Dan Clark

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 3/3/2012

I served on board from 1962 to 1966 as an Electronics Technician (Communications) in OE Division. I spent two WestPac cruises, one yard overhaul and one underway replenishment aboard the good ship Estes. I came aboard a seaman apprentice and left a petty officer second class with a good conduct metal and a hash mark on my sleeve. At the convenience of the Navy my enlistment was extended four months. It could have been twenty four.

This is me in Radio (I think) One playing around with a AN/URC-32.

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 5/18/2012

There are several events that stand out in my mind of my time aboard the Estes (62 – 65). Do any of you guys remember these:

1. On my first West PAC cruise some kid fell into Hong Harbor. It was rumored that his language made the water boil.
I remember drooling over an Austin Healey 3000 there.
2. We almost lost a red headed kid in OE division in a fog related pile up on 101. He came aboard afterward all singed up.
3. A guy named Fisher got severely zapped while working on a motor generator. He spent some time in sick bay.
4. Chief Warrant Officer Bogart was injured on an automobile accident. He also spent some time in sick bay.
5. Lt. Jg Johnson single handedly picking up and tossing against a bulkhead a suspected VC.
6. Some brave, unfortunate or just plain dumb persons climbed up to repair the TACAN while we were underway.

There are some things I remember that I’d just as soon forget... GRIN.

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 5/27/2012

The Saltwater Rinse.

One day while out at sea I was suffering from the San Miguel trots. As you guys, know the heads always were full when needed. I found the head on the forward starboard side to be strangely empty. I was in a hurry so I paid no attention to the strange noises the toilets were making. No sooner than I was comfortably settled the toilet backfired! Turns out if the ship was moving broadside to the waves. The waves would force the water back up through the scuppers and splash the unsuspecting sitter. Note, I did not say sh**er. I snuck out of there to the head on the port side.

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 6/29/2012

Trip to WestPac and Subic Bay

And the fun started!

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 6/29/2012

Chu Lai and DaNang

And the fun started!

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 7/4/2012

All the comforts of Home

John Bachisn in Berthing

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 8/7/2012

Sea Story

"This is no stuff"
We had been involved in a battle somewhere off the coast of Vietnam where our army and the Vietnamese (ARVIN) army had pushed the Viet Cong to a river bluff. We and other ships were firing on them trying to get them to surrender. Night fell and there was a lull. Our armed landing craft, along with others, were sent to guard the river to keep the VC from escaping. Mr. Johnson's boat intercepted a sampan (we called them IBGBs) and took the crew on board. One of the Vietnamese for some reason started toward Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson waved him back. The way he waved is interpreted in Vietnam as 'Come here' which the unfortunate guy did. Mr. Johnson shifted his carbine to his left hand, picked the guy up with his right hand and threw him back against the bulkhead!
If my leaky memory serves me correctly, most of the pictures I sent you (above) were of that battle. Sadly everything was too far away to see what was happening.

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 8/11/2012

Names on OE Cruise Book Page

Dan, Charlie Porter, Rich Cherry & Rich Draves have identified many of the ETs pictured in the 1965 cruise book and placed names on the photo.
Thanks Dan!

1965 Cruise Book OE Division
Click image to enlarge

Clark DC, ETN2 - OE Div - 1962-1966 - - Submitted 1/8/2015

Anybody recognize this character?

Dan Clark USN circa 1965. Many years and pounds ago

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