IX. HOMEWARD BOUND
For several days the scuttlebutt was really flying, as we heard rumors that we were returning to the States. It wasn't long after that a crew came in to replace us. We were told to pack up as we would be leaving for the states within a few days.
No doubt we needed some rest and recreation after 26 months out there. We had accomplished what we were sent there for, as we were credited with unloading more than 500,000 tons of cargo. All of this had to be handled at least twice and some four times (ship to storage and back to ship again).
So on 6-8-45 we went aboard a Navy troop transport and bade farewell to the Western Pacific Islands. We had about 7500 miles of water ahead of us. Since there were enemy submarines still around, the trip had to be made again on a zig-zag course, which involved more miles. Two subchasers escorted us and fortunately we had no problems or alerts.
We did encounter some rough weather for a few days. The bow of this huge ship would dip down to a few feet of the water, then it would rise up again to about 40 feet. I ventured to the bow but didn't stay very long for it gave me a strange feeling, I must admit. It would be hard to believe this without actually experiencing it. The waves being so high when we and the escorts, which stayed about one quarter mile to each side and ahead of us, were in a trough at the same time and we were unable to see one another. Don't ever let anyone tell you that there is not alot of water out there in the Pacific.
What does one do 24 hours a day for 25 days on a troop ship? I had no clothes to wash as I had them all clean when we left, and when they became
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