SwiftVets.com

Wit · Seaman Recruit Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 19

I am trying to figure what moviated Kerry to volunteer for swift boats.
I see that the USS Gridley DLG 21 was sent to Bath Maine July 1968. The USS Gridley was being converted to new electronics. One officer, 8 CPO's and a BT1 stayed in Bath Maine. Everybody else was transferred. So Kerry had to volunteer for something.
The ship didn't return to Long Beach until June 1970.
Kerry left the USS Gridley in June of 1968( the month before it went to Maine).
At that time if a ship was being de-commissioned for upgrades, most everyone was reassigned.
You would check with your detailer and give three choices of where you wanted to go. Was Swift Boats choice 1, 2 or 3? For enlisted men and women there was choice 4; Go where they send you.

I also read that the Swift Boats were being used differently when Kerry volunteered for them.
Iam' not saying that it wasn't a dangerous assignment but it got a whole lot more dangerous right after he "reported aboard for duty"

coldwarvet · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 6:48 pm Post subject:

He was romanced by president JFK and decided to walk in his shoes in preperation for his run at CIC. Why do you think he tried to collect a hero label before he bugged out with his three scratches.

CWV
_________________
Defender of the honor of those in harms way keeping us out of harms way.

"Peace is our Profession"
Strategic Air Command - Motto

USAF 75-79 Security Police

Stevie · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 7:08 pm Post subject:

yes, Wit, he volunteered for the swiftboats because at that time it was not a dangerous assignment. He thought he would not see combat. It was shortly after that, that their assignments were changed.... by Zumwalt (if I remember correctly). From what I've read, he whined about that alot. He is sstill whing today.

ASPB · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 7:17 pm Post subject:

Kerry volunteered on his 2nd day underway to the Westpac on the USS Gridley. 17 Feb 69, I believe. I've wondered if he was suffering mal de mer that day. Laughing

_________________

On Sale! Order in lots of 100 now at velero@rcn.com Free for the cost of shipping All profits (if any, especially now) go to Swiftvets. The author of "Sink Kerry Swiftly" ---ASPB