The Battleship U.S.S. New Jersey, BB-62

The first time I saw the "New Jersey" was just after midnight as our bus rounded a corner. All I could see was the gigantic bow of a huge ship luming up before me. My eyes whinced as powerful work lights from the pier cast the ship in a surrealistic glow. Workmen of all sorts scurried about this huge vessel like midnight ants in a forest. It was as if from a resurected dream by Jules Vern's and one of his secret island sactuaries.

The bus fell silent in complete amazement, even the driver slowed down as if in solemn respect. This was all so overwhelming that I was frightened to leave the safety of the bus. I had just turned 18 years old and had never seen anything so huge and physically powerful in my life. I still don't have words to describe how I felt. I was stunned.

As I reported aboard while the Officer of the Deck was checking my papers someone said to me, not the traditional 'welcome aboard', but a kindly "Welcome home."

Am I now really home?"

The photo above tells you pretty much what the U.S.S. New Jersey was all about; Awesome Firepower! The photo was taken in broad daylight off the coast of Vietnam on one of our many a 'gun runs' during 1968-1969. The photo was taken from the 011 ("owe eleven") level lookout by a fellow crewman using the then popular new "110" film. I do not remember his name, however, he was kind enough to have copies made for me. "Thanks, Good Friend."

As a crew member, and even though there were over 2,000 of us, we did favors happily and watched out for each other. It was very much like a fraternity. And for the life of me, I can't understand how anyone can not have compassion for his/her shipmates especially in the time of war. You create an urgent need to want to stay with them and "finish the job." My dad called it "seeing it through." Call it dedication, loyalty, corp d'espirit or whatever. It's still a compelling emotion that's becomes part of you. You don't want to leave. I've never heard of anyone leaving willingly. You know the political figure who served in 'Nam I'm refering to.

Admiral J. Edward Snyder, who'll always be "our Captain" commanded the U.S.S. New Jersey during her Vietnam deployment from 1968 through 1969.

Affectionately known by many as "The Phantom", Capt. Snyder was to me, a young 20 year old seaman, the imperial father figure and supreme commander of our might vessel.

The photo at the right was the only one I ever captured of Capt. Snyder. It is typical of how he looked; hair dishevelled, pipe in hand and talking to the crew as though he was "one of us".

The men always respond well to this as the Capt. would often be seen down on the mess decks chowing down with the crew. The Captain's demeaner was above no-one, always concilliatory and graceful. If encountered going down a passageway, Capt. Snyder would be the first to give way. He was 'real' and the crew loved him. I don't know if he ever knew that. He will someday.

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To the left is the coast of Vietnam North. Fellow sailors thought I was nuts to imagine busy beaches with four star hotels, shops and dance clubs.