Newport, Rhode Island from April to July 1969 was magic for me.

The abrupt, unexpected ending of my very short marriage had left me devastated, but i learned of the end being legal at the last of the Hawkins trip to GTMO.

The trip back to Newport put me in a good frame of mind. We had the usual rough seas off of Hatteras when i was CIC watch officer. The radarmen to a man were losing the battle against the seasick monster. We illegally had the hatch on the starboard side open to get as much fresh air in the space as possible. It didn’t help much with the ventilation, but it did readily serve as immediate access to the side of the ship where the evening mess and midrats were being served to the sea.

After i had resisted my initiation to sea sickness on the USS Lloyd Thomas during my ’63 midshipman cruise, i apparently was unsusceptible to the seasick gods. i let my watch take turns at the rail while while myself and the ones left standing ran the four-hour watch. It was good thing we were steaming independently and no contacts were around.

i found myself proud of the way i ran that watch. It also taken me away from what i would face in Newport.

♦      ♦      ♦

Upon arrival, i went to the apartment i had rented. i leaned toward closing out my rental agreement and decide to do with my belongings. i did not relish living on the ship and the place was incredible. i didn’t really have time to decide as we were headed back to sea to Yorktown to load our ammo and our ASROC (anti-submarine rockets) in the launcher and magazines. Then, two classmates showed up from Norfolk to attend training and asked if they could stay with me. i told Doc Jarden, and marine whose name i will remember and replace here, they could stay in my place if they would help with the rent. They readily agreed and moved in as we got underway once more.

The saga continues…