[John Rogers]

On larger ships such as carriers and LPH's on our birthday there is a "stand down" and the big barbeques come out with steaks and baked potatoes and generally a huge cake. The youngest and oldest crew members would get together and cut the first piece with the CO's sword. I don't know if the "new" Navy does that now days or not?

The oldest guy On the Big E during my tours in 'Nam was the ship's locksmith, and E6 reserve who was about 70 or so, drew his social security check, sea pay, combat pay and regular E6 pay! The only uniform he had was his dress blues and wore bib overalls all the time! They needed him as he had the keys or could pick the locks to the nuclear weapons lockers!

Yep happy birthday!