3 November 1967

Dear Mom and Dad and Granny,

            Hi ya folks!  How are things back home.  This is nothing like what I expected.  Can hardly tell I’m fighting a war.  I have a cold now, because during General Quarters I have to go into an air conditioned space, and I’m usually all sweaty.  The 3” mounts are manned, but not used so they put us in a shelter so that we won’t get hit by flack.  It’s safe that way, but I can’t see what’s happening.  And the captain doesn’t tell us what’s going on.

            I’m on better terms with my L.P.O, at least as far as I’m concerned.  I was just fed up with the whole bit.  I don’t have time to get fed up now.

            One of the most beautiful sites I’ve seen in a long time was when we high lined personnel from another cruiser.  It was dark, about 8:00, and both ships were bathed in red lights.  We were only 20 yards apart.  And the Newport News’ band was playing.

            I haven’t been taking any pictures, maybe I’ll take some soon, but I’m usually working or can’t get to my camera.  The ship publishes a cruise book at the end of the cruise, which shows what all we did.  Much like a high school year book.

            One thing that seems so out of place here is that often times after we’ve been shooting at the enemy all day, we’ll come down and watch a movie.  That strikes me funny.

            When are you going to send me some pictures?  I’d like to see what my car looks like with those new wheels.

            I think we’re going to Hong Kong next month.  Is there anything special I could get?

            I didn’t go into town this first time in Subic Bay.  I spent my evenings on base or on Grande Island.  I usually ended up carrying some of my buddies back to the ship, but we had fun.

                                                            Love,

                                                                        Michael