USN USS ESSEX 1964-66

[Butch]

Just curious if anybody knows anybody or was on the ship during this period. I was the fly 3 petty officer on the flight deck. Never was interested in talking about this but now that I am older, and there are now almost 300 members in this group that perhaps there is a connection. thanks!

[jcollins]

Butch,
I never had the honor, but didn't want this post to go unanswered. Take us on a walk down memory lane. How about a few pictures of the young Butch?

[Butch]

No pics, just a young man 20 yrs of age that didn't know what scary was.It is an experience when the Carrier turns into the wind, you are standing in the landing area, there is a 20kt wind and the the ship is doing 20, and you have pilots making their 1st night landing from Pensacloa, and the Flight deck is rolling into the waves because the fleet is playing war games to boot.....But have no fear because you have a destroyer and a helicopter behind you in case you fall or the pilot goes in the drink, and you are being paid hazardous pay of $56,00 a month

[joe.baar]

Butch,
Your brief memoir is so colorful and entertaining it almost brings tears. Let us not forget USS Essex was the name ship of the great class of CVs that made it possible for us to win the Pacific War. We honor you for your later contribution.