Some Experiences
By Richard Conhiser, CS3

     We were on station in the South China sea on unrep. We had a destroyer on one side and a carrier on the other. We were     replenishing them when the can lost power. I was on the quarterdeck when the can started to rake our side with their anchor and put a hole in our side; it stuck, then broke loose and like a slingshot went across their bow. It scared the hell out of me cause I was only about 10 ft. from it. I jumped back into the mess deck.

     The carrier was having a hard time also. They couldn't keep their lines tight. Eggs were going over to her just and about the time the load was on her deck - there most have been 25 cases with 50 dozen eggs in each of them - broke on their deck. What a sight! They had eggs up to their ankles!

     Another time we were in Subic Bay Philippines the day before new years planning a party when shore patrol came in to all the bars and said all crew from Vega were to get back to the ship, it's leaving New Years eve. We were cruising some place out at sea with no open hatches or lights. I, and a bunch of friends were sitting on mess deck at 12 midnight. One guy wanted some excitement so he pushed all the alarms gq, collision, fire, etc. The captain got up screaming delay, delay. Next morning, at quarters, they told us where we were, that we were in a hot zone - Laos. The captain was pissed! What a New Years!

     One time we went to Hong Kong after a typhoon. They needed water so they had the Vega tie up to a pier and make water for Hong Kong. Great liberty! All we had to do was walk off and we were on ground. (No need for the liberty boat to ferry us).

     The Vega was a special ship. Great crew and lots of great times together. I think of her with a grin - loved that Vega!
 

If you have any narratives of your life aboard the Vega or pictures to contribute please email them to:  Admin@USSVega.com