December 1974 I was sent TAD to the USS Edson DD946 for transfer to Subic Bay Philippine Islands where I assumed the responsibilities of Admin. Assistant to Naval Beach Group-1, West Pac Det.
During this trip I had the honor of serving on a Destroyer.  Something I never cared to do during my Naval Career. 
(While stationed on the USS Shangri-La CVA38 we refueled many a Tin Can and the way they went underwater while alongside the carrier taking on fuel made me realize that Destroyer duty was not for me.  I guess I got use to being on the larger ships.)
Being on the Edson was entirely a different world for me.  It reminded me of my tour on the USS Vernon County LST1161. On a small ship you get to know everyone and that was the case on the Can.  Everyone knew who I was and they accepted me as one of the crew members.  I was given the responsibilities of Chief of the Deck Department where I applied my skills in the daily routine of the ship. 

The chief's mess took me in as if I were an orphan and really treated me well.  I knew all the chiefs than but now the only name I remember is Master Chief Radioman Tom Fuller.  I have forgotten their names but I will never forget the comeradity and their Can-Do Attitude.

We had pulled in to Honolulu, Hawaii for a couple of days than pulled out for a day of antisubmarine Warfare Training.  During the course of the day one of the boiler rooms caught fire and it burned out of control for more than an hour.  This was an experience I never  wish to go through again.  Our OBA canister were only lasting about fifteen minutes and we were being sent canister from other ships in the area. We had to send our water hoses, OBA canisters, and electrician aft to repair five.  I was in-charge of Repair one.   After the fire was extinguished and the ship regained stearageway, with one engine, we sailed back into Honolulu for a three month repair period. I think this experience drew the ship's company closer together as a crew.

The Deck Department's held quarter for muster on the forecastle by the gun turret. One morning we had secured from quarters and as I walked aft  towards the starboard side passageway I lost my footing on the wet deck and went down like a rock.  The angle deck made it impossible to stop my sliding and as I tried to stop, my feet and most of my body went through the only area of the lifeline that didn't have any snaking.  This area  was at the forward bulkhead of the superstructure which also contains a door leading to the passageway.  This all happened so fast, as my body was going through the lifeline I noticed the door and grabbed for it and was able to stop myself from going over the side.  The twins had been talking with me and tried to catch me but couldn't.  However, they assisted me back on my feet.  I went back to the chief's lounge where the realization hit me that I was almost in the water.

Yes, this was an experience, one that I'll never forget.