Imago

Here are some pictures of USS Mount Hood and USS Cebu. The order of pictures are:
Mount Hood Exploding


USS Mount Hood


USS Cebu


USS Cebu

Propinquus

I know I said I wouldn't be writing again until August, however, I have learned of my Grandfather's exact Rate in the Navy. As stated before, he was deployed onboard the USS Cebu ARG-6 and was a Chief Ship-fitter. I also learned he was only in Boot Camp for a week before they told him he was good-to-go. He was then stationed at Naval Station Norfolk. He also witnessed the USS Mount Hood AE-11 explosion. The Mount Hood was an Ammunition Supply Ship. The reason(s) for the explosion that killed 327 sailors were never determined. Of the 327 killed, 5 were from Cebu. 1 of them was a good friend of my Grandpa's and was standing mere feet away when a piece of shrapnel decapitated him. I was close to not existing! The explosion occured on 10 November 1944 at 0855. This took place at Seeadler Harbor, Manus Island, Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea.

Studying for the ASVAB is slow going. The more advanced math is a struggle. Also, the anticipation is building. I keep wondering where we're gonna be stationed, who I'm gonna meet, when I'm gonna go... The whole idea of joining the military is surreal. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who think this is silly and naive. Just so they know that I am aware of the fact that the military isn't some extended vacation and the path is going to be outfitted with many challenges. Believe me, every day that passes by I find some flaw in my personality that will be challenged by the Instructors at Great Lakes.

None-the-less, excitement and nerves still wash over me. And there are even days where I am kinda bored with the idea of joining up, but it passes with the realization that I've been waiting so long to enlist that I'm bound to have those thoughts drift in and out of my head.

Well, until next time...