KWAJ IN THE 50S WAS A GREAT
PLACE/CRAP PLACE. THE WEATHER AND SUN SETS WERE
MAGNIFICENT BUT THE LACK OF FEMALE COMPANIONSHIP WAS A
REAL DRAG FOR THE SINGLE GUYS, (MOST OF US) THERE WERE
APPROXIMATELY 100 AIRMEN ASSIGNED TO THE ISLAND AND WE
WERE ALL IN COMMUNICATIONS. OUR MISSION WAS TO SUPPORT
THE AIRCRAFT REROUTE TO OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDS, AND THE
BIKINI ATOLL TESTS. I REMEMBER A LARGE SHIP BRINGING
IN A YACHT THAT HAD GONE INTO RESTRICTED WATERS. THERE
WERE ALSO ABOUT 75 MARINES ASSIGNED TO PROVIDE SECURITY
ON THE ISLAND AND APPROX. 1000 SAILORS. THE FRESH WATER
WAS A PROBLEM AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR WITH A
GUARD ASSIGNED TO SHOWERS TO TURN OFF THE WATER AFTER A
QUICK RINSE. DURING THE MONSOONS WE WOULD WATCH
THE MOVIES UNDER OUR RAINCOATS AT THE OUTDOOR THEATRE. PLAYING SPORTS ON THE CORAL WAS A REAL DRAG ALSO MOST
OF THE ATHLETES COULD BE SPOTTED IN SHORTS WITH PURPLE
MEDICINE MARKS ON THEIR LEGS AND ARMS. THESE ARE
JUST THE IMMEDIATE THOUGHTS OF MY ISLAND EXPERIENCE IN
1957. OH AND ONE MORE THOUGHT, ONE OF MY FRIENDS WAS
ARRESTED FOR ALERTING A CREW FOR A FLIGHT JUST TO SEE
THE STEWARDESSES THE FLIGHT WAS STILL ON STANDBY FOR
PARTS.
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YUK WE
YUK,
LEO MILLIGAN - Email:
LJMSR2@aol.com,
KWAJ, 1957-1958 |
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