Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - Naval Cruise Book

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Western Pacific Departure Saying goodbye is never easy. Thousands learned that firsthand on that overcast Friday the 13th. The pier was lined with family, friends and well-wishers despite that cool January breeze. The crew busied itself with a massive onload of goods. Their feelings were often a mixture of sad- ness for their fa milies and excitement for the adventures which lay ahead. Kisses for a lifetime were had everywhere. Tearful women wished their husbands, boyfriends and sons well. Fathers shook hands with pride. Children gripped tightly with love and admiration while trying to understand exactly what all the commotion was all about. The night preceding departure, working parties con- tinued an onload of aircraft, support equipment and supp- lies. Cranes shuttled enough pallets to rival the preparations made by Noah. The long voyage ahead would require a ready supply. From the starboard edges of the flight deck, hangar bay and catwalks, crew members flocked for a final, lasting wave or glimpse to carry with them. What was ahead, who could say? The times ahead prom- ised adventure and tales of Kitty Hawk ' s exploits would one day return home to loved ones. Sadness was set aside pursu- ing a performance filled with pride. The training and prep- arations were over. We had deployed for WestPac!