JOINT TASK FORCE ONE

TECHNICAL STAFF

U.S.S. KENNETH WHITING (AV-14)

FLEET POST OFFICE

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

July 12, 1946

Dear Mom and Pop,

Well, I’ve finally gotten a permanent ship. It seems like I’ve been bouncing from one receiving station to another. That’s the reason why I haven’t written for a while because I wouldn’t get it anyway. I did receive four letters from you while I was on board the Mount McKinley. I only stayed there overnight, though. I’ve got so much to tell you that I don’t think I can tell it all in a letter. I think I may be home before long, but that’s just a rumor, so don’t pay any attention to it.

I really had some trip over here to Bikini. We came over here on a salvage ship, and I mean it was really rugged. It pitched and rolled like a matchbox. Boy, your sailor boy was sick as a dog the first two days. But, I finally got over it. I think I could stand any ship in the Fleet, after that trip.

Incidentally, we got initialed into the Bolden Dragon Society for crossing the International Date Line for the first time: You now have a bald-headed son because of it. I look just like I did in the first two weeks. Oh well, it was too long anyway. Well, I’ll have to close for a while, as I’m on duty up in the office this afternoon, but I will write again as soon as possible. Take care of yourself, now, and don’t worry.

All my love,

Alfred