I joined the US Navy in July of 1968 during the Vietnam War. I had completed my college schooling and on June 3, 1968 the Selective Service System removed my college deferment. I was reclassified as 1-A meaning available for unrestricted military service. It was a stressful time for me and I spent some frantic time exploring alternatives to being drafted into the army. I spoke with recruiter for the Coast Guard and Army Reserves and even the Yale war resistance league. There was no hope with these. However the Navy accepted me.
The Navy was a good choice. My Associate’s Degree in Electronics proved to be a boon and after Boot Camp, they sent me for a year of Avionics training. Memphis is as far away from the ocean as you imagine, but my next duty station was the Ream Naval Air Station in Imperial Beach, California.
Imperial Beach is located south of San Diego, not far from the Mexican Border. We could see the Tijuana Bullring from the air field. I was assigned to the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1) and my my job was working on the navigation and communication equipment on the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite helicopter which we called “Kaman Killers” after a few of them crashed. When I arrived I heard the phrase “Twist and turn, crash and burn” in reference to these.
Ream Field was a small base dwarfed in size by North Island to our North. I liked the size of the place. We had a movie theater, Navy Exchange and NCO Club. I was able to walk to the beach which was about 2 miles away. I remember that after the Santa Barbara oil spill getting tar balls on my feet at the beach and trying to convince the guard to let me come on the base in my bare feet. A little power is a dangerous thing and he insisted I put on socks and shoes over my tar covered feet.
Payday was interesting. We were paid in cash and they would set a table up outside with a pile of money. Armed guards on each side. We lined up and one by one were paid. If we needed to spend it immediately there was a bar called “The Whirlybird” just outside the gate.
The base had nice living arrangements almost like college with two men to a room. It was much better than the open barracks at Memphis, where the first person to fall asleep would be the one that would snore the loudest.
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I worked at the Whirlybird in 1969, then The Lariat down the road 1970 – 72. I’ve often wondered about what happened to the great guys I met from the base.
I guess we all got older. I only keep in touch with Frank Chupko who was my roomie in Imperial Beach. Thanks for the shout out.
Looking for a man I met at the Whirlybird in 1982. We had mutual friends Carrie Bentley and Mark Brustmaker. You were a roommate of Mark’s. If you see this please contact me. You were in the Navy.drove a white truck
Sorry, I’m not the guy. I didn’t even visit the Whirlybird. My Roomie was Frank Chupko and we hung out at the Ye Olde Plank Inn and “The Clock”
Did anyone here possibly know a John Farley? My Dad was stationed there from 66-69. He was an aviation mechanic in HCSS-1.
I’ll post an inquiry about John Farley to the few Navy guys I know on Facebook. You just never know what connections can be made.
I’m looking for anyone who hung out at the Whirlybird in 1981-1982
Perhaps someone will see your comment on the post and respond. Good luck in your search.
I was stationed at NAAS Ream Field personnel office from 1963-1965. PN2
I didn’t get there until 1969 or 1970. I can imagine how small it must have been in 1963. I worked on the SeaSprite UH-2 as an ATN-3 and later ATN-2
Did you know a John “Smitty” Smith or a Larry Vusich?
I knew a Smitty, but I don’t believe his first name was John. I was at Ream 1969 to 1970.
Yes, this would have been 68 -70
This is a link to a photo of the person I knew as Smitty. Photo of Smitty
No, not him. Smitty was muscular and dark hair. He was from San Jose and was an ex-biker.
Thanks for the communication though.
I was in the comcenter most likely in your building. You may have given me my GDP test which I passed with flying colors.
My email was hacked and I no longer have one. I sure liked IB. Lots of memories.
I was stationed there out of boot camp in 60-61. I worked for a while as a journalist on the base news paper. Actually helped start it up. With the passing of time I have forgotten what it was named. Can anyone help?!
WAS STATIONED AT REAM 57 – 58 AT THE FIRE HOUSE LOOKING FOR ANYONE THERE AT THE SAME TIME