The Navy Years – Living on the Beach

During the first part of my Navy service at Ream Field NAS I was required to live on base. After I was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class (E-5). I had the option to live off base with a housing allowance.

I wasn’t sure if I could find a roomate. I had a reputation for being a bit strange, but my friend Frank Chupko took me in as a room mate. In our Odd Couple  relationship, I was Oscar Madison  and Frank was Felix Ungar. Frank kept the place tidy but  I  was not much help.  We lived just block from the beach and within walking distance of bars and restaurants. It was as good as it gets for Navy housing.

Living the Dream

We pooled our money for essential food items and for some unknown reason I decided herbal tea was essential, a mistake I didn’t make again.

I didn’t have a car but Frank had a large Ford  Galaxie. He kept supplies in the trunk for all opportunities, baseball glove, frisbees, a collection of hats. The man was ready for anything, including a day at the Park in La Jolla (below).

Ye Olde Plank Inn

The Ye Olde Plank Inn was located within walking distance of our apartment. In the early morning it was not unusual to see a bunch of old guys drinking beer mixed with tomato juice along with a few pickled eggs, the breakfast of champions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This establishment was the hangout for the HC-1 Squadron. It had billiard tables, cheap beer and those pickled eggs.  On the weekends Ernie Skeen, a NCO would sing country and western tunes.