April 10, 1968 

Dear Mom and Dad,

             We’re finally headed for home.  Tonight is our last time in Subic Bay.  I haven’t heard anything about Desron 3 yet, but I’ll call you if I get off before we hit the states.  We’ve stopovers in Japan and Hawaii.

            I sure would like to see you on the pier when I get there.  Do you think you could do it?

            I’m glad you may be able to get something from your endeavors in Colorado, Mom and yes, Dad, I did receive your last $10.  In fact I was very short on money at the time.

            They’re only letting us have 17 days leave unless I get Desron 3, then I should get 30.  I requested leave from the 14 of June till the 30^th.  Don’t know if it’s gone through or not.

            We only had one bad accident on the line this time.  Five hours before we left, there was an explosion in an upper handling room of one of our 5” mounts.  I was on watch in the 8” turrets at the time, but three of my shipmates were injured, not seriously though.  It seems that a powder case exploded, or just part of it.

            I’m now in 6^th div. instead of 2^nd.  A gunners mate.  Just been there for three days.  I don’t know much, but I’m learning fast.

                                                                        Love,

                                                                                    Michael