| Either in 1964 or 1965 we were returning to Norfolk from a cruise when, two days from home, we had to replace another oiler that was unable to continue on her mission. This was with a large amphibious group heading to Spain. When had plenty of fuel oil on board so we turned around and met with the task group. I can't remember how long we were with them but I think it was about two weeks. We were running low on food but the Captain refused to take on supplies. I remember having pancakes and beans for breakfast several times. We were relieved on station and headed back to Norfolk. At this time the evaporators broke down and we couldn't take fresh water showers. After a few salt water showers everybody was starting to feel gamy. Luckily we hit a few rain showers. I was in O Division and bunked amidships. I noticed the rain water coming out of the drain hole from the forward port side refueling derrick so I took off my clothes, grabbed my towel and soap, and headed out onto the tank deck. I was able to take a nice fresh water shower. It wasn't long before everybody did the same thing. I thought for sure we would hear something from the bridge but we didn't so I guess they thought "why not? Maybe everybody would smell better."
We hit quite a few squalls so everybody got a chance to take a shower. However I did notice that the evaporators were fixed pretty quick.
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