We were a few days from reaching San Francisco returning from our WestPac,, when I saw a message come through the Captain's Office from the Chief of Naval Personnel seeking volunteers with Clerical experience for assignment in Southeast Asia.
I had enjoyed visiting Australia, Philippines and Hong Kong, so I volunteered.
The USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) would be going into dry-dock for a few months for repairs. We moved off the ship into a dormitory-like living arrangement at Hunter's :Point Navy Shipyard and a week later I would fly back to Austin, PA for thirty (30) vacation.
Well, I was about two (2) weeks in to my vacation when my mom received a Western Union telegram directing me to return to the ship ASAP. I was being ordered to Sangley Point, Philippines and I was scheduled to report there immediately.
Upon arrival at U. S. Naval Base Sangley Point, I found that my services were not needed immediately. However, I did find a Paradise here on Earth. There were approximately 2900 military personnel stationed there and about 4900 Filipino citizens employed on the base. Many of the military personnel had just completed a tour of duty in Vietnam.
USNS Sangley was located across the Bay from the Capitol of the Philippines Manila. The City of Cavite was just outside the Gate to the base. It was also where the Admiral in Charge of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Philippines made his home.
I would be assigned at the Yeoman for the Naval Base Security Department. Four members within the Security Patrol would immediately welcome me into their circle of friends.
The Navy was responsible for internal security and Marines patrolled outside the gate in the city of Cavite.
My Department Head was a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and my Division Officer was a Navy Lieutenant who was an Aviator. My Chief Petty Officer in Charge was a Signalman.
The conversion rate was 7 Pesos to 1 U.S. dollar. An American could get drunk, get a hotel and a Lady of the Night for $5.00.
The Filipinos craved anything from the USA, especially hard liquor. Later on, when I met my wife to be and moved out into the community, I would pay my rent with my ration of whiskey which cost me about $22.00 on base. I didn't drink hard liquor, just good, cold San Miguel beer.....and lots of it.
I would be promoted to Yeoman Second Class (YN2) there. Meet my wife there. I was the shortstop for the 2nd best softball team on the base and was a member of the Security Department bowling team. And I would fall in Love with the country and the people of the Philippines.
The USA would close Sangley and turn it over to the Philippine government in September 1970. I would be one of the last people to leave as I was the clerical guy for the Security Chief. The Security Chief was the last American to leave and he was the one to turn the keys of the Gate over to the Filipino officials.
The Security Chief and I would become close friends during this period of time. Many years later, he would have his grandson find me here in Austin and Angie and I would visit him in Tennessee.
Below are pictures of memories of my time at Sangley Point.
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