Good youthful memories though, and fun to talk with him about it. We gotta get these and other stories before these guys are all gone.
Quoted for truth.
My Dad was on CV-12 in 1944 at age 17. He passed away at the age of 80. He would often reminisce on his days in the Navy.
He was a Water Tender 3rd class. His battle station was in a boiler room, watching a sight gage. His supervisor would sit in entrance to the only access to the topside with a big wrench.
There was at least one island in the Pacific on which a little R&R station was set up. My dad said is was essentially a sand bar. The sailors were allowed to get off the ship and drink a couple of beers.
There was a CPO who ran a craps game.
There was a guy he recognized from his home town who was a pilot. They spoke once, and he never saw him again.
The below deck guys were easily spotted for the lack of a tan.
He held survivors of the Franklin in near reverance. Right after the Franklin, metal plates were welded around the Hornet to prevent avgas from flowing between the decks.
...
I hope young guys and non-vets realize how lasting an impression time in the military makes on a person. You guys in the military now need to look past the crap to appreciate that what you are doing is special. You will remember it when you are 80.