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Never Volunteer |
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| USS Haynsworth DD700 |
| * Scuttlebut & Memories * |
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Never Volunteer |
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As a general rule, volunteering is considered to be something you just don't do. However, in my experience, it was a great thing. In the summer of 1960 we went into dry-dock in Portsmouth, VA. We were going to be there approximately 3 months. A day or two after entering the dry-dock, I was sitting at a table in the mess hall along with 3 others when an officer addressed us and said "I need a Rated sailor with a valid drivers license". Without even thinking, I immediately raised my arm and said, ''I'm'' your man. As it turned out, it was the best thing I could have done at the time. As many of you know, life aboard ship in dry-dock can be a very dirty, noisy and unorganized life. I was sent to Temporary Assigned Duty (TAD) in the motor pool for the duration of the time we were to be dry-dock. I had 3 jobs. 1) Drive a bus and pick up sailors on the pier (who's ship's mess halls were under construction) and drive them to/from the Portsmouth mess hall. I did this 3 times a day. 2) Drive officers and other VIP'S (by car) to various meetings in and around the Norfolk area. 3) Drive the bus with sailors to evening "BEER BALL GAMES". The return trip from the Beer Ball Games was generally a real mess. In all instances, there was always somebody that got sick. However, the rule of thumb was made extremely clear before we left . . . if you get sick . . . . ''YOU'' . . . . clean up the mess. The best part of the TAD was that I was only required to be on duty every 3rd day. 24 hrs on duty and 48 hrs off duty worked great for me. I had made friends with many of the locals in Norfolk. So, while at duty in the motor pool I bunked there. Other wise, I bunked with my friends in Norfolk. I had my own car so it was easy for me to get around. |