CREW'S STORIES
RETURN TO:
How I became a flight deck crewman
How I became a flight deck crewman..... Well, its March 1966... here I am at Great Lakes, as a Navy boot. Learning how to be a sailor and a US fighing man. Taking all those tests so the Navy can tell me what I'm best suited for... day after day, Uncle Sam is zeroing on each man's aptitude getting closer to the mark on his real ability. Being 5ft. 7in. and having hearing that could hear a flea at 500 yards my dream sheet requests - subs as sonarman - as my idea of what I would be good at. So the big day in July when I get my orders .....Its not only not a sub but an aircraft carrier... and as a special added bonus the navy says ADJ.. avaition jet mechanic... well having no idea of what a wrench or a screwdriver is and no interest in fixing anything that has two parts that fit.. I report to the ship.... my 17 yr old New York legs walk up the afterbrow and I report in to V-6 div and meet CPO Morley.. who says "so you wanna be a mechinic?'.. after I reply "well Sir... not really.. in fact I wouldn't even want to fly on anything I worked on, but I'll try".. after telling me he's not a sir... he puts his hand on my shoulder and says.. "howd you like an extra 55 bucks a month?... I have a friend who needs a sharp guy like you... in... V-4 div... on the flight deck... lets go see Warrent Officer Cantrell.... nothing to it.. you'll love it etc. etc.. and before long.. viola I'm on the flight deck in a purple shirt saying "Filler Up"?...
Stu Hirschfield
V-4 div 1966 Jul - 69
RETURN TO:
