Howdy:
excellent article on James Williams.
A fantastic warrior indeed.
In 20 years; how come he wasn’t a CHIEF?
Nothing wrong with FIRST CLASS tho.
The pic shown; must be later in the new uniform…….it looks like a Chiefs hat on his head (?)
The chase into the VC sampans; had to be some ride. For all the crewmen.
Most impressed by these guys on the two PBR’s.
Attention to Starboard. Right Hand Salute.
Eight Bells.
PD Rhodes AO3 VA-196 Skyraiders on USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31.
Nam cruises 1964; there in August first week when the action started/at first RESCAPS then all out attacks loaded/launched 3 hops a day. 7 days a week.
Extended 60 days. Went home afterwards. Then back over in April 1965 Nam Cruise. Longest stint at sea 52 days straight.
Enlistment over.
Wanted to FLY: enlisted crewman: AD3 Skywarriors. Navy said can have E5/which I already past the tests for and AO “B” School.
I asked for the CREWMAN AD3. Said no; so I got out. I would have shipped for 6 to be a flying crewman/AD3’s. One of last to leave: as ALL were extended ONE year just after 1965/August.
Never ever regretted service: NAVY.
Got out and went to Engineers School/Northrop/AERO Engr 1971.
A Right Hand salute to you also for this article. A pilot from VA-196 sent it to me.
Thank you.
I’m leaving the ship, Sir.
PD the ORDY
CherriesWriter - Vietnam War website 
I am a 3rd Class Boatswain Mate era sailor. This article was very informative.
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Howdy:
excellent article on James Williams.
A fantastic warrior indeed.
In 20 years; how come he wasn’t a CHIEF?
Nothing wrong with FIRST CLASS tho.
The pic shown; must be later in the new uniform…….it looks like a Chiefs hat on his head (?)
The chase into the VC sampans; had to be some ride. For all the crewmen.
Most impressed by these guys on the two PBR’s.
Attention to Starboard. Right Hand Salute.
Eight Bells.
PD Rhodes AO3 VA-196 Skyraiders on USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31.
Nam cruises 1964; there in August first week when the action started/at first RESCAPS then all out attacks loaded/launched 3 hops a day. 7 days a week.
Extended 60 days. Went home afterwards. Then back over in April 1965 Nam Cruise. Longest stint at sea 52 days straight.
Enlistment over.
Wanted to FLY: enlisted crewman: AD3 Skywarriors. Navy said can have E5/which I already past the tests for and AO “B” School.
I asked for the CREWMAN AD3. Said no; so I got out. I would have shipped for 6 to be a flying crewman/AD3’s. One of last to leave: as ALL were extended ONE year just after 1965/August.
Never ever regretted service: NAVY.
Got out and went to Engineers School/Northrop/AERO Engr 1971.
A Right Hand salute to you also for this article. A pilot from VA-196 sent it to me.
Thank you.
I’m leaving the ship, Sir.
PD the ORDY
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