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Location: United States

Member Since: April 26, 2018

John

Gilding the Coucal on May 08, 2018

The title of this book immediately caught my attention. I was an Electrician's Mate onboard the Coucal from 12/ 68 until I/72. Captain Gibson's story brought back so many memories of serving onboard. Liberty in Lahaina, Maui, laying 4-point moors, beer ball games, eating fresh-caught mahi-mahi, and as an electrician, ungodly hours making repairs and sleep deprivation. Pranks Chief Kerr and others played on 'new boots' onboard. Sending innocent new seaman to different ships asking for keys to the captains sea chest, bottles of blue steam, and best of all, relative-bearing grease. I remember liberty in Saipan turned sour and the 'Saipan Rock Festival' occurred. Later visiting Japan and almost breaking my leg in a benjo ditch. Nearly being run over one morning when I forgot the Japanese drove on the wrong side of the road. Rickshaw races in Hong Kong. Being robbed by jeepney drivers on Christmas Eve '70.So many memories and so much work. A good read. Thank you for a good read, Captain Gibson, Sir! Request permission to go ashore, Sir!.......John Schwarz EM3