Wednesday, September 6, 1967
After three weeks at Treasure Island, Mike received his assignment.
His research:
That weekend, Mike and his Great Lakes buddy crossed the bay to see the carrier USS Enterprise, freshly back from Vietnam:
He was considering buying an Instamatic camera ($14.50 at the Exchange). David's birthday was that day — Mike had mailed a card Saturday. First pay at Treasure Island: $92.00 for twenty days.
"This morning I was put on assingment. I got the USS JOUETT (DLG-29) out of San Diego. DLG stands for guided missle frigate. I went to the library and found out a little about it." [Letter]
"So, it sounds like a good ship, especially since its not even a year old yet. The living conditions will probably be pretty good." [Letter]
"Its neuclear powered and the biggest ship in the Navy. Let me tell you it is really big. It doesn't seem like your on a ship when you walk around on it." [Letter]
Letters
Mike Ducy to HomeMike to Home
Wed. 6 Sept. 1967
3 PM.
Dear Mother & Dad,
I got your letter yesterday morning along with one from Bill. I have enclosed his address just in case you haven't heard from him by now. He only wrote one page and explained that he didn't have much to time to write.
Today is the David's birthday, or is it tomorrow, haha. He should have got a card from me, I mailed it Saturday morning.
I got paid for the first time yesterday and cleared $92.00 for the twenty days I was here.
I have been here exactly three weeks today. This morning I was put on assingment. I got the USS JOUETT (DLG-29) out of San Diego. DLG stands for guided missle frigate. I went to the library and found out a little about it;
they finished building it on Dec 3, 1966
cruises at 34 knots
has a crew of 400
547' long, 54' wide and
sets 19.5' out of the water
has [redacted] anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes
1 - 5" gun mount
2 - 3" gun mounts
So, it sounds like a good ship, especially since its not even a year old yet. The living conditions will probably be pretty good. I don't know when I am to report to it, but expect to be out of here in another week.
I think I may buy an instamatic camera. I saw some at the Exchange for $14.50, but I may be able to get a cheaper one in San Francisco.
Yes, I did find the radio when I took the socks out of my shoes to shine them.
Saturday, this buddy of mine from G.L. and I went across the bay and saw the carrier Enterprise. It has been back from Viet Nam for about four weeks and is going back out when it gets some more planes. Its neuclear powered and the biggest ship in the Navy. Let me tell you it is really big. It doesn't seem like your on a ship when you walk around on it.
This Friday night or Sunday, I'm going to the ball game and watch the Cubs play the Giants, providing I'm still here.
When my Reserve check comes, just put it in my checking account and write it down in the account book which is in the dresser drawer.
I haven't heard anything yet about being advanced to third-class. I checked my service record today and there was nothing there in regards to it. The way they run things at the reserve center, it probably won't be official and I'll have to take the test again in the fleet. I wouldn't be suprized at what happens.
I had mess-cooking last night from 4 PM to 12 midnight, but they let us go at about 9:30.
I'll enclose my new address when that I have once I get on the ship. I'll try to let you know some way when I know that I'll be leaving here.
MICHAEL F. DUCY FTGSN 796 16 12
USS JOUETT (DLG-29)
F.P.O.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
ZIP--?
Its going on 4 o'clock and about time for muster. I'll go over and eat supper after that then probably go into Frisco.
I suggest that you don't write anymore because by the time you get this letter, then get a return letter from you, I'll most likely be gone, and I doubt if they forward any mail. Just wait till you hear from me.
I'll let you know when I leave, bye for now.
your son
Mike