Richardson, Bob (Jingles) HT2 Rocklin, CA rfr@bigvalley.net Served aboard the USS Kawishiwi AO146. from 1970-74 I reported on board November of 1970. I had flown into Clark AFB and shuttled into Subic by bus.  I remember the ship pulling alongside the pier preparing to tie up in Subic Bay.  The sailors were yelling for me from the jungle deck to run while I still had a chance, I remember just laughing and the excitement of reporting on board.  While reporting I was named Jingles, I do not recall who gave me that name. That name stuck with me my entire tour on the Kawishiwi.

See my Photo with Crew..1971..1974

My first assignment on board Kawishiwi was messenger of the watch in the boiler room and continued to progress as a Boilerman until I was beginning to learn the "Top of the Watch" position.  
 
Then I meet HTC Goodwin working on the jungle deck repairing a tank top.  I was quickly converted and transferred to "R" Division where I worked in the "Fuel Gang", this was a great job. Working on deck and under the leadership of HTC Goodwin and HT1 Dixon was a grand experience. My view of the Kawishiwi at that time was that of a sand box full of toys.  I enjoyed lending a hand to all and enjoyed everything from firing boilers to being a qualified Boat Coxswain. 
 
My LPO's provided me with a lot of liberties in which I thrived on, limited supervision. They seemed to be pleased by my commitment and the results of my work. They were also very tolerant and showed great patients allowing me to experience life in the Navy while being away from my family for the first time.  LT. Bieber signed off my Coxswin check-off sheet and allowed me to help the GM's in the armory.  I enjoyed firing all of the small arms off the fantail. 
 
I was onboard when the Kawishiwi "ran aground", and I remember!  Were you aware that the Kawishiwi had a swimming pool?  There was an old fire control director tub on the O-4 level aft that we stopped the drain with a DC plug and filled it full of sea water (Westpac Cruise 1972). 
 
Not everyone enjoyed their tour onboard Kawishiwi, nevertheless, I do not remember any bad times.  I just remember being homesick from time to time.  We all seemed to work and play very hard.