"I was stationed onboard during the Vietnam War. We were a glorified hotel ship for the Blue and Gold crews for the (PCF), Patrol Craft Fast. One crew would man the boats while the other would stay aboard ship, and they would flip flop back and forth.
Being a cook onboard the Savage was relatively easy. We had Navy recipe cards to use to cook rations for the men onboard. All recipe cards were for 100 rations and it was easier to cook for a hundred than it was to cook for five. I was the night baker onboard. I worked at night and slept during the day. When we were in port, I caught the mail boat for early liberty.
I served 10 years in the U. S. Navy (7 years reserve). I switched over to the U. S. Army to finish my career. I retired in 1982 with 22 years service."