Just like the “Old Salt” above, I’m sure each of us have that one memory that sticks in our mind of our time on board AD 18. Some may be sad, some may be funny, and some may hinge on the edge of truth but hey, that’s life and who we are!
Should you happen to have one of those precious moments that you would like posted below for all to enjoy, scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the form. We’ll be happy to include them in our story hall of fame, here!
The year 1976 was our country’s bicentennial and there were many celebrations, and commemorations that year. As a flag ship the USS Sierra AD 18 was front and center in celebrating our country’s 200 birthday at the Charleston Naval Base. Several British ships came into Charleston and sailors from both countries celebrated together. We had a big cookout, played softball, and soccer together and I thought made some new friends form the UK. However, after our party was over and our new British friends returned to their ship, we noticed that a buddy’s jean jacket had gone missing!
Me and a couple other Sierra pals decided we needed to make a visit to the ship of our new friends. They had the jacket and indicated that it was just a mistake or some kind of miss understanding. Still in a celebratory mood they returned the jacket and then offered us beer! Yes, not only could they keep beer in their lockers, but they also told us it was issued to them by the Bristish Navy! Of course, the beer was warm coming from a footlocker, but it tasted great, and it was a fun ending to the bicentennial celebration!
Jim (Harry) Farnan
HT3 Oct. 1973 – Jan. 1977