i was stationed in Subic Bay in the 70's, I am very glad to see that Olongapo is developing into a progressive city may ALL MIGHTY GOD guide and bless it's people.
who told you it's developing? it's not. People survive no matter what way to eat here. It would be better if the American base is here like in the past.
God called me into missions while stationed here as a Marine in 1986. I served as a Christian missionary-evangelist in Olongapo-Subic with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) from 1988-1993.
I was a Marine attached to the USS Kittyhawk and was in Subic Bay quite a few times in 1977. After the first time myself and some other Marines went into Olongapo for a night out I too had a new mission. I think my mission was not the same as yours but I think we probably both did good things. Semper Fi, and god bless the people of PI.
I am a combo drummer from 1965 to 1970 we play in several night clubs like Joes club thunder ball club Shamrock club and some other its nice during that year I miss Olongapo
I'm sorry to say that the P.I. I knew doesn't, and never will, exist again. 49 - 50 years later it is just a fantastical dream. I agree 100% on your remark of the Filipino people. Very gentle people.
Thanks for the memories and update. Some sailors didn't like Olongapo, but I enjoyed my time there and on the base. I first was there in November of 1972 for a few weeks, waiting for transport to the Saratoga, where again, during liberty there 2 more times before we headed to Singapore and then back to the US.
Great memories. I cried watching this video. :') thanks for sharing. It's been 11 years since I left Gapo and watching this video made me a proud olongapeño. :)
I was there in 1978 & 79 when my FF-1041 visited. I remember Airport Club ,Kong's Restaurant, fish market near the Victory Liner bus station. Magsaysay Street at night looked like day time, best place for liberty! San Miguel in the club was about 6 pesos and included live bands! Lots of good memories from the past and I really enjoyed my stay!
Thank you for this wonderful video of my hometown. It gave me goosebumps watching it. Went through memory lane for a moment there. It's been a while . . . . and I hope to go back someday soon.
I visited PI over a course of thirty years. I see clips of how the US was the cause of the conditions in the Olongapo region. Its fascinating how some people forget all that the US has done for PI. Many of the folks involved in demonstrating against the bases have rose to power and were ejected from those high positions because of corruption. I have lived, loved and made many friends on the islands.
You are right. That should be taught in school. The U.S. has done beautiful things to the philippines and because of them, we have education,social infrastructures, etc. Also, they gave us liberation and freedom. They sacrificed themselves and fought the japanese in world war 2 and kept us safe from the communism of china in the 60s until they were sent away by our government in 91. Our government is evil. The other people have low brains and they believed in our government.
Ah yes,,, the P.I. My favorite place in the world!! Been there several times. I was stationed on USS CORAL SEA from 1980 to 1984. Had some awesome times(especially when I was single).Subic city was my hangout. HIGH TIMES INN was my home away from home. It was just across the street (which was dirt back then,,,no pavement) from the Jupiter club. I married a Filipina, not from subic, she was from Las Pinas , metro manila. We were married 30 years,,before she passed away. But during that those years we visited the P.I. a few times. Last time was with her was 2009. Subic bay and Olongapo did not look the same . I have since remarried to another Filipina from Makati. I have been many other places in the P.I. Laguna, Cavite, Tagaytay, Batangas, and Boracay. I love the Philippines!! I will retire there.
I was there in 86 and 87. Loved the city and the people, I always wondered how the city faired after the US left. Very happy to see it is doing so well. Thanks for the video
The video is a propaganda video. After the US departed, it had a very hard time and most locals were upset about it. It was only the corrupt local officials that benefited from the US departure, so that they could steal more without oversight. The video, shows just the few nice areas and does not show the slums and problem areas, which is 95% of the area not shown.
excellent video and thank you for sharing it here on youtube. also, excellent choice of the song from the reo speedwagon. saw the group in concert. was in the us navy in the mid 1980's and our ship goes to subic bay numerous times. no place like olongapo during our liberty calls. always a guaranteed fun and rest and relaxation for me and my shipmates at any of the clubs along with lots of san miguel beer or red horse. got my first tatoo done on magsaysay st. from a guy walking w/ his wares.
Tumira kmi dyan sa olongapo city mula 1969-1996 After nun ngdecide na mother balik na kmi ng province ,dayo lng kmi dyan.npamahal na sa akin ang olongapo ,gusto ko ulit manirahan dyan. Yun experience nmin sa pagputok ng mt. Pinatubo yun yung dko mkalimutan ,yun bang paglabas mo ng terrace umuulan ng buhangin at lumalagapak maliliit na bato sa bubong ,buong city buhangin mkikita mo ,yun bahay nmin merung part na bumigay dhil sa bigat ng buhangin .mkikita mo ang daming bus ,naguunahan mga tao na mkasakay sa blue bus na yun ,kmi d kmi nkipagunahan sumakay ,hindi rin mkkaalis yun bus kc yun gulong ng bus nkabaon sa buhangin at Kalahati nun gulong ay kataas ng buhangin.ang hirap nung mga panahong yun
66-68 visits on the Intrepid (CVS-11) and it's nice to see paved streets and cleaned up quite a bit. Spent time on Grande Island and scuba diving in the Bay. Never will forget the Market and taking the cattle trucks back to the ship after visiting the 7th Fleet Club. Never will forget this place
All of us who are miles away from Gapo should be thankful to folks like u for taking the time to post these stuff that always brings back wonderful memories and takes us back to our beloved hometown even for a brief moment... biruin mo chong...even years before the great film "Oceans 11" by Clooney, Pitt, etc..meron nang Oceans 11 Club sa Gapo (ha ha ha)....OUR CITY REALLY ROCKS...yehbah!!!
One of my hang outs 82,83 while in the Seabees. I was happy to see the Brown Fox picture. Long gone of course like most everything that we knew. But the memories never fade from that place. 40 years and it almost feels like yesterday.
I remember this area well. Have been married to my wife from the Philippines for soon 34 years. I met her in 1983 while on WestPac, Returned in 1986 and Proposed and asked her Father for her hand in marriage he said yes with little hesitation. Still hapily married to her to this day. Was on deployment from Japan on the USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) whe Mt. Pinatubo erupted and assisted with the evacuations of Military & Dependents to Cebu a few missions ferrying families from Subic to Cebu we made a few trips back then. It was not long after that they closed the bases. Me and my wife returned for a visit to Subic Bay in 2008 and was able to see how the base looked as the Free Port looked very nice and brought back wonderful memories during our times there in ther Philippiners. Have been back to visiti Family and Friends that live there, are Missionaries there, and just to visit and see the beauty of the Phillipines and all its wonders. Looking forward to returning to the Philippines again soon. Just retired recently and looking to return more often.
@@DonBlomdahlHOF I wish to talk to her,sir I need to ask if she know about name Rhea,I am searching my mother...he Left me after born here in olongapo city ,
The Brown Fox was across the street from the fire station and IT STILL burned to the ground! We saw Arnel several times before he became famous as the lead singer in Journey.
Indeed-the fire station-where the firemen stood outside watching the world go by on Magsaysay-all the while being armed to the teeth-holding Model 12 Winchester pump scatterguns & M-16 rifles that I am sure had selectable firing.
wow thanks for this video, brings back a lot of memories as I was stationed there from 1968 to 1970 at NAS Cubi Pt., then back as a civilian in 1972.. no western fast food places or Jollibee back in those days, no hot water showers either where i lived, 3 different apts. during my stay there & 1 as a civillian.. Met a lot of nice people while I was there & a few bad ones too; glad to see the city made a come back after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
Great video, was there in the 70's USS Juneau(LPD-10) and then again on the USS Ranger with RVAH-13. Many memories of the Philippines and Olongapo "Our Home Away From Home". I am thinking about returning and retiring there. Charlie's Club for me.
I was a Marine ("A" co. Marine Barracks) stationed there from 1989-1991... I'll never forget that place as long as I live, and I long to return,,, unfortunatley, it'll never be the same as it was back then... pity
When I was in grade school in the mid to late 70s, I would spend most of my summer vacations in Olongapo. My Uncle and Aunt owned the Rufadora Bar. A lot of the photos in this video brought back some nice memories. Thanks!
Awesome! I was there around August of '83 with the WestPac a month after Senator Ninoy was assassinated. Tense period but we were young and that didn't stop me and my fellow Marines from enjoying Olangapo. Where are you Joy Flores the Filipina I fell in love with as a 19 year old Marine? I hope you are alive and well. I was devastated having to leave her behind!
NMCB 74 EO 78-83 was in the Philippines 82,83 for 9 months that I'll never forget. Best time of my life. Brown Fox was usually the first place to stop for a beer or 2 and sit and watch the girls go by before going to another place.
When we went to Olongapo (USS Hancock 1975 and USS Coral Sea 1977) I would change $15 to pisos and make a point of coming back across 'the bridge' with no money. It was my job to spend my money, and I took that job seriously. I can still taste the Mojo, listen to the bands play ANYTHING, and hear the girls laughing at the dumb American sailor trying to speak Tagalog. Where did the time go?
During my 3 cruises on the USS Constellation CVA-64 in the l;ate 60's, some of the P had left, I would use it to throw at the girls in the canoes by the bridge going over shit river. Sometimes easy and sometimes pretty hard.
I agree. IF I had any $$$ left, after the monkey meat on a stick stands and other assorted distractions, I'd empty my pockets (it was all "front pocket money" anyway) to the girls in the banca boats, wearing formal dresses. It looked like prom night on that river.....and I usually hit the baskets so the boys would not have to dive for my spare change. I can remember standing on that bridge, watching the "12 O'clock shuffle" unfold, and saying to myself when I got out, I'd never leave the USA again. Folks who think this place is bad should spend a week in one of those banca boats.....
grabeh ganda nrin pla ng gapo khit noon..dto na aq pinanganak at hanggang ngaun dto prin kmi..sa barretto kmi ng family q at nkpag asawa na aq at dto na aq sa jones ngaun..sna my calesa prin hanggang ngaun pra masaya..ehehe..
Damn, I just missed Olongapo, I've been working right there somewhere in Subic Shipyard for almost 3 years by the year 2007 to 2010. People are all friendly and kind. I just missed the nightlife there in Calapandayan and Gordon Ave.a lot of happenings goin down there. The singing bands, the gurls, the fun, the goodtimes,,, I'm hoping to get back and work in there...
I was in Subic Bay in 1971 - 1973 and again in 1974! I was in the Navy Seabees and the first deployment we moved 49 houses into the Kalyann for officer housing. I have seen these houses in other Subic Bay videos.
Beautiful video, am glad it's going strong. My best, and worst memories were there. I was on the Midway for 4 years, VA-115, we were there alot whenever the ship went into dry dock. Grew up alot there.. I still miss it and the great people to this day..
hello shipmate... am glad I finally met my Midway Shipmate... I was also assigned in that Attack Squadron VA-115...as an Aviation Storekeeper... also I was the Operation Officer of Midway DAT..
I was in VA-115 also. Power plants and AIMD Jet Shop. 1978-80. Loved the PI so much that I re-enlisted for shore duty there in the Cubi Pt. Jet Shop. Station Dito!
Wow! I need to go back and see all this! Worked there late1960's Continental Restaurant own by then late Mayor Amelia Gordon, Dick Gordon's mom. Left in 1972....Amazing!
Thanks Bro for creating this video. I been longing this place where I was born and grew up. It touches my heart that i cant stop the tears fell in my eyes for what I feel that you brough me back to the place and remember all good memories lies in my heart that remains last forever THANK YOU BRO'
The movie states Pre-70's before Jeepneys. But the Jeepneys were there in 1965 through 1967 when I was there between tours in the Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club off of Viet Nam on the USS Ranger and the USS Constellation.
I was there 63 - 65 on the USS Midway. Best westpac port of all. San Miguel at the Acacia club. Bartender sweeping chickens off the bar with his arm, and the family pig wandering in where long ago there might have been a back door. And no seat on the ancient toilet. Climb up and squat on the rim - like everybody else. I know the Ranger well. Used to tie up in Alameda with Midway and Oriskany. Ranger had terrible boiler problems back then. Headed for Westpac ran into trouble and had to turn around for Hunters Point for a new boiler system. Sad to see how Olongapo has changed. Remember seeing totally naked savages shopping at the open market place. And the little Nigritos with their hand out, begging for a few coins. I believe all the streets were dirt then. And you could smell the place for half a day before it appeared on the horizon. They should have left it the way it was.
So, Olongapo was not even a city yet when my band and I arrived in March 1966! No wonder they had clay roads that were sprayed with oil by sailors to keep the dust down on Upper Kalaklan...Oh, but you can't beat nude floor shows in the clubs on Rizal Ave and Magsaysay Drive.. We were "barely legal" to be in the clubs but we had to do a job.... 16 year-old eyes got plenty of memories to carry around till now, 73..
Talking about those times with You I am smiling ear to ear. Love that time of my life. Also went to the port of Cebu for a short stay. Cebu was not like Olongapo at all.
I was there twice. Once in early 1974 for Jest School, and then again later that year aboard the USS Okinawa before the Evacuations of Cambodia and Saigon in April of 1975.
Howard Meinert I attended that jest training there in 1970 I was a marine 0311 and sent from Vietnam to take that training , we found it a training sent from God as we wasn't worried about the nva ...
In the late 70's I ate at SHAKEYS PIZZA! Located at the end of MAGSAYSAY adjacent to the roundabout. Pizza had a distinctive taste. Monkey meat? I loved the taste!
Monkey meat! Smelled like someone pissed on a campfire, but at your first taste it was lip smacking-good! Like something else we don't talk about. Used to buy 5 sticks at a time. Half way back to the ship (on a cattle car full of drunken sailors) and I wished I got more.
I was in Subic around four times in 1966, with the Hospital ship Repose. We brought wounded over from Vietnam, and they were then flown home from Clark AFB. Quite an exotic sight for a small town Illinois boy. I remember going over the bridge and the kids saying "hey, sailor, throw me coin", and we always did. San Miguel beer was 10% alcohol, and cost one peso, about 25 cents. Lots of nice people in the P.I., and also enjoyed R&R up at a national park, Pagsahan Falls, in the jungle.
I was fortunate to be there twice in the 80's. Great people and had a good time while there. Was saddened when the ash covered it over, but was really impressed by the courage of the people, and was impressed by what they've done to recover. May you have continued success! :) Thanks for the great memories and maybe one day i will get to visit your grand city again. :)
Since I plan to return to the Philippines for good by October, 2017 I already have what areas I'm seriously considering to live out my life in. Olongapo City I know I'm most familiar with because I lived there before, despite the overall changes, Olongapo City offers me several advantages. Being in my sixties, a widower that was married 31 years to a wonderful Filipina, I prefer a Filipina that is 3 to 10 years younger than me that is also a widow.
It been twenty years since I walked those streets. I mis them. On my business card I still list Olongapo City, Phillipines. It open doors and makes freindships.
Say hi to the Brown 🦊 for me from Jeff , tell mamasan I said hi and I miss Violet Boday. I still love her and would love ❤️ to hear from her on the internet. Thanks
Was there 79 80 81 ... trained on Green Beach...lived in Camp Tamez..Clubed at the Airport..drank San Miguel and Mojo...took girls to Mink Lodge room cost $10 dollars.. still have ticket 34 yrs later. ..
Don Adams, your comment I can say is good for you, you still kept the ticket from the Mink Room After 34 years, that's amazing. I'm planning to return to the Philippines for good & live out my life there. I met my late wife of 31 years a little over 40 years ago in Olongapo City on 1/16/1975. We got married on 4/5/1979, over 4 years after we met, we stayed married up to 3/6/2010, had 3 children. My late wife passed away on 3/6/2010, she was a wonderful wife, wonderful mother, wonderful woman. My late wife & I have beaten the critics who said our marriage wouldn't last no more than 5 years. Here is a question, where were those critics at on 3/6/2010 when my wife Passed away in St. Joseph's hospital in Loser City Tucson, AZ at? The answer is NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. Olongapo City is one of my 4 choices in the Philippines that I want to live out my life in, the other 3 are in Masbate City on Masbate island, Legazpi City & Matnog, Sorsogon province in Bicol region.
There in '72, loved it. Noticed you didn't put what we called the river under the bridge to main gate.😂 My first sister in law was filipina-hawaiian, beautiful girl but--Surprise!, insanely jealous. People were nice and I've never been around happier people, yet many had practically nothing. I'd love to go back but.....too old now.
Did several debts there attached to the USS Midway 86-88, left prior to the volcano eruption that covered Subic Bay and Cubi pt. in ash. Great time, great people, so happy they were able to rebound, really miss that place.
USS Okinawa West Pac 1984 will never forget my time there USMC C Co 1/9 weapons platoon, shooting pool at the Brown Fox and drinking beer man those were the days we were so young and had no clue but what a time in life...I can still remember my Pinay girlfriend she wrote me for 3 years after I left there.
@@Kwanglebeh It's sad. We were sold to chinese. I wish, you never left but of course, I understand that you only respected our country's stupid decision.
Visited Subic Bay 1981-1983 as crew member aboard USS Midway. Had a great time- Kong's, The Corkroom. Visited San Narcisco up the coast- beautiful! Many fond memories.
@@susanreyes3958 hii,mam baka po may naka work kau na Rhea Ang name, hinahanap ko po important po kc ung tao na Yan sakin,sana po mahelp mo ako...baka sakali lang,tanx...ito pp fb acc ko Cerela opiniano Acala
Stationed there with A Company Marines and FSD (Customs) and went back for 5 months with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines (3/7) prior to heading over to Desert Shield/Storm. I miss that place and the people.
I miss the bar called the Fur Trader in Olongapo. It was the only bar I would go to during the two port stops I made there. And I stayed with the same bar girl both times. She went by the name Marsha De La Cruz, but her real name was Marcia Boromeo. I miss her too.
I miss this place where we stayed from 1985-1992 I was 5 years old then..We left after the Mt.Pinatubo eruption..I experienced how Mt. Pinatubo erupted and the 1986 people's power revolution..so many memories..I hope I can visit again the ulo ng Apo..
I travel in some part of the world and no place like Olongapo.I missed it so much the friendly people and how they helped each other that amazed me most of all.The musicLand for me.
Oh yes! I remember MARMONT when I was little. I grew up in Olongapo city in the 60's. I have fond memories as a child growing up in that fabolous and glamourous city by the bay.
Missed mu childhood despite of months of stay in olongapo talagang na enjoy ko ang buhay little amerika that days bih red apple, large pizza christmas and new years wd my sisters and most my parents, swim in a free beaches near roads at bgy. Barretto, fresh pandesal at kessing and perimeter road. Although om livin in a super higpit na mha ate ko ma bawal lumabas ng house 😂 😂 😂 i love that memories. Now dko na makilala ang olongapo parang sta. Cruz traffick at puro muslim shop a lot of fake items even sm mall parang isetann lang sa carriedo. Spirit of olongapo already dead..
I was on the Saratoga 1972 first time to Olongapo. Been there many times on my two tours on Midway. Station Dito VC-5 1989-92. Ang Puso ko sa Philippines!
My very first liberty there was on Tuesday, November 26, 1974 when I was stationed aboard the USS Blue Ridge LCC-19 that was homeported in San Diego, CA. The navy liberty in the Philippines in Olongapo City & the Bario Baretto & Subic plus Manila was the very best liberty I had in the Navy all During my very first Westpac. I met my late wife of 31 years on Thursday, January 16, 1975, we got married over 4 years Later, we stayed married, had 3 children. My wife passed away Saturday, March 6, 2010. She was a wondrful woman, wife, mother. I wasen't ready for marriage at 21, but I was at 25, my wife was a little over 2 years older than me, so when we got married, I knew that I had married the right one. Since I reentered the dating world, I will only date women that are Filipina & only Filipina women.
Barrio Barreto was awesome. I liked it there cause of the beach and it wasn't as hectic and gritty as Olongapo and Subic and still plenty to do. I served aboard U.S.S. Midway.
The only thing missing from the opening pic of the fountain would be a nice packet of SEA DYE marker. I clearly remember when the bus terminal cuaght fire and burned like a Roman candle in mere minutes. I watched it from the Runway Bar on Gordon ave. just around the corner. I occasional slept on a table there when I failed to get back to base before curfew.
They also did SGT. Pepper front to back and sounded JUST LIKE THE BEATLES !!! They were the BEST COVER BAND I EVER HEARD !! And I lived in Hollywood !!!
In 1971 they had a band in the EM club that played Johnny Cash and did a parody of the Ballad of the Green Berets called The Ballad of Subic Bay. Everyone loved it.
I had the pleasure of visiting with WestPac '87 as part of India Company 3/1. 11:23 "Passage to Subic Naval Base" (over Shit River - who can forget that smell?) Aside from the smell of the river separating the base from town, I love and miss the Philippines. The people were warm, hospitable, generous, beyond kind and forgiving - I will be back soon.
+Paul Gianni WestPac '87 with I/3/1? USS Cayuga? Then, aside from the smell of the "Passage" you probably also remember the smell of diesel in my AmTrac as we hit Shemya in the Aleutians...or Thailand or Korea. Good times. - 2nd Plt, A Co. 3rd AABN. -- Semper Fi.
I was a PFC in India Co., 1st Platoon, 1st Squad. Who could forget the splash to Shemya and getting caught in the blizzard? Didn't we do three consecutive 45 degree rolls on the Cayuga? Thanks for the ride to shore!
I remember a lot of 45 degree rolls in the Aleutians. Damaged the superstructure and we had to make port in Yokosuka. Flat bottom LSTs are not meant for those types of conditions. At Shemya we returned to ship same day and avoided the blizzard...but getting back to ship was crazy. The stern gate was coming out of the water so that, if your timing were off, you'd get smashed and sunk by it. But, didn't you guys get to watch the SuperBowl on Shemya? That's the rumor among the trackers...as if you had it easy or something... We must've gone through Wog Day together, too. We were with 3/1 from Panama to the WestPac and then back to Pendleton. That was a kick-ass deployment!
I started out a wog but became a Golden Shellback because we crossed the equator where it intersects the international date line. First Platoon did not see the Super Bowl - that was a long time ago, but I believe we spent a night or two on the island. Actually, we did and had to be brought back on a CH-46, but had to wait for water that was calm enough to land on the deck. No big deal because one team wins, one team loses and my life continues like it did yesterday. Semper Fi!
i was stationed in Subic Bay in the 70's, I am very glad to see that Olongapo is developing into a progressive city may ALL MIGHTY GOD guide and bless it's people.
Was there 65 66 67 68. uSS. Ajax. big. Chicken dinner. Sept 68. Wish i was there now
who told you it's developing? it's not. People survive no matter what way to eat here. It would be better if the American base is here like in the past.
I miss my home town, City full of fun when Americans were around. Miss the good old days it was gold.
Where do you live now?
Iam ma, meiko medina. Imiss my. Past , with my nanay. And papa domingo medina. ,,
@@engineclinic Earth? 😆
God called me into missions while stationed here as a Marine in 1986. I served as a Christian missionary-evangelist in Olongapo-Subic with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) from 1988-1993.
I was a Marine attached to the USS Kittyhawk and was in Subic Bay quite a few times in 1977. After the first time myself and some other Marines went into Olongapo for a night out I too had a new mission. I think my mission was not the same as yours but I think we probably both did good things. Semper Fi, and god bless the people of PI.
"I still remember my first time there 😊
I missed my hometown where i grew up..I will go back home soon where my truly heart belongs
I am a combo drummer from 1965 to 1970 we play in several night clubs like Joes club thunder ball club Shamrock club and some other its nice during that year I miss Olongapo
I also miss the P.I. and it's people. They were the warmest, friendliest people I've ever met . . . I'd go back in a microsecond. GOD BLESS the P.I. !
you're right not the smartest people but lovely humans
chris james they're smarter than you, don't take their being humble, sweetness for being stupid. They only act stupid around you.
I'm sorry to say that the P.I. I knew doesn't, and never will, exist again. 49 - 50 years later it is just a fantastical dream. I agree 100% on your remark of the Filipino people. Very gentle people.
If you would go back in a microsecond, why don’t you? Still a great place. Not what it was in the 70’s and 80’s, but you won’t have any regrets.
Thanks for the memories and update. Some sailors didn't like Olongapo, but I enjoyed my time there and on the base. I first was there in November of 1972 for a few weeks, waiting for transport to the Saratoga, where again, during liberty there 2 more times before we headed to Singapore and then back to the US.
I can't recall a single sailor who didn't like the Philippines, was there many times from 85-89. Best times of my life
wow!!! maramimg salamat sa inyo..binalik nyo ang alala ng kabataan ko...tnx tlaga....mga batang gapo..
I live here for 5 years in the early 80s and will be back soon
awesome video. i was there in 1984 and 1985. so great to see the progress...
I grew up here from 80 - 94. My father was in the navy. Awesome memories I had to this beautiful place
Great memories. I cried watching this video. :') thanks for sharing. It's been 11 years since I left Gapo and watching this video made me a proud olongapeño. :)
I was there in 1978 & 79 when my FF-1041 visited. I remember Airport Club ,Kong's Restaurant, fish market near the Victory Liner bus station. Magsaysay Street at night looked like day time, best place for liberty! San Miguel in the club was about 6 pesos and included live bands! Lots of good memories from the past and I really enjoyed my stay!
Thank you for this wonderful video of my hometown. It gave me goosebumps watching it. Went through memory lane for a moment there. It's been a while . . . . and I hope to go back someday soon.
I first went there in 1973 it was a great adventure for a 17 year old marine
I was on R&R in 68 and it was wide open I was in MC
I was stationed there for 3 years as a 17 year old sailor...
Did you play smiles?
I visited PI over a course of thirty years. I see clips of how the US was the cause of the conditions in the Olongapo region. Its fascinating how some people forget all that the US has done for PI. Many of the folks involved in demonstrating against the bases have rose to power and were ejected from those high positions because of corruption. I have lived, loved and made many friends on the islands.
You are right. That should be taught in school. The U.S. has done beautiful things to the philippines and because of them, we have education,social infrastructures, etc. Also, they gave us liberation and freedom. They sacrificed themselves and fought the japanese in world war 2 and kept us safe from the communism of china in the 60s until they were sent away by our government in 91. Our government is evil. The other people have low brains and they believed in our government.
Ah yes,,, the P.I. My favorite place in the world!! Been there several times. I was stationed on USS CORAL SEA from 1980 to 1984. Had some awesome times(especially when I was single).Subic city was my hangout. HIGH TIMES INN was my home away from home. It was just across the street (which was dirt back then,,,no pavement) from the Jupiter club. I married a Filipina, not from subic, she was from Las Pinas , metro manila. We were married 30 years,,before she passed away. But during that those years we visited the P.I. a few times. Last time was with her was 2009. Subic bay and Olongapo did not look the same . I have since remarried to another Filipina from Makati. I have been many other places in the P.I. Laguna, Cavite, Tagaytay, Batangas, and Boracay. I love the Philippines!! I will retire there.
I wish the Americans will return 😭
I was born 1984 here in olongapo😊 how time flies.. now its year 2018..
Hi,mam bka po may nakilala kau noon na Rhea Ang name??
I was there in 86 and 87. Loved the city and the people, I always wondered how the city faired after the US left. Very happy to see it is doing so well. Thanks for the video
The video is a propaganda video. After the US departed, it had a very hard time and most locals were upset about it. It was only the corrupt local officials that benefited from the US departure, so that they could steal more without oversight. The video, shows just the few nice areas and does not show the slums and problem areas, which is 95% of the area not shown.
Thanks for posting this video I miss those days..hopefully this year I can bring my kids and show them where I was born and grew up..salamat!
excellent video and thank you for sharing it here on youtube. also, excellent choice of the song from the reo speedwagon. saw the group in concert. was in the us navy in the mid 1980's and our ship goes to subic bay numerous times. no place like olongapo during our liberty calls. always a guaranteed fun and rest and relaxation for me and my shipmates at any of the clubs along with lots of san miguel beer or red horse. got my first tatoo done on magsaysay st. from a guy walking w/ his wares.
Tumira kmi dyan sa olongapo city mula 1969-1996
After nun ngdecide na mother balik na kmi ng province ,dayo lng kmi dyan.npamahal na sa akin ang olongapo ,gusto ko ulit manirahan dyan. Yun experience nmin sa pagputok ng mt. Pinatubo yun yung dko mkalimutan ,yun bang paglabas mo ng terrace umuulan ng buhangin at lumalagapak maliliit na bato sa bubong ,buong city buhangin mkikita mo ,yun bahay nmin merung part na bumigay dhil sa bigat ng buhangin .mkikita mo ang daming bus ,naguunahan mga tao na mkasakay sa blue bus na yun ,kmi d kmi nkipagunahan sumakay ,hindi rin mkkaalis yun bus kc yun gulong ng bus nkabaon sa buhangin at Kalahati nun gulong ay kataas ng buhangin.ang hirap nung mga panahong yun
Very nice video. I was there in the early 80's. The new Olongapo was shockingly beautiful. Very good job.
66-68 visits on the Intrepid (CVS-11) and it's nice to see paved streets and cleaned up quite a bit. Spent time on Grande Island and scuba diving in the Bay. Never will forget the Market and taking the cattle trucks back to the ship after visiting the 7th Fleet Club. Never will forget this place
All of us who are miles away from Gapo should be thankful to folks like u for taking the time to post these stuff that always brings back wonderful memories and takes us back to our beloved hometown even for a brief moment...
biruin mo chong...even years before the great film "Oceans 11" by Clooney, Pitt, etc..meron nang Oceans 11 Club sa Gapo (ha ha ha)....OUR CITY REALLY ROCKS...yehbah!!!
Only thing missing is Grande Island. Great video!!
I love olongapo...born and raised here.
Good shot of my former hang out Brown Fox!.. back in 1977-78 ..
One of my hang outs 82,83 while in the Seabees. I was happy to see the Brown Fox picture. Long gone of course like most everything that we knew. But the memories never fade from that place. 40 years and it almost feels like yesterday.
I remember this area well. Have been married to my wife from the Philippines for soon 34 years.
I met her in 1983 while on WestPac, Returned in 1986 and Proposed and asked her Father for her hand in marriage he said yes with little hesitation.
Still hapily married to her to this day.
Was on deployment from Japan on the USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) whe Mt. Pinatubo erupted and assisted with the evacuations of Military & Dependents
to Cebu a few missions ferrying families from Subic to Cebu we made a few trips back then.
It was not long after that they closed the bases.
Me and my wife returned for a visit to Subic Bay in 2008 and was able to see how the base looked as the Free Port looked very nice and brought back wonderful memories during our times there in ther Philippiners. Have been back to visiti Family and Friends that live there, are Missionaries there, and just to visit and see the beauty of the Phillipines and all its wonders.
Looking forward to returning to the Philippines again soon.
Just retired recently and looking to return more often.
Good luck 👍 to you! 😊
Hii,sir can I know if what name of your wife?..
@@Leys28 Cynthia Ruiz Eballar
@@Leys28 Cynthia Ruiz Eballar
@@DonBlomdahlHOF I wish to talk to her,sir I need to ask if she know about name Rhea,I am searching my mother...he Left me after born here in olongapo city ,
The Brown Fox was across the street from the fire station and IT STILL burned to the ground! We saw Arnel several times before he became famous as the lead singer in Journey.
Indeed-the fire station-where the firemen stood outside watching the world go by on Magsaysay-all the while being armed to the teeth-holding Model 12 Winchester pump scatterguns & M-16 rifles that I am sure had selectable firing.
wow thanks for this video, brings back a lot of memories as I was stationed there from 1968 to 1970 at NAS Cubi Pt., then back as a civilian in 1972.. no western fast food places or Jollibee back in those days, no hot water showers either where i lived, 3 different apts. during my stay there & 1 as a civillian.. Met a lot of nice people while I was there & a few bad ones too; glad to see the city made a come back after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
I was there in 1980, a place of great memories I will never forget
Great video, was there in the 70's USS Juneau(LPD-10) and then again on the USS Ranger with RVAH-13. Many memories of the Philippines and Olongapo "Our Home Away From Home". I am thinking about returning and retiring there. Charlie's Club for me.
Glad to see Olongapo looking so nice. I visited there many years ago, and I am happy for your transition.
I miss dis place..i grew up here in olongapo..mrmi akong friends and mga kababata ko..i cried namiss ko tlga tong lugar nato..i have so memories..
I absolutely adore the Philippines. And Olongapo is considered my second home. I can't wait to go back there in two weeks.
I do miss these place those are my happy days! Good music 80's are good year.til these it makes me cry.ilove you p.i.olongapo.
I wonder the title of these song sk sad, ihope someone would till me.
missed the corked room, california jam, hot city, billboard, 100% rock, chatter box, cherry blossom, strawberry fields, gigolo, etc...
I was a Marine ("A" co. Marine Barracks) stationed there from 1989-1991... I'll never forget that place as long as I live, and I long to return,,, unfortunatley, it'll never be the same as it was back then... pity
Come back ☺️
When I was in grade school in the mid to late 70s, I would spend most of my summer vacations in Olongapo. My Uncle and Aunt owned the Rufadora Bar. A lot of the photos in this video brought back some nice memories. Thanks!
Awesome! I was there around August of '83 with the WestPac a month after Senator Ninoy was assassinated. Tense period but we were young and that didn't stop me and my fellow Marines from enjoying Olangapo.
Where are you Joy Flores the Filipina I fell in love with as a 19 year old Marine? I hope you are alive and well. I was devastated having to leave her behind!
Been there done that (US Navy 1978-82) would do it again..
NMCB 74 EO 78-83 was in the Philippines 82,83 for 9 months that I'll never forget. Best time of my life. Brown Fox was usually the first place to stop for a beer or 2 and sit and watch the girls go by before going to another place.
@@billybrown7953 I loved PI... Been there many times. USS Tripoli LPH-10
When we went to Olongapo (USS Hancock 1975 and USS Coral Sea 1977) I would change $15 to pisos and make a point of coming back across 'the bridge' with no money. It was my job to spend my money, and I took that job seriously. I can still taste the Mojo, listen to the bands play ANYTHING, and hear the girls laughing at the dumb American sailor trying to speak Tagalog. Where did the time go?
During my 3 cruises on the USS Constellation CVA-64 in the l;ate 60's, some of the P had left, I would use it to throw at the girls in the canoes by the bridge going over shit river. Sometimes easy and sometimes pretty hard.
I agree. IF I had any $$$ left, after the monkey meat on a stick stands and other assorted distractions, I'd empty my pockets (it was all "front pocket money" anyway) to the girls in the banca boats, wearing formal dresses. It looked like prom night on that river.....and I usually hit the baskets so the boys would not have to dive for my spare change. I can remember standing on that bridge, watching the "12 O'clock shuffle" unfold, and saying to myself when I got out, I'd never leave the USA again. Folks who think this place is bad should spend a week in one of those banca boats.....
+Bluebonnett52
I have lived over here for 3 years and no one even knows what mojo is! Good stuff ha ha
+Tukarama Mabuhay!
or Bull Frog for that matter.
grabeh ganda nrin pla ng gapo khit noon..dto na aq pinanganak at hanggang ngaun dto prin kmi..sa barretto kmi ng family q at nkpag asawa na aq at dto na aq sa jones ngaun..sna my calesa prin hanggang ngaun pra masaya..ehehe..
Damn, I just missed Olongapo, I've been working right there somewhere in Subic Shipyard for almost 3 years by the year 2007 to 2010. People are all friendly and kind. I just missed the nightlife there in Calapandayan and Gordon Ave.a lot of happenings goin down there. The singing bands, the gurls, the fun, the goodtimes,,, I'm hoping to get back and work in there...
I was in Subic Bay in 1971 - 1973 and again in 1974! I was in the Navy Seabees and the first deployment we moved 49 houses into the Kalyann for officer housing. I have seen these houses in other Subic Bay videos.
I find the Olongapo people well educated. My stepdaughter made the honor roll the first 9 weeks she was here in the USA.
I was in Olongapo in 1975-76 on the USS Oriskany. Loved the Atmosphere of the city. A young sailor's dream.
Beautiful video, am glad it's going strong. My best, and worst memories were there. I was on the Midway for 4 years, VA-115, we were there alot whenever the ship went into dry dock. Grew up alot there.. I still miss it and the great people to this day..
BM3 Charles Abbott, USS Enterprise CVAN-65, 1975 and 1976..... Loved that place .......
hello shipmate... am glad I finally met my Midway Shipmate... I was also assigned in that Attack Squadron VA-115...as an Aviation Storekeeper... also I was the Operation Officer of Midway DAT..
I was in VA-115 also. Power plants and AIMD Jet Shop. 1978-80. Loved the PI so much that I re-enlisted for shore duty there in the Cubi Pt. Jet Shop. Station Dito!
Wow! I need to go back and see all this! Worked there late1960's Continental Restaurant own by then late Mayor Amelia Gordon, Dick Gordon's mom. Left in 1972....Amazing!
Salamat talaga sayo....., Bute madami pang mga kagaya neto. gusto ko pang makita
ang dating Gapo....
Thanks Bro for creating this video. I been longing this place where I was born and grew up. It touches my heart that i cant stop the tears fell in my eyes for what I feel that you brough me back to the place and remember all good memories lies in my heart that remains last forever THANK YOU BRO'
Outstanding job. The memories are still vivid in my mind. I loved Olongapo. It looks fantastic today.
We're you on the Midway in supply ???
BRAVO!!! Thank you for posting.....Outstanding work.....again.... thank you... batang gapo din ako....
i miss it talaga...sad to say we left during my highschool days...watching it,makes my heart pound...
thats where i met my first love...and till now,i love him still
The movie states Pre-70's before Jeepneys. But the Jeepneys were there in 1965 through 1967 when I was there between tours in the Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club off of Viet Nam on the USS Ranger and the USS Constellation.
I was there 63 - 65 on the USS Midway. Best westpac port of all. San Miguel at the Acacia club. Bartender sweeping chickens off the bar with his arm, and the family pig wandering in where long ago there might have been a back door. And no seat on the ancient toilet. Climb up and squat on the rim - like everybody else.
I know the Ranger well. Used to tie up in Alameda with Midway and Oriskany. Ranger had terrible boiler problems back then. Headed for Westpac ran into trouble and had to turn around for Hunters Point for a new boiler system.
Sad to see how Olongapo has changed. Remember seeing totally naked savages shopping at the open market place. And the little Nigritos with their hand out, begging for a few coins. I believe all the streets were dirt then. And you could smell the place for half a day before it appeared on the horizon. They should have left it the way it was.
i like the old subic bay
So, Olongapo was not even a city yet when my band and I arrived in March 1966! No wonder they had clay roads that were sprayed with oil by sailors to keep the dust down on Upper Kalaklan...Oh, but you can't beat nude floor shows in the clubs on Rizal Ave and Magsaysay Drive.. We were "barely legal" to be in the clubs but we had to do a job.... 16 year-old eyes got plenty of memories to carry around till now, 73..
Talking about those times with You I am smiling ear to ear. Love that time of my life. Also went to the port of Cebu for a short stay. Cebu was not like Olongapo at all.
I love OLONGAPO! Hope to be back so soon! :(
I was stationed there in 1975. THis shows what can be done when a government decides to work for the people, and improve their lives
Great pictures! Thank you for sharing these!
I love this wonderful video. Salamat
I was there twice. Once in early 1974 for Jest School, and then again later that year aboard the USS Okinawa before the Evacuations of Cambodia and Saigon in April of 1975.
Howard Meinert
I attended that jest training there in 1970 I was a marine 0311 and sent from Vietnam to take that training , we found it a training sent from God as we wasn't worried about the nva ...
So cool to get an accurate post. I was in Guam during that timeframe helping with the transfer of refugees enroute to Hawaii and CONUS.
In the late 70's I ate at SHAKEYS PIZZA! Located at the end of MAGSAYSAY adjacent to the roundabout. Pizza had a distinctive taste. Monkey meat? I loved the taste!
Monkey meat! Smelled like someone pissed on a campfire, but at your first taste it was lip smacking-good! Like something else we don't talk about. Used to buy 5 sticks at a time. Half way back to the ship (on a cattle car full of drunken sailors) and I wished I got more.
I was in Subic around four times in 1966, with the Hospital ship Repose. We brought wounded over from Vietnam, and they were then flown home from Clark AFB. Quite an exotic sight for a small town Illinois boy. I remember going over the bridge and the kids saying "hey, sailor, throw me coin", and we always did. San Miguel beer was 10% alcohol, and cost one peso, about 25 cents. Lots of nice people in the P.I., and also enjoyed R&R up at a national park, Pagsahan Falls, in the jungle.
I was stationed there 83 to 85/86...I always think of it and how great it was. The Filipino people and culture I miss so much. I hope to return.
I was fortunate to be there twice in the 80's. Great people and had a good time while there. Was saddened when the ash covered it over, but was really impressed by the courage of the people, and was impressed by what they've done to recover. May you have continued success! :) Thanks for the great memories and maybe one day i will get to visit your grand city again. :)
Was stationed at Cubi Clinic 75-77, had a blast thanks for the memories
Since I plan to return to the Philippines for good by October, 2017
I already have what areas I'm seriously considering to live out
my life in. Olongapo City I know I'm most familiar with because I
lived there before, despite the overall changes, Olongapo City
offers me several advantages. Being in my sixties, a widower
that was married 31 years to a wonderful Filipina, I prefer a
Filipina that is 3 to 10 years younger than me that is also a
widow.
we miss our old life in Gapo happy and simple i miss the old Gapo,,
Visited several times while on the USS Ranger from 1977-81. Loved the Philippines.
I was stationed on the Ranger from 72-76. 3 Westpacs and fell in love with the PI. Still fond memories!!
ahh, my old ship USS Ranger, home from 72 to 76 when I received orders to nas subic where I was station for 3.5 years. V-4 div
Was on Ranger in 83-86
It been twenty years since I walked those streets. I mis them. On my business card I still list Olongapo City, Phillipines. It open doors and makes freindships.
Say hi to the Brown 🦊 for me from Jeff , tell mamasan I said hi and I miss Violet Boday. I still love her and would love ❤️ to hear from her on the internet. Thanks
The Brown Fox was gone long ,long ago.
Was there 79 80 81 ... trained on Green Beach...lived in Camp Tamez..Clubed at the Airport..drank San Miguel and Mojo...took girls to Mink Lodge room cost $10 dollars.. still have ticket 34 yrs later. ..
Don Adams, your comment I can say is good for you, you still kept the ticket from the Mink Room
After 34 years, that's amazing. I'm planning to return to the Philippines for good & live out my
life there. I met my late wife of 31 years a little over 40 years ago in Olongapo City on 1/16/1975.
We got married on 4/5/1979, over 4 years after we met, we stayed married up to 3/6/2010, had
3 children. My late wife passed away on 3/6/2010, she was a wonderful wife, wonderful mother,
wonderful woman. My late wife & I have beaten the critics who said our marriage wouldn't last
no more than 5 years. Here is a question, where were those critics at on 3/6/2010 when my wife
Passed away in St. Joseph's hospital in Loser City Tucson, AZ at? The answer is NOWHERE TO
BE FOUND. Olongapo City is one of my 4 choices in the Philippines that I want to live out my life
in, the other 3 are in Masbate City on Masbate island, Legazpi City & Matnog, Sorsogon province
in Bicol region.
@@christopherorourke6362 how are you now my friend
There in '72, loved it. Noticed you didn't put what we called the river under the bridge to main gate.😂
My first sister in law was filipina-hawaiian, beautiful girl but--Surprise!, insanely jealous.
People were nice and I've never been around happier people, yet many had practically nothing.
I'd love to go back but.....too old now.
Did several debts there attached to the USS Midway 86-88, left prior to the volcano eruption that covered Subic Bay and Cubi pt. in ash. Great time, great people, so happy they were able to rebound, really miss that place.
You should come back 😊
I miss my parents. ,,l feel. They. Still. Alive , when every. Time. I'm in. Olongapo. ,,,i cant. Forget. This. Place. From. ,ma. Meiko medina. Llevado,,,,,
FTN Mojo Club was a good watering hole. Also spent many a night in Fillmore East. Now living permanantly in Baguio City.
USS Okinawa West Pac 1984 will never forget my time there USMC C Co 1/9 weapons platoon, shooting pool at the Brown Fox and drinking beer man those were the days we were so young and had no clue but what a time in life...I can still remember my Pinay girlfriend she wrote me for 3 years after I left there.
Wow. I was on the USS Okinawa with H&S 1/9 in WestPac 85 (Fall). Enjoyed the PI very much.
it was so much better when the base was there i remember it becoming ghost town when the americans left
The whole area was devastated when the Yanks pulled out,but no matter,the Chinese are now flooding in.
@@Kwanglebeh It's sad. We were sold to chinese. I wish, you never left but of course, I understand that you only respected our country's stupid decision.
Visited Subic Bay 1981-1983 as crew member aboard USS Midway. Had a great time- Kong's, The Corkroom. Visited San Narcisco up the coast- beautiful! Many fond memories.
I used to work in Cork Room Cellar as a cashier in the basement in 1980 81 and 82
@@susanreyes3958 hii,mam baka po may naka work kau na Rhea Ang name, hinahanap ko po important po kc ung tao na Yan sakin,sana po mahelp mo ako...baka sakali lang,tanx...ito pp fb acc ko Cerela opiniano Acala
I was stationed there for 9 months with NMCB 74, 82,83. The best place on earth at the time. I'll always miss those days.
Stationed there with A Company Marines and FSD (Customs) and went back for 5 months with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines (3/7) prior to heading over to Desert Shield/Storm. I miss that place and the people.
I miss the bar called the Fur Trader in Olongapo. It was the only bar I would go to during the two port stops I made there. And I stayed with the same bar girl both times. She went by the name Marsha De La Cruz, but her real name was Marcia Boromeo. I miss her too.
It does look a lot cleaner today... but not as much fun!
Today it looks like a chaotic,dirty shithole,but they widening the streets,the Chinese money is coming in.
The bars are gone
Love from the USA 😊🙏🏻❤️🇵🇭🇺🇸
I was in the P.I. In 1986 with VMFA-232 Red Devils. Anybody with any video, please post. Semper Fi!
I miss this place where we stayed from 1985-1992 I was 5 years old then..We left after the Mt.Pinatubo eruption..I experienced how Mt. Pinatubo erupted and the 1986 people's power revolution..so many memories..I hope I can visit again the ulo ng Apo..
I love this music the time when I was there. Thanks ❤
Some day would like to return. Just love the people and the atmosphere.
I travel in some part of the world and no place like Olongapo.I missed it so much the friendly people and how they helped each other that amazed me most of all.The musicLand for me.
I was there in 1972 5 times ,did not realize I was having the best time of my life,
Oh yes! I remember MARMONT when I was little. I grew up in Olongapo city in the 60's. I have fond memories as a child growing up in that fabolous and glamourous city by the bay.
Missed mu childhood despite of months of stay in olongapo talagang na enjoy ko ang buhay little amerika that days bih red apple, large pizza christmas and new years wd my sisters and most my parents, swim in a free beaches near roads at bgy. Barretto, fresh pandesal at kessing and perimeter road. Although om livin in a super higpit na mha ate ko ma bawal lumabas ng house 😂 😂 😂 i love that memories. Now dko na makilala ang olongapo parang sta. Cruz traffick at puro muslim shop a lot of fake items even sm mall parang isetann lang sa carriedo. Spirit of olongapo already dead..
I was on the Saratoga 1972 first time to Olongapo. Been there many times on my two tours on Midway. Station Dito VC-5 1989-92. Ang Puso ko sa Philippines!
VAW-123 Suckin 60 From Dixie! USS SARATOGA, wasn't always much on looks BUT she was fast as shit! 35 kts. Year before we sank TWICE on one cruise!
I served with you USS Midway (VA-185) 86-90, Good days, ATAN Sanchez.
Was there in 1965 on the uss Roberts destroyer shit hole city
My very first liberty there was on Tuesday, November 26, 1974
when I was stationed aboard the USS Blue Ridge LCC-19 that
was homeported in San Diego, CA. The navy liberty in the
Philippines in Olongapo City & the Bario Baretto & Subic
plus Manila was the very best liberty I had in the Navy all
During my very first Westpac. I met my late wife of 31 years
on Thursday, January 16, 1975, we got married over 4 years
Later, we stayed married, had 3 children. My wife passed
away Saturday, March 6, 2010. She was a wondrful woman,
wife, mother. I wasen't ready for marriage at 21, but I was
at 25, my wife was a little over 2 years older than me, so
when we got married, I knew that I had married the right one.
Since I reentered the dating world, I will only date women
that are Filipina & only Filipina women.
nice memories
Barrio Barreto was awesome. I liked it there cause of the beach and it wasn't as hectic and gritty as Olongapo and Subic and still plenty to do. I served aboard U.S.S. Midway.
And in 79 became the 7th fleet flag ship. I rode on the USS Oklahoma cv-5 to San Diego to decommission it after being in the USS Midway for 2 years
What I love about this video was I got to see Shakey's Pizza parlor, ate there many times lol
Married a Filipina in 77 at 21 years old. 38 years of marriage and 3 boys before divorce.
The only thing missing from the opening pic of the fountain would be a nice packet of SEA DYE marker. I clearly remember when the bus terminal cuaght fire and burned like a Roman candle in mere minutes. I watched it from the Runway Bar on Gordon ave. just around the corner. I occasional slept on a table there when I failed to get back to base before curfew.
They also did SGT. Pepper front to back and sounded JUST LIKE THE BEATLES !!! They were the BEST COVER BAND I EVER HEARD !! And I lived in Hollywood !!!
In 1971 they had a band in the EM club that played Johnny Cash and did a parody of the Ballad of the Green Berets called The Ballad of Subic Bay. Everyone loved it.
That was a great video, so much memories! thanks for sharing
I had the pleasure of visiting with WestPac '87 as part of India Company 3/1. 11:23 "Passage to Subic Naval Base" (over Shit River - who can forget that smell?) Aside from the smell of the river separating the base from town, I love and miss the Philippines. The people were warm, hospitable, generous, beyond kind and forgiving - I will be back soon.
+Paul Gianni WestPac '87 with I/3/1? USS Cayuga? Then, aside from the smell of the "Passage" you probably also remember the smell of diesel in my AmTrac as we hit Shemya in the Aleutians...or Thailand or Korea. Good times. - 2nd Plt, A Co. 3rd AABN. -- Semper Fi.
I was a PFC in India Co., 1st Platoon, 1st Squad. Who could forget the splash to Shemya and getting caught in the blizzard? Didn't we do three consecutive 45 degree rolls on the Cayuga? Thanks for the ride to shore!
I remember a lot of 45 degree rolls in the Aleutians. Damaged the superstructure and we had to make port in Yokosuka. Flat bottom LSTs are not meant for those types of conditions. At Shemya we returned to ship same day and avoided the blizzard...but getting back to ship was crazy. The stern gate was coming out of the water so that, if your timing were off, you'd get smashed and sunk by it. But, didn't you guys get to watch the SuperBowl on Shemya? That's the rumor among the trackers...as if you had it easy or something... We must've gone through Wog Day together, too. We were with 3/1 from Panama to the WestPac and then back to Pendleton. That was a kick-ass deployment!
I started out a wog but became a Golden Shellback because we crossed the equator where it intersects the international date line. First Platoon did not see the Super Bowl - that was a long time ago, but I believe we spent a night or two on the island. Actually, we did and had to be brought back on a CH-46, but had to wait for water that was calm enough to land on the deck. No big deal because one team wins, one team loses and my life continues like it did yesterday. Semper Fi!
Yep. Golden Shellback. Still have that certificate somewhere...and memories of the ass-beating that preceded it. Semper Fi.