I'd have never seen as a Westie.
Ahhh, Australian Women...
The only port I purposely wore my dress uniform.
Tales from Subic????? Stay in Subic.....Except for that Filipino tribute band that rocked RUSH like I've never heard (aside from RUSH of course) You could close your eyes with a San Miggy in hand and couldn't hardly tell the difference.
Saw the Whale before she was retired, watched the A7s being replaced, some of the first FA18s in trials, the might F14 and the A6. Never to forget the Sea King who kept constant vigil. Man, I have to get some video transferred.
My father made one Tiger Cruise and for an ex Navy CT who only saw San Diego and Guam, had a blast of a week.
The talley of men we lost at sea during my 4+ years is still sobering and we were still considered peace time.
Oh, by the way.....Tom Cruise was a little beyotch while Top Gun was filmed on board.
