Posted by Robert J. Kay on 8/20/2009, 9:15:11

Permission to come aboard. Seaman Kay reporting in. I was part of the commissioning detail in Newport and was present for commissioning in Boston. Served until May or so of 1972 when I departed for Data Processing School in San Diego. The time in Gitmo was interesting and enjoy the stop at Fort Lauderdale on the way home. Served as mess cook for 3 months and then went to Deck Division. I have the utmost respect for you Deck Apes. It is a hard and thankless job keeping that ship looking like a Naval fighting ship. Hope to be able to attend a reunion someday soon. With a bad heart and being 62 years old....it better be sooner than later. Salute and permission to depart. Robert J. Kay