USS COMFORT

Anonymous Poster · Jan 6, 2003

The noon news says she sailed out of Baltimore today. I'm acquainted with her sister Repose. This is NOT a good sign. It brings back memorys, ones I have managed to keep on shelves at the back of my mind for a long time, 35 years ago, my a$$ swung across the deck hanging from a cargo boom, and I set foot onto a warf in Saigon.

God speed Comfort, may you have a good cruise, favorible winds and calm seas, and return to Baltimore having been unneeded, not one drop of American blood having touched your decks.
May the people of the United States have the sense to greet the returning warriors with a bit of decency and mayhaps even a touch of gratitude this time.
It ain't funny any more folks!

Trev · Jan 6, 2003

A hospital ship, carrying no armament at all? No this doesn't sound good.

I can't tell you how disgusted I am about how the Vietnam soldiers were treated when they returned. They risk their butts, come home, and find themselves outcasts through NO fault of their own. I'm ashamed when I think of this.. and having some buds who were there, I think of it often.

I'll never forget what a friend told me.. he would listen to the news each day, about how there were "x" number of casualties that day.. and then he'd go to the airbase nearby and help unload "ten times x" number of body bags from the planes.

Thank you for what you did, Franz. And all the others who've been sent to fight and possibly die for the rest of us. God Speed to the good ship Comfort...

erich · Jan 7, 2003

Franz,

Thanks for the concern for our troops. I retired from active duty 7 years ago. I've got a 22 year old who will graduate from college and Air Force ROTC in the spring. I'd trade places with him in a heartbeat but I am too old and worn out. When I signed up, it was no big deal, I was invincible. Somehow that's all changed now that I'm the dad and my son is the warrior.

After my folks saw me off on my first peacetime overseas tour, my dad, a WWII Navy underwater demolition team member, told my mom that he could now understand how a father could let his son go to Canada. That was a major change for him. He had given me a hug that day. It was the first time since I was knee high. Two years later all four of us kids were in the military. My mom said nothing makes a greater pacifist than a mother who has three sons and a daughter stationed at various places throughout the world. We were all blessed that we were never in harms way. I am afraid that it won't be so easy for my son.

I fear that we are just at the beginning. Rule number one in war is that young men die. Rule number two is that nothing can change rule number one.

Without the courage and conviction of brave young men and women who stand ready in the night where would the rest of us be.

Eric

Trev · Jan 7, 2003

Erich,

Thanks for your service, and that of your kids. I'm afraid that my only contribution has been a tiny one.. when I used to sell computer programs, I always added a clause saying that anybody associated with the military could use them for free..

I was surprised how many calls I got from base commanders saying, "Hey, we're having an inspection.. can you fax me a letter quick saying we have the right to use this?" One guy even told me that one of my programs was being used on "hardened" systems. I couldn't get him to say more about it than that. All it was was a simple DOS menu system! Ah, the good old days...

Best,
Bob

Golfgar4 · Jan 7, 2003

Well said Franz!

I was serving in the Navy at the same time that you were. I, however, did not get sent over seas like you. I ended up spending my entire tour stateside. I actually did volunteer to go over - heck, that's what I'd been raised to believe in - that every American had an obligation to serve the country. I guess if I hadn't volunteered, I probably would've been sent.

The thing that really got to me was the way the servicemen (and women) were treated by our fellow citizens. I can't count the number of times I was spit on and called a baby killer as I was walking through an airport. I used to get so angry it took all my will power to keep from decking some of those people.

Now, my 22 year old son is joining the Navy. And I know exactly how these other veterans feel. I'm proud that he's willing to serve, but VERY concerned about the future.

But that's all part of of being an American. And that's what makes this country the great place it is.

I know one thing for sure. I'm going to be doing a lot more "talking" to The Man than I have in a long time.

B7500 · Jan 8, 2003

I agree! (USS Coral Sea 1969-70 Westpac cruise). Man, a long, long time ago..

cowboydoc · Jan 8, 2003

One of our employees got the call yesterday. You know if they're calling up female national guard from Iowa that it's going to happen and it's going to be big.

erich · Jan 9, 2003

Cowboydoc,

Male or female makes no difference anymore. If they fill the billet, they'll get the call. The Guard and Reserve are not like they used to be. During the Reagan era they were brought on line as equal partners in deed as well as word. They're first big test was Desert Storm. They did well. That was why the active forces could be so drastically cut. I talked with a young fellow in the barber shop on Monday. His unit was called up again. He spent 8 months on duty last year guarding an airport in New Jersey. This time they don't know where they are going. I don't have a good feeling about this. Of course I wouldn't have a good feeling about doing nothing either. Just wish there was a better way. I guess there won't be this side of eternity.

Eric

rocky2 · Jan 9, 2003

Subject: FW: Enduring Freedom video

The young men and women of this nation make us proud every day. I think you will swell with pride, as well, while viewing this.
http://www.nuwc.navy.mil/hq/video/misc/ef.asf

This video is outside my NUWC firewall and you should be able to access it by clicking on the link. Windows Media player is required for viewing.
J. D. Butler
Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy
Commander
Naval Undersea Warfare Center