MAIL CALL
A Sailor waits patiently, often for days at a time for the C-2 Greyhound. The C-2 Greyhound is an old and trusted friend to most of the Sailors aboard the ship. The C-2 Greyhound is the plane that carries mail to the ship for Sailors when they are at sea. If you asked a Sailor to tell you about the most beautiful things to be seen while traveling the world by the sea, he will always tell you that the C-2 Greyhound is one of the loveliest sights of them all. Some Sailors know it by its familiar hum and seem to be able hear it from miles away. Others know it only by sight, but all Sailors know it without a doubt. It's such a wonderful feeling to know that the C-2 Greyhound is on its way to the ship with mail for the crew, especially when the ship is thousands of miles away from any of the numerous places that the Sailors call home. The C-2 Greyhound carries news from wives, children, girlfriends, parents, grand-parents, friends, sisters and brothers. This is sometimes the only way most Sailors have of knowing what's going on in their families lives and in their home towns. Sailors live for this mail from home. It helps morale and can put a fast smile on any Sailors face after a long hard day at sea. At times the ship is too far from land and the C-2 Greyhound will just sit and rest. Other times it will fly back and forth, to and from the ship several times a day, bringing life, hope and happiness to those who await it. Some Sailors receive mail from a loved one every time the C-2 Greyhound lands on the ship. Some do not receive mail as often, but they still receive enough to keep them going until the next time. But, like a beaten dog, the C-2 Greyhound will sometimes unpredictably turn against you. At times it will not bring the mail to some of the Sailors. These Sailors can almost always be noticed in a crowd, for these are the Sailors without the smiles of joy that news from home always brings with it. These are the Sailors who find themselves feeling alone and frustrated. It is very hard for these Sailors to concentrate on their work. They sometimes find it hard to sleep, they suffer from a loss of appetite, are very easily irritated by others and sometimes find themselves in trouble unnecessarily. These unfortunate Sailors will sometimes wait for weeks at a time to receive news from a loved one. All too often, the loved ones back home find themselves caught up in much the same confusion and loneliness as their Sailors at sea. But our loved ones have an edge. It is so easy for our loved ones to pick up the phone or jump into the car and be with someone who can put them at ease. A loved one may not realize though, that a Sailor sometimes will not have anyone to talk to in the same way to help ease his mind. When a Sailor doesn't get mail, a thousand thoughts start racing through his mind. I will not mention any of these thoughts as they are so sad and frightful. Please consider what I have written and think hard about it the next time you plan to write to your Sailor and decide not to because you have too many other things to do or just can't think of anything to write. A simple "I thought of you today" at least two times per week, is enough to bring true tears of joy and happiness to almost any Sailor at sea.
Written for those who were not getting much mail, to send home to their loved ones in hopes of getting more mail.
27 Dec 90
WEST-PAC ANATOMY
The West-pac cruise consists of many different ports. Now in comparison, these ports are reminiscent of certain parts of the human anatomy. For example, let's take a look at what is usually the first stop on this incredibly long journey, Hawaii. In reminiscence of parts of the human body, Hawaii would be the eyes. Without the eyes one would not be able to take in all the splendor of Hawaii's many beautiful sights, such as, the beautiful women, the gorgeous beaches, the beautiful women, the great palm trees, the beautiful women, the glorious sunsets, and last but not least, the beautiful women. The second and usually the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or any combination of the aforementioned stops is the Philippines or "arm pits". This is the one place that you will visit more than any other while on West-pac. Don't get me wrong though, the Philippines are very beautiful islands, but the weather is always either hot and humid or hot and humid. Break out the deodorant. Now we continue on our way to the next stop, normally, Singapore, Hong Kong or the Indian Ocean. Singapore would have to be the "feet". In Singapore, you could walk for hour and see many strange and wonderful things. Then you would suddenly realize that there are not really as many strange and wonderful things as you thought, but you have seen them in every angle imaginable. Hong Kong being the "nose" will give you about a million different smells. Don't take it for granted though that everything appealing to your sense of smell is good. These people can make sewage smell like roses and a good steak dinner smell like sewage. Next stop, where you will spend most of the cruise, the Indian Ocean, or "brain". After spending anywhere from 60 to 120+ days in the Indian Ocean, looking at the same things, following the same daily routines, eating the same tasteless food, putting up with the same bad attitudes, etc, etc, etc, in 90 to 100+ degree heat, your brain tends to turn into gray jello. Sometimes after the Indian Ocean visit we will travel to the "hands" or Thailand. This is one of the favorite ports for most Sailors. There are many rare, exotic and illegal things in Thailand, it's hard to keep your hands off of them. We may also go to Korea, the "mouth". While in Korea, it's best sometimes to just keep your mouth shut. Most Koreans can not speak a word of English, so you just smile and enjoy yourself. Another favorite is Australia. Australia plays on one of the most important parts of the male anatomy. After visiting some of the other ports you sometimes get lucky enough to pull into Australia. Immediately as you look dumbfoundedly at the first golden haired, blue eyed beauty you've seen in months, and she looks back at you with her sweet smile and speaks to you with that unmistakable accent, you feel a low rumble way down under and you find yourself fighting the urge to ravish this beauty with every manly desire you've ever felt. Enough said on that part. Occasionally on West-pac we may even visit a place not normally on the cruise schedule of most West-pacs. It's always there, we just try to stay away from it as much as possible. On this West-pac however, we were unfortunate enough to go into the Persian Gulf, also known as the "rectum", just take a look at a World map and you'll see why. Finally as we complete this seemingly never ending journey, we will pull into San Diego. You guessed it, the "heart", right where we left it six or more months ago at the beginning of this West-pac. Here we will finally be reunited with our families and friends and we can lock the memories of West-pac away somewhere in the back of what's left of our minds. Well there you have it folks, the anatomy of West-pac.
06 Jan 91
ARMY TIMES
He speaks with unobserved wisdom, teaching invaluable, although, sadly unregarded lessons with the telling of each of his stories. Everyone listens intently, completely encamped by his every word as he talks of repairing machinery by day in the heat of the blistering sun, and of sleeping in fox holes with some of natures less than desirable creatures in the bitter cold of the night. He talks of his family with great passion. Of his newborn son and of his precious wife. He tells of how he longs to return to be with them as he reminds the rest of us of how we too long to be back home. He talks of his past Army employment and his present Navy employment, as he compares the differences for all of us who would otherwise never even consider to care. He is truthful and sincere as he tells from his own experiences how we are in a much better place than a lot of others, as he himself had been there just a few short months ago. He thanks God for the things we sometimes take for granted. He speaks with great wisdom for those of us willing to open our minds, our hearts and our souls to learn the lessons he teaches as he tells the stories about his "Army Times" .
DEDICATED TO JOEL DEWEY
BORN NOVEMBER 199012 Jan 91
THE EVE OF WAR
I have seen the pictures, I have read the books and I have seen the movies in theaters and on television. I see it now in real life and I am greatly saddened by the fact that some of the faces now before me might never again be seen by my own eyes. I wonder why the attitudes are such as they are while this great war ship, all of its crew, and the country it serves, sits on the eve of war. For now we are still at peace and the crew goes about their normal daily routines seemingly unaffected. They use their free time to talk amongst themselves, play cards or write letters to home. I know that most of them must be harboring strong fears deep inside and just refuse to let it show. A few or them are able to renounce their fears openly. The rest seem to have accepted the gauntlet and stand ready to break it down without a word being said and without any visible emotions whatsoever. Tomorrow this mighty war ship may have to give her all. Tomorrow I will see the fear in all of the faces as they will also see the war in real life and begin to wonder what faces they may never see again as the faces may begin to disappear one by one. What faces will they be? A mother's son? A widow's husband? A child's father? Will one of these faces be one that I have befriended or even my own? I have no doubts as to the capability of this great war ship to survive, as well as most of the faces. I just hope and pray for a heaven sent blessing to bring peace back to the world while we are still at rest in the eve of war.
Written on the eve of the deadline for Iraq to get out of Kuwait.
14 Jan 91
God, earlier this evening I heard the rumor that we would strike against Saddam Hussein at 0300 tomorrow morning. The source of this rumor is a very reliable one as you know. Of course, as soon as I heard this rumor, I told at least a couple of the other guys. Well you know how fast news can travel in a community of less than 5,000 people, especially bad news. About an hour later, a friend of mine, actually a neighbor from back in San Diego, came up from the very bowels of the ship where he works to find out if I had received the news. I knew by then that almost every man on board must know. Within the same hour, I also noticed that the attitudes had suddenly, quite considerably, changed all around me. Some of the men suddenly got very quiet, almost in a state of trance. Some seemed indifferent about the situation and were able to go about their normal routines, seemingly unaffected. The rest seemed to be ready to fight with all they've got and just end this whole mess. You could almost see blood in their eyes as they talked of the most horrifying ways to send this evil man to his grave. It has been a long wait. No matter how each man handles it personally, we all just want it to be over. As I write this, I can look out the door from she shop where I work and see missile after missile, and bomb after bomb being brought up from just a few of the many weapons magazines aboard this mighty war machine. I keep telling myself that I will be able to tell the story from my own point of view at the end of the war. However, I must realize the nightmarish fact that this may be the last few meaningful words to come from my soul while it is on this great earth. I think of my beautiful wife and children and what they will go through as they watch the news on T.V. I know that they will be in tears and praying for my life as they are clutching to each other in awesome fear. I think of our mothers and what they must be feeling. I just wish there were some way of reassuring them that I will be just fine, unfortunately, I'm not even sure of that myself. The only thing I know for certain right now is that Saddam Hussein, is at this very moment working to expand his vast arsenal of war paraphernalia to include bigger and better chemical weapons, which right now are his favorite and best threat against his many enemies. So far he has no nuclear capabilities, but he stays awake for long hours working toward this goal. I know that he will use all weapons he possesses with no regard or concern for any mans life but his own. I know that it is in the best interest of every innocent man woman and child on earth to end his crimes. It is imperative that he be stopped. If we don't stop him now, it is my belief that he will continue to terrorize with even bigger bombs later. God, bless this man with eyes to see and a heart to feel all the pain and suffering he has caused. Bless us with strength, brotherhood and victory as we strike out against him to save the world from his wrath. Please guide us safely through this war and lead us safely home engrossed with victory and honor at its end. Amen.
Written as planes were being loaded in preparation for the first of many strikes. Rangers planes launched at 0230 on 17 Jan 91 and were part of the first multinational strike against Iraq.
ALPHA STRIKE
OPERATION DESERT STORM
0230, 17 January, 1991. The United Nations Coalition Forces struck with an all out attack against Iraqi Military Bases and Airfields, Weapons Installations, Weapons Producing Plants and Major Power Plants. For approximately four hours, bomb after bomb dropped from U.S. and Allied Forces aircraft to begin the first of possibly many such attacks in an effort to bring peace back to the Middle East. USS Rangers bombs struck their targets, Iraqi Air Bases at 0528. We have the supreme potential to strike blow after unforgiving blow of destructive force upon Iraqi soil, to ultimately put Saddam Hussein and his threats to rest. We have already proven that we are superior with the most awesome display of fire power ever seen. We will continue to strike against this man and his armies as necessary. We will achieve victory! Saddam Hussein still thinks he can beat us in war as he calls this the "Mother of all battles". Even after the devastating strike against him this morning. Obviously he continues to neglect the fact that we will not allow him to steal land from other countries at his own leisure. His criminal acts must not go untried. Almost every nation in the world is involved in this war, either in support, or in opposition of the United States and the United Nations Coalition Forces. Fortunately, we have more friends than we have foes in this war. I am confident that we will be on our way home soon
17 Jan 91
Two days ago I wrote a letter to my dear sweet wife telling her not to worry and not to fear this war. Two days ago the score looked good, we had not yet lost any of our own aircraft from the USS Ranger. Two days ago Iraq had not fired upon Israel. However, early yesterday morning, Iraqi missiles had been fired and were able to find their way to Israel. Fortunately, Israel chose not to retaliate against that strike. Last night, one of Ranger's attack aircraft was shot down and Israel once again was fired upon by Iraq. Suddenly, a very high degree of uneasiness set in on board Ranger. Saddam Hussein's criminal acts have caused men women and children to grieve and fear this war throughout the world. We now fear that this latest attack will cause Israel to retaliate, possibly creating the genesis of a Holy War. With this, it is likely that many of our allies may just as quickly become our enemies. Two days ago I had no doubt that this would be a short war with prompt victory to come to all but the criminal who is responsible for this great unrest. This morning I am filled with a variety of emotions, the strongest of which are even greater doubts and fears than before. I now have such doubts as to the timely conclusion of this great conflict. I have been flooded with fears. I fear for the loss of my fellow countrymen and the lives of those in our Allied Forces. I fear the thought of being involved in a Holy War which I will strongly protest. I fear the implications I may have to face for such a protest. Most of all I fear for my families fate, what they will suffer from throughout the duration of this horrible mans stubbornness and continuing criminal acts. My fate now rests in the hands of God as my faith in God is all that can cure me of this disease of uncertainty that plagues my heart and my mind. My families fate also lies in the hands of God, for I have no control of their thoughts, fears and emotions as they receive the news of this war. My only hope is that they can rest well knowing deep within their hearts that I am still alive.
19 Jan 91
DAY FIVE
As we go into the fifth day of war, I can see how already it has begun to take its toll. I cannot speak for other troops except that they all seem to be holding up well according to news reports. As I look at the many men working around me though, I can see their weariness in their half opened eyes. This weariness is not from the physical battles that I have perceived war to be, but from the physical and mental labor we now face in the throes of this war. So far most of us have had it pretty easy. We are able to go about our normal daily routines as if nothing has changed. Although we are very much a part of the fighting force of this war, we are far enough away from the physical battles not to be overly affected by it. Unfortunately, this sometimes allows us more time to worry about our families back home and the storms of mental torment that they must be going through not knowing how far we are from the actual war zone. This tends to wreak havoc on our minds as it makes each task we do increasingly more difficult. But not everyone on this ship has it so easy. I look at the men who move the bombs and I watch them grow more and more weary with each passing day, which to them, must seem to never end. These men have little else to think about as they work long hard hours to bring the bombs up from their holds and out of their cocoons to be loaded onto the aircraft in an almost too steady pace. There are also those responsible for moving this mighty war ship stealthily through the waters of our enemy. From deep within the bowels of the ship to the highest lookout, their job is never ending. Supply personnel who get our parts and prepare our meals work as hard now as ever, maybe more. And all others not mentioned, but definitely not forgotten. Finally, I see our "Surgeons in the sky", dropping bomb after bomb strategically and with pin point accuracy into hostile territory, risking their lives with each and every strike mission to stop our enemy's aggressions. I don't physically see them around the ship as much as I have in the past, but I take that to mean that they are either flying, briefing, debriefing or getting prepared to do one of these things. When they do get a break I'm sure they are still too wound up to get much sleep although they must be very tired. For those who have it easy, I just hope they can see as I have that we must have concern for our families, but we cannot forget about ourselves and every other man aboard this ship. Some of our jobs are physically tiring and some are mentally tiring, all are just as important as the rest to run the ship especially now while we are at war. We must all work together with exact precision, now more than ever. We must keep our minds and our bodies strong and alert if we are to win this war.
21 Jan 91
DEAR AMERICA
Greetings from IM-4 division aboard the USS Ranger. On behalf of the entire division, Thank You for all of your love, kindness, gratitude and support. You have filled our hearts with an overwhelming sense of pride in the service of our glorious country. The "Star Spangled Banner" now, more than ever, has a very special place in each of our hearts.
A little about IM-4. We maintain Aircraft Ground Support Equipment, similar to that found at Airports to tow, service and start aircraft. We fulfill a variety of occupational positions, particularly, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic system maintenance. The Rangers primary objective is "Air Support", thus IM-4's motto, "No Air Support Without Ground Support!" The IM-4 family takes great pride in their work knowing that we play such a vital and important role in support of the Rangers overall mission.
America, "Thank You" for brightening our days with your letters, gifts and support. Please say a prayer for Saddam Hussein, that he may have eyes to see and a heart to feel all the pain and suffering he has caused. Pray that we may be blessed with strength, brotherhood and victory as we strike out against him to save the world from his wrath. Rest well knowing that, as sure as "Old Glory" waves, we will continue to protect it from all enemies. Rest well knowing that we love you and will soon be following the morning star to return and hold you in our arms, just as we now hold you in our hearts.
WE LOVE YOU AMERICA
GOD BLESS YOU
IM-4 DIVISION, USS RANGER
Written for submission into the San Diego Union.
25 Jan 91
SKY SURGEONS
FROM THE EDGE OF MIDNIGHT, THEIR WINGED SCALPELS FLEW SWIFTLY THROUGH THE COOL DARK AIR. INFRA RED RAYS TRAVELING THE ARTERIES OF THE VAST DESERT WASTELAND SEARCHING FOR THE DEADLY VIRUS. HEAVY SYRINGES DROPPED WITH SURGICAL ACCURACY TO BOMBARD AND DESTROY THE DISEASE AS THE SURGEONS OF THE SKY RETURNED TO THE MIGHTY WARSHIP FOR MORE OF THE ANTIDOTE. THEY STRUCK OUT AGAIN AND AGAIN TO KEEP THE DREADED IRAQI VIRUS FROM SPREADING. IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE DISEASE WAS WIPED OUT AND SENT BACK INTO REMISSION. NOW AS WE COMPLETE OUR MISSION, WE CAN RETURN TO OUR HOMELAND TO ONCE AGAIN BE REUNITED WITH OUR LOVING FAMILIES, LONGING FOR OUR RETURN WITH OUTSTRETCHED ARMS, HEAVY HEARTS AND LONG AWAITED TEARS OF JOY.
Cease fire called. We won!
28 Feb 91
HOLIDAYS LOST IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE
Today is Easter, 31 March, 1991. Tomorrow is April fools day. How do I know this, I haven't a clue! At sea I wear a watch upon my wrist, for no other reason except that without it I would starve to death for I would have nothing to remind me when it is time to go to lunch. My watch has no calendar to tell me what day it is, as they all seem to blend together regardless. The calendar I use tells me only the number of days that have passed since the beginning of this long, long year. I suppose I could do a little simple math and find the number on my calendar that would be the day of my scheduled return home, then subtract the number that is today from it to come up with the number of days I have left at sea, but I am so afraid of the disappointment that I may have to face as I find that hardly any time at all has passed since I left my loved ones standing on the shore so many months ago. Still I may find that only a few short weeks remain and in my great joy, I would not be able to function properly and my work would suffer, weakening just one of the many links vital to the overall security of this mighty war ship as we remain on patrol in the Persian Gulf in the aftermath of war. I find it best, at least for now, to continue on not knowing what day it is and like the valentine card that finally found its way on this Easter day, I know that I also will somehow find my destination.
Written for Gayle Hobbs, my newfound friend and pen pal whom I was fortunate enough to meet in person in Hawaii on the way home.
31 Mar 91
The sea was calm, the water was clear, one could tell by its greenish color that it was not real deep. This and the sight of a little fishing boat floating gracefully by, gave us an indication that land was near by, although not near enough to see it over the horizon. We were at anchor yesterday, which allowed some of the crew a little time for fishing or relaxing while others who still had to work were at least able to take advantage of a slower pace.
we couldn't fly while anchored as the aircraft need the wind that blows across the flight deck as we steam against it, to assist in safely launching them into flight. We welcome the occasional break, however, like some other good things, there were draw- backs that went along with it. while we cannot fly, neither can we get the mail that we depend on so much to keep our spirits high while we continue to preserve peace in the seas. This morning, the heavy steel anchors came up and the ships mighty power plants put us back into the wind. We now continue on, a little less weary and ready to face yet another day of life at sea.
As this cruise winds down and we head into the last third of our mission, that will keep us from our families and loved ones for a total of six months, we will be awarded the privilege of visiting Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippine Islands and Hawaii, before finally ending our cruise in San Diego.
Through this infamous cruise many things have happened. Many things have been lost. Many things have been gained. Holidays have come and gone almost unnoticed except for the reminder on the wall calendar and the sharing of best wishes as we continued to do our jobs at a steady pace. Each of us has missed at least one or more days special to us individually, such as the birthday of a son or daughter or a wedding anniversary. We have been to war, something many of us had never imagined we would have to face. We have gained pride, honor and victory, as we fought and won this war that would give the country of Kuwait back to its owners after the country of Iraq stole, raped and ravaged it last august. The list continues with items too numerous to mention now. Sometime after my return, we can get together and talk about it as I reminisce while bouncing my lovely daughters, one on each knee and my lovely bride watches with her beautiful blue eyes and smiles a loving, happy smile, as she listens intently to the same stories that she will hear over and over, again and again.
Now that I am once again caught up on my letter writing, I will look forward to hearing the familiar "Mail Call" over the ships address system, and be overjoyed to receive new from home that will get me through another day at sea. See you soon.
WITH ALL MY LOVE
GOD BLESS YOU
02 Apr 91
