U.S.S. PAUL REVERE APA 248

Commanding Officer Captain A. R. Olsen, USN Executive Officer Commander J. M. Prosser, USN Division Officer Ensign G. E. Bates, USN Division LPO  BM1 Smith Section Leader  BM2 Harris and BM2 Rentz

Serving aboard the Paul Revere was a memorable experience.  I made one West Pac Cruise and was involved in several Amphibious Operations.

The western Pacific was a new experience to me as I had only been in the Navy just over a year when we left San Diego.  Subic!!  I could never say enough about Alongapo and the Naval Base.  Our first stay there we had a three day ships party at Grande Island.  72 hours, party, party, party.  The beaches were remarkable and swimming was great, I'll say no more.   My running mate, SN Chellberg, was an outstanding guitar player and he along with a couple of other shipmates who played musical instruments would get together at MOM's Bar (in Alongapo) and put on some outstanding music.

In September 1961 the squadron left San Diego for an Amphibious Operations in the Tacoma Washington area.   On the picture above you see two LCVP's hanging and belly griped to the side.  My LCVP was the one outboard and in back and the one just inside of it was my friends, SN Printup.  During the trip north the seas were rough and the wind was very strong.  The ship was pitching and listing to port and starboard.  Each time the ship pitched the boats would surge forward and aft.  I was working in the well deck of my boat when SN Prentup call me and ask me to come over to his boat.  I said "ok" and climbed out of my boat and into his.  As my feet hit the well deck of his LCVP the ship pitched and my LCVP broke loose and fell into the water.  It sank before it passed the stern.  I owe my life to Printup for calling me and I thank God for being there for me when I needed him most.   Another problem we encounter because of rough seas was the U.S.S. Seminole AKA104 losing steerage way.  We had to rig the ship to take her in tow.  Taking her in tow was a new experience to me.   It was done with great professionalism in the part of the deck department and those manning the con.

When we arrived the weather was cold and we had clear visibility.  However, when the operation began we had cold weather and zero visibility.  We had to use radar reflectors to be guided to the landing area and most of the waves got lost and God only knows where they landed.  My boat was in the water from the start of the operation and on the second or third day I was finally allowed to come aboard.  I was very cold and went straight to sick bay where my temperature was taken.  It was down in the 80' and the Corpsman told me I should be dead.

My tour of duty on the Peter Rabbit is a tour I will always remember along with the shipmates with whom I served.
 
 

BMSN MANUEL BARRIENTOS, JR., USN

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