Even Uncle Sam Thought It Sucked

[25yearslater]

As promised I have many pictures from my time at Ft. Eustis, Va where I was privileged to learn many things nautical and put it into practice. Did you say Dead Fleet? How about an LCU15 or perhaps a 65 foot tug with an engine that ran either forward or reverse with no transmission. Perhaps a sea cruise aboard the LTC John U.D. Page embarking from the 3rd Port. Enjoy.

 

[Chief RA]

I served in Camn Rahn Bay Vietnam in 1967 as a Electronic Maint. Warrant, MOS 286A8(comm) & 282(radar). The USAS Paige was ported there at the time. As soon as the US Army fleet realized a recent US Navy Elect. Tect. First Class(E6) was in Camn Rahn Bay they were pleased. Army's seagoing maint. programs were poor at best. I and my techs repaired all kinds of equipment on the 65' LCD's and on the Paige. The ol' W4 who was skipper of the Paige was an ex 1st class US Navy bos'nmate.
The Army fleet was larger than the Navy fleet at the time but of course not near as many major ships and basically Army had transports.
Commanded a Elect. Maint. Detachment later up North in Tuy Hua.
Chief

 

[25yearslater]

I'll be dipped Chief. It seems there are quite a few here who have had experience with the Armys' Navy. Obviously I was in a bit later 1974-1978 but it is always enjoyable to connect with someone familiar with the Page. Here is a bit of other trivia, I was born on June 6th. Guess boats were a foregone conclusion. PS Welcome Home.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

wOODSTER;

If you flew out of Felker Airfield, the road and aviation aviators club was named after my old man. As for Buck's, a lot fights occurred there if I recall but we moved away in 1972.

25yearslater;

Thanks for the photos. It is truly amazing some of the folks that knew dad and me. Once, I had a fellow come thru my office in North Carolina and when he saw my name, he said Little Dave. I asked him where he served with dad and it was back in Germany in the 50's.

I plan to move back to Virginia as my grass roots are Goshen and Lexington. I will overlook the beginning of the James River literally in my backyard and both of you will be welcome.

P.s. That includes Chief too as it appears he was in the Army naval arm. Chief, I hope to meet you one day you old scallywag.

 

[Chief RA]

Thanks Dave, I am sure we would have a great time! Chief

 

[woodster]

Crazy Dave and Woodster. I will start a new thread once I scan some pictures that might bring back some memories. Yes Bucks' Brand was the name of the joint. Somebody shot it up in 76 so the place was put off limits.

by that time i was long gone lol left there in nov 1966 ......it may have been rough but don't remember that as much as the hamburgers and beer lol i did go to the Jolly Roger in Ocean View one time but once was enough lol i was the only army personnel there ...place was swarming with navy men......but i was only 19 at the time and green as a gord lol it amazes me how almost fifty years later you come across so many people whose pat you have crossed before lol

ps i copied and pasted your post from the other thread didn't want to get cr's speedos in a wad

 

[25yearslater]

Ahhh, speedooos.

 

[Chief RA]

The Army boats would come over to get us over in Camn Rahn Bay on a LARC (land & sea boat) when they needed some help on their electronic gear. When we got done we would always have a case of steaks or lobster provided for us for our trip back to the 128th Sig. Maint. Co. shop. They treated us great and of course I got invited to their beach parties since all seagoing officers in the Armys navy were Warrant Officers only.
Chief

 

[25yearslater]

That was the best part of the Army boats, Chief. Very layed back. We seldom even wore uniforms and grew long hair and beards when we were out. Not the spit and polish required on base or like the Navy with ships swarming with officers and NCOs. The beach parties were fun and I participated in more than a few. Shhh, those bow ramps were there for a reason. I would love to come back down to Virginia. Would never have left if I hadn't gotten that commanders nomination to West Point. I didn't want to be an engineer. I wanted to go to Deck Operators School and go Warrant Officer. I loved the boats. Of course when I cancelled the nomination the new commander wanted my head on a pike. No boasting for him at the Officers Club. What was left was ta da saily boats. One month after I got discharged I was the proud owner of a bandy new 1978 Oday 22.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Me in speedos. Yikes what a sight. you would be running.

If the three of you want to contact me, I will send an address where I am moving to in the Virginia mountains along with some views. davecondon@mindspring.com

Dad would have had a great time knowing you. I can tell you one assignment was tough with Iron Pants.