| I served on the Nan for three years. I was an EM2 and had enough of the Navy by this time. We were scheduled at the last minute for a North Atlantic cruise. The Navy was releasing guys from active duty early because of defense cuts and going on this cruise jeopardized my chances of an early out. The night before payday I stashed a bag with dress uniform and shoes under a bush near the gedunk and the next morning talked the paymaster into giving me my check. They were not to give checks because they we afraid this would happen. I walked off the ship in my work dungarees, grabbed my bag and walked up to the gym and changed. I hitchhiked off the base and to the Boston airport and flew home. I called five days later to be sure the Nan was gone and flew back and turned myself in.
I went to Captain's Mast three days later and received a $100 fine and a suspended bust. I went home for the last time two days later, 24 Aug 71. I was out 88 days early! I left as an EM2 with an Honorable Discharge.
|