There are some great
stories that happened to me while I was on the Charles Berry DE1035.
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Beach Party Pago Pago,
1965 |
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One day I climbed up to just outside the bridge and was looking in
the window when the Captain saw me and waved me inside. I entered and he asked
me what I was doing. I told him I had never seen what one looked like and was
interested. After a short time he asked me if I had ever piloted a ship before
knowing full well that I had not. He asked me if I wanted to and I told him
that I did not think I could. He then told me to give it a try and what to say
to the officer of the deck to get permission to relieve the helmsman. The
officer of the deck and the helmsman gave me all the information I needed to
know and a few lessons on how to steer the ship then asked me if I understood.
I said yes. So I saluted the officer of the deck and asked permission to
relieve the helmsman, told him how many knots we were traveling and what degree
we were on. He granted me permission so I got behind the wheel and spun it,
looked at the compass, then the rudder gauge, I forgot to turn the wheel back
when the rudder reached half way and the ship took almost a 90 degree turn. The
helmsman grabbed the wheel back and every one had a big laugh. It seemed to
take 15 to 20 minutes to get the ship back on course. Then the captain told me
to do it again. So I asked again and was granted permission the relieve the
helmsman. This time I kept the ship on course for about 10 minutes. It was
something I will never forget. When I returned to my bunk area and told
everyone what I just did they did not believe me. They said that they were
eating in the chow hall and all of a sudden the ship rolled and all the trays
slid off of the tables. No one knew what caused that to happen until I told
them that it was me that caused it. I even forget the Captains name. I am sorry
for that also. Because he was one of the nicest officers I ever served under.
I heard that he was on the ship that was in the Gulf of Tonken (not the
Charles Berry DE 1035) when the Viet Cong using torpedo boats tried to attack
and sink the ship. But the Viet Cong`s messages were intercepted and he was
ready for them and blew them out of the water. |
Charlie "B" refueling in Pago Pago, ciria 1965
Charlie "B" refueling in Pago Pago, ciria 1965 |
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Another story I enjoy telling is the one about joining the Domain of
Dametrus Rex when we crossed the Equator. Boy that was one long, hard, full day
for all of us that were not members yet. They woke us up at 3:00 a.m. and we
had to wait on everyone and do everyone's bidding (waiting on them, singing for
them, dancing for them, etc.) no matter what it was at breakfast and lunch. And
clean up after everyone also. Then we were all put in a group in the bow of the
ship in our skivies or shorts and squirted with the fire hose. Then we had to
craw on out hands and knees from the bow to the stern, being whipped by cut off
fire hoses and scoffed at all the way. I thought they treated the 3 Marines (me
being one of then) a little harder than the Sailors but they treated the Navy
officers that had never crossed either a lot harder than us. Thank God for
them. I know there were at least 2 maybe 3 of them also. I guess that was get
even for free day. When we reached the stern of the ship we had to craw through
big bags full of garbage that had been saved just for that occasion. Of course
some of the guys threw up in the bags also which made it a little more pleasant
for the rest of us. When we got through with that we were able to watch the
arrival of King Neptune to the ship. He was a very big King I think he was the
heaviest man on the ship. We had to craw up to him and kiss his belly button
which was packed full of thick axle grease. As you tried to kiss his belly
button without getting any on you he grabs your head and smears the axle grease
all over your face and head. It was so thick that you could hardly open your
eyes. Then the barber cut a cross in your hair, front to back and ear to ear on
your head. By this time it was around 2:00 or 2:30 p.m. We were congratulated
by everyone and shook everyone's hands, took a shower and got all our hair cut
off because of the X being cut into it earlier. We all had our names entered in
King Neptune`s log book and had a great dinner and very pleasant evening. I
received my membership card and certificate a few months later back in Hawaii.
It was an honor to be part of that. We also crossed the International
date line where you gain a day one way and lose a day coming back. We also
stopped at and went ashore at Pago Pago. Went to church in the morning and had
a great beach party later in the day. I think we drank all the beer that they
had on the island plus all the beer we took ashore with us. |
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| The whole trip was a very
exciting experience and I would like to thank everyone Officers and Sailors
alike who made it so enjoyable. You were a great crew and it was my honor and
pleasure to be able to serve with you even for the very short time we were
together. |
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| Corporal Melvil J. Hunter U.S.M.C. 61 to 65 |
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