John McCain (DL 3) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 82 text:

ON I-Iello Father, HeIlo Mom. We are of of Viet Nam. War's not veiy Entertaining. U PATROL With our sonar pinging we are training. You remember Bobby Bolling, He was hit while Out patrolling. All day long it's just the same. I You're a sailorivvith a number, not a name. Dearest Father, Dearest Mom, Why this war in Viet Nam? How I wish that It vvere better, Or at least that,I'd luck out and get a letter. We are steaming Evegf day, But vve get no Extra pay. So with your Words And your praises Push the bills in Washington that give us raises. We're all thankful We're on ship Looking healthy, Feeling ft. But the soldiers All so humble, They're the ones W With their rifles And their tommies, Do thgf think a- , ii NH fwfr WU UF . 'Fi ho're Jqghting in the jungle. ,.,,,,q1 Bout their Mommies? Thgfre just chfing In this war ' as Hoping that their sons Will have to fght no more. Good-bye Father, Good-bye Mom. Pray I soon leave Viet Nam. I do miss you Ver much y . Between unreps I will try to keep in touch. Ifyou have some Extra mongfs, Send it wrapped in Sunday funnies. Ijust found out My draft notice Was not for me, b ut it was for my brother Otis. I-Patrick I-Iemy 'Wm .F In

Page 81 text:

T ...g.. 1 A ' K 41x?'.V :' 9 XJ. N r. yd! 1-1 -Q:Af.1- in f 4: .. l,xi.i Q,

Page 83 text:

.Y ,,,7,,? I 1 I ' i u 1 i i On 12 june 1966 United States Ship John S. McCain QDL-35 will enter U. S. Naiy Shipyard, Philadelphia, i for DDG Conversion. Approximatebf two months later the ship will be decommissioned and will remain inactive for the remainder of the conversion period, expected to last about twengf-two months. During MCCain'S thirteen years of service, the United States and the rest of the world have witnessed striking changes-and continued conflicts between nations. McCain participated in one of these conflicts-the war in Viet Nam, perhaps one of the most confusing and frustrating struggles in histogf. The United States Seventh Fleet is famed as a ready power for peace-and, indeed, this description may he applied to all U. S. Naval Forces. We hope that during the next two years, positive steps may he taken to achieve this peace and that the recommissioned McCain may fnd hersey' in a world illuminated by the possibiligf of international agreement and understanding. It is to this hope and to United States Ship John s. Mccain 413116-363 that this book is dedicated. l I Y J.