Howard enlisted in the navy in the summer of 1943, went through boot camp in San Diego, and was assigned to three months of gunnery school. On September 11, 1944 the ship he had trained for was finally commissioned at Terminal Island, San Pedro. After many exercises, Haskell moved with in the same Task Force as Adair.  Haskell sailed via Mios Woendi to Noemfoor Island, 23 November-2 December, where preparations were underway for the important landings at Lingayen Gulf, Philippines.

Haskell Class Amphibious Attack Transport: Haskell was the lead ship of the 119 ship Haskell class of attack transports (APA-117 through APA-180 and APA-187 through APA-239) that were built on Victory  Ship (VC2-S-AP5) hulls. This class, all completed and commissioned in 1944-1945, provided rapidly built hulls for the invasion fleets used mainly in the final push across the Pacific.

Howard remembers, Arrived occupational area of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon P.I. and commenced unloading troops and cargo.  Under enemy air attack.  Shot down one plane.  Hustle and bustle of activity here.  Smoke screens made it impossible to observe the beach – only the coming and going of our landing craft as they went to the beach. I remember the troops using rubbers to wrap their ammo clips and also the tips of their rifles to keep sand from jamming the mechanisms. Our planes were restricted to only daytime, so at night we shot at anything in the air. The puppy "TEX" was with them all the way. Howard died in July of 2001

Deborah's document had been posted for some time and in December 2001 she received her 1st e:mail about the Haskell. Within 10 days she heard from someone else. She said "It was as tho Daddy was trying to contact me & saying he was still watching over me.  I "hear" from him now several times a year - this yr it's been around the month of his death.  Since I am not the type of person to take hints, I feel he chose the vehicle I would recognize without a doubt ... the ship he loved.  Thank you for being a part of that." God bless, Deborah