After I graduated from the Avionics Training in Memphis TN, I filled out a "dream sheet" stating where I wanted my next duty assignment. I chose the East Coast and was not surprised to find myself being sent to the West Coast. I was stationed at the Naval Air Station at Imperial Beach California. I was assigned to
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC-1, Detachment 3). This squadron performs sea-air rescue for downed pilots. It was a small Air Station with a landing field, nice barracks, NCO Club, movie theater, Navy Exchange and Chow Hall.
We got paid in cash, They set up a table and we lined up to get paid. Two armed share patrol guys kept guard on payday. That was a little weird for me, but later there was a credit union option. I was making a bit more money after training and had the rate of ATN-3 (Aviation Electronics Technician).
In Memphis I had to depend on a Navy bus to get into town, but San Diego had great commercial bus service and I was able to get around even without a car. It didn't take long to fall in love with Southern California with its beaches and weather.
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California Girls
It was my experience that being a serviceman during the Vietnam War did make us very popular, I didn't see any hostility but there definitely was no interest. It was hard to pass as a civilian with short hair. |
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Sunday was a great day to visit the zoo. I would get the all day bus pass, get some Mexican food, visit the zoo and maybe the beach and be back at the base to start the work week. |
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Downtown San Diego. Only a nickel to see an "Art" movie |
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I remember taking this photo in winter and realizing how nice it was not to be cold |
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I cannot resist an interesting sign |
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I don't have a tattoo, just some surgical scars. Isn't this a great sign? |
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What s bargain. I once spent an afternoon watching three classic Spaghetti Westerns from the great Sergio Leone |
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Yikes, I was so young. Riding the bus in San Diego, I met some interesting people including a blimp pilot. |
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Balboa Park is mostly a tourist attraction but who can resist a Mariachi Band? |
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I photographed this at the Zoo. It must have been a strange conversation |
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I like to think these guys are still around, but I haven't seen them at the airport |
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