On 13 November 1969, Biddle was relieved as plane guard and headed to Subic Bay. It was the end of Biddle‘s duty on the line and the beginning of our long journey home.
Much earlier, I had mentioned that our original route back to Norfolk was to be via Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti. Was not to be. There was also flirtation with an around-the-world cruise back, with stops in Africa and Europe. Was not to be.
Then there was the option of San Francisco or Acapulco. Officers with families opted for San Francisco, as it was easier for wives, especially, to greet their husbands. San Francisco, it was to be.
Maybe a stop at Pearl on the way? No. After Subic, we were to stop briefly in Guam and then make a straight shot to San Francisco. It would be 18 days at sea, except for a few hours on glorious Guam.
All in all, despite various disappointments, it was really good to be heading home. Goodbye, Vietnam!