USS Essex

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I came aboard in the winter of 66. I can't remember any particular dates but during the two years I was on the Essex we sure had our share of accidents. When we were in Hamburg Germany, while visitors were on board, our anchor broke loose which caused a little excitement. Then there was the time we were in rough seas and lost a helicopter over the side. And I believe on that same cruise we had a corpsman fall overboard, and luckily he was picked up by a destroyer.

I also recalled the time a Russian bomber was flying very low over us and crashed into the sea. And the time we ran aground down by Puerto Rico was real fun. I remember the officers being shuttled out for liberty and the enlisted men having to stay aboard.

Sound like talk from a disgruntled enlistedman? No way! These were great tales to tell my children.

I think if Bobby Kennedy hadn't been killed that the bomber going down would have made the headlines. But they happened on the same day. What a sight to see that bomber blow. I will always remember the guys having to go out and pick up pieces of bodies and the brief case they found. We had many ships around us that day, both Russian and Americans. A huge circle.

One more thing I remember is the Essex opportunity to be involved in picking up astronauts. Can't remember the flight name, but they burnt up before they even took off. Enjoyed every min on board and cherish the memories

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