CREW'S STORIES
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Charles J. White
Retired USN 1985 as a YN1(SS) (Submarines)
Lonnie:
Here is a copy of the original patch for CVSG-59.
I have kept this patch since l961 when I was stationed onboard CVSG-59 staff who was the air
group for the BENNINGTON from 1961-1965 during my first four years in the Navy.
I thought you might like to keep it as part of your web page.
CVSG-59 Patch (Now posted on Air Groups Page)
Charles J. White
YN1(SS), USN
Retired
Lonnie:
Although my memory bank is also somewhat fuzzy when it comes to recalling events of the past, I would like to share what I often tell our younger generation.
"My first four years in the United States Navy was not only the most interesting but as it turned out the most challenging as well.
Carrier Anti-Submarine Air Group FIFTY-NINE (CVSG-59) embarked onboard the USS BENNINGTON (CVSG-59) only four months after I reported onboard as a young and what nieve Seaman Apprentice.
Our air group commander was a mustang commander named Paul Spear.
A great officer and determined leader who I grew to admire and respect cruse would take us all over Japan which included ports such as Yokosuka, Sasebo, Hikadate and Kobe.
We visited as part of the chaplains tour, a orphanage wherein a learned that children all over our world are not much different then those of our own country.
Every stranger, even sailors, deserve a smile.
The carrier would take us to the Philippines and places such as Subic Bay and Manilia.
Upon arrival, we were informed that certain areas are designed "off limits" but, in the finest traditions of the United States Navy, we ignored such warnings even at our own peril.
Sitting in a bar with a lady of the evening, I noted three men enter carrying a rifle and two bandoliers.
I asked who they were and she replied "They won't hurt you, they are hucks who are fighting against the government."
I learned a valuable lesson that day. - - Never trust the advice of a fellow sailor when it comes to a evening entertainment.
This is particularly true after consuming several rounds of local beverages.
The BENNINGTON would also take us to Hong Kong, probably the most fascinating port in our six month deployment.
'If you can't find it in Hong Kong' I would tell them, 'no one makes it.'
I would take home with me a tailor made, hand stitched, silk lined suit. My cost? Eighty American dollars.
You may be thinking that eighty dollars for a suit such as this would be a good buy in today's market and you would be right.
However, eighty dollars in 1961 would nearly total my entire months pay.
Nevertheless, it was worth it.
The Navy provided me with monthly pay, a roof over my head and food to eat.
I even owned a 1956 Ford.
You didn't expect much back then and life, for the most part, was uncomplicated."
Charles J. White
YN1(SS), USN
Retired
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