In 1966 I was stationed on board USS Amphion AR-5 which was "securely" wired in it's mooring. This ship was being used as moored repair in Norfolk, VA and I was not happy about not seeing sea duty...
As an MMFN one of my duties was maintaining and watching water evaporators and ship's air compressors in a "small" compartment just out the bilges. On a day myself and my friend Wally, an MM3 were working and a high pressure air compressor blew a line and it hit Wally in the side. He spent the next 3 months in the hospital. During this time he got orders for transfer to USS Belmont AGTR-4 which he could not fill. As Wally could not go I volunteered to take his orders and after approval took off on 7 days leave b-4 reporting.
Now I need to state I joined the Navy to see the world and was excited to find out that the Belmont would depart the morning I reported. For the next 38 months we came in only for re-supply and a "short" yard period to re-arm our ship.
The Belmont was a "spy" ship similar to the Liberty and Pueblo and as such we steamed all over the world.
I have seen 4 continents, 4 oceans, circumnavigated S. America, sailed the Panama Canal, and navigated the Cape of Good Hope around Africa.
If I could find Wally and my recruiter I would thank both of them---I certainly saw the "world".
PS.--Last I heard Wally was fine but if he see this plz. contact me---
North Vernon, IN
