Christine and I had a most enjoyable lunch with Joe Vasey last Saturday at his retirement complex. Got a quick peek at his apartment, which seems quite suitable for his needs. Lunch was in the main dining room where the residents take their meals. Joe was in fine form and sharp as a tack although, as you have noted, he talks in a soft and kind of raspy voice, and can only hear out of one ear. About 5 sea stories later we departed but it was great fun to see him and reminisce -- thanks to the lucky timing of our recent email exchange.

Today I was out in Waialua and on the way back got off at Schofield Barracks and proceeded up to Kolekole Pass. As luck would have it, when I got to the top, where you have to be admitted by a sentry, I was told that as of yesterday no vehicle without a special decal is allowed through. So much for that side trip.

So I proceeded on to Pearl Harbor, made my way through the Main Gate and found Hotel Pier with no trouble. Got out and walked out to the end of the pier. Kawishiwi almost always docked at H-3 during my years aboard. Today that spot was taken by USNS Yukon (T-AO-202), a Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler operated by the Military Sealift Command. Quite a handsome ship -- if I'd had more time I would have been tempted to go aboard and look around.

Go To Personnel Page