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-----Original Message--- From: "Jim Brock" to "Phyllip Dilloway" September 23, 2005. Hi Phil, I really enjoyed the 2005 Reunion. Obviously, there was a lot of work and planning to make it such a success. In particular, your effortwas outstanding. It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife. It is unfortunate for me that I only learned of the Association this year. So, I missed many reunions. Hopefully, I can attend many more in the future. Following the commission ceremony March 28, 1946, we sailed for Guantanomo Bay, Cuba, where the picture was taken in May or June 1946. The photo was taken by the Navy Photography Group and given to me by a high school classmate of mine who was stationed there. This was during the First Shakedown Cruise. We returned to Boston's dry-dock for the final adjustments before sailing for her first Mediterranean cruise. Our home port was Naples, Italy, but we were in the Adriatic Sea much of the time to keep the peace between the fishermen of Italy and Hungary. We docked in Trieste and Venice frequently. During one of our exercises we were following a carrier in heavy seas. In our attempt to keep up, waves came over the bow and the Captain ordered the mounts to be trained to the starboard side to prevent damage to the MT51 and MT52 barrels. Unfortunately, a huge wave came over the bow and crushed the back side of Mt52. I am sure this incident must have led to it's removal. Upon our Return to Boston in 1947, my "kiddie" cruise ended and I was discharged. You will be interested to know that the Wilson clock, I received at the reunion, is on a wall in my office. It is beginning to be my source of time not to mention a source for many great memories both past and present. Thank You. Jm Brock FC3c |
