Do you remember.......all of those overseas Christmas's - when married folks would bring trays of homemade goodies to the watch floor? Do you remember when single OT's would exchange watches with married OT's so that dads could spend Christmas Eve or Day with their families? Do you remember the hallway/door decorations in Kef? Do you remember that even the "mid-rats" were special? Do you recall those anxious days waiting for overseas deliveries of mail - when AFRS would announce the weight of the newly arrived mail - and when it would be sorted? Do you remember when the most coveted item in the mailroom was a Sears Christmas catalog? And the long line at the Exchange when they opened their version of "toy land"? And to this day, our most admired ornaments were purchased at a general store in Placentia 60 yeaars ago. That store also had the finest bologna on the planet! Some of my favorite Christmas & New Year memories are back in the days when we shared the watches, and maintained our vigil. And I remember that someone coined the phrase "Merry XNAS and Happy Nuclear". Thanks for the memories!!
Great post George. You brought back many memories of our time in a great system with great friends and shipmates. At some point early in my career I purchased a Santa suit and entertain the kids of many shipmates. My wife always made a batch of cookies and breads which were delivered by me (aka Santa) in full dress outfit to the midwatch on Christmas. I enjoyed doing this for many years at many different duty stations. When we were stationed at COSP I drove to the ferry landing and the Marine gate guard just let me through to board the ferry without checking my ID. I guess he didn't want to end up on the naughty list.
Great Posts, the two of you and the very best time for posts of that nature.
I was a married guy at those times(and still am by the way) and I appreciated the single guys that gave up those days/nights watches during the holidays.
I have numerous memories that I could share but I'll save them for another time and stay on subj.
So, Pat and I want to wish all of our old system friends and families the very best this holiday season and extend those wishes to 2026.
A very merry and blessed Christmas to you and all our shipmates. May everyone be safe and enjoy health and happiness in the New Year. I certainly miss the days of spending all those special days together.
