That lumbering cruiser. Not fair to say “lumbering,” but USS Chicago (CG-11) was big. More than 125 feet longer than Biddle, Chicago displaced 13,600 tons, compared to Biddle‘s 7,930, and the crew numbered more than 1,100. It was the active presence of cruisers like Chicago that prevented Biddle and comparable ships to be called cruisers . . . yet.
LT Libbey and I flew by helicopter from USS Kearsarge (CV-33) to the Chicago in the early afternoon of 25 June 1969. First time in a helo. (Not my last.) According to my journal, I “didn’t mind it that much.” “That much” is telling.
I remember, and my journal confirms, that I was “impressed” with where we were on station. “Didn’t realize we would be that close to North Vietnam,” I wrote in my journal. “You can see it very easily.”
Didn’t have a single room this time. Bunked with an Ensign and JG. The days on the Chicago, awaiting Biddle‘s arrival, were pretty tame. Received intel briefings and observed. On 28 June, I wrote in my journal, “Actually getting homesick for BIDDLE.” As usual, didn’t miss a movie.
We weren’t scheduled to get back on Biddle until 1 July.
Whole week of briefings huh? Sounds thrilling! 🙂
Sorry it took so long to post your comment, Edmond. I was overseas most of June. Thanks for participating!