I WAS ON THE MESS DECKS EATING SUPPER THAT NIGHT AND MY BROTHER, JOE, WAS ON DUTY IN THE PERSONNEL OFFICE. LIKE EVERYONE ELSE THAT ENDURED THAT CATASTROPHE, I WILL NEVER FORGET IT. IT SEEMS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY THAT IT HAPPENED. MY GQ STATION (7A, i BELIEVE) I WAS TOLD, WAS THE MAIN FIRE PARTY THAT FOUGHT THE FIRE, EVEN THOUGH AT A TIME OF CRISIS, THERE IS NO "MAIN PARTY". EVERY SAILOR HAS A JOB TO DO. I WAS THE NBC MONITOR MAN OF THE REPAIR PARTY, SO I HAD NO "REAL" PART IN THE ACTUAL FIGHTING. IT IS JUST A SHAME WE LOST SO MANY MEN.
I too was there. I was the Data Analyst for HS-4 and was working in my compartment when the first call for fire parties went out. And I was there when they called General Quarters. The others who shared my compartment were called to the flight deck, I was instructed to remain and man the compartment. After a time I too was ordered to the flight deck.
There we were, dead in the water, listing and smoking. Dark and eerie...a super carrier is not supposed to be dead in the water, listing and smoking.
When it was all contained and we were again underway I retired to my bunk and it was there that I heard the ship's chaplain naming those who had died. To this day my eyes still mist over thinking of that moment. And they always will.
My brother was one who lost his life, only 19 years old, I was 12... God Bless you for trying to help but from what I've been able to dig up there was not much anyone could have done... God Bless You. I was just hoping to find any pictures of my brother or the cruise book from that year but have had no luck...
My brother Michael Deverich was killed in the fire, this is always the worst time of year for me.... I feel we never got answers or recognition from the government or those who were in charge at the time. Come to the conclusion we never will. My dad went to his grave at 80 years old in 2000 still writing the give rent, higher officials etc. but died with no answers... My mom is now 95 , we go see Mike every Sunday after church.. I still see the sadness, loss & pain in her eyes to this day... So sad... God Bless You...
My brother Michael Deverich was killed in the fire, this is always the worst time of year for me.... I feel we never got answers or recognition from the government or those who were in charge at the time. Come to the conclusion we never will. My dad went to his grave at 80 years old in 2000 still writing the give rent, higher officials etc. but died with no answers... My mom is now 95 , we go see Mike every Sunday after church.. I still see the sadness, loss & pain in her eyes to this day... So sad... God Bless You...