Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

US Naval Base
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Photo credits: Guantanamo US Naval Base web site

After her time in the yards in Jacksonville, Fl. in '63

for repairs and refitting to handle newer equipment,

the "goose" spent time anchored off land

in the bay at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,

or GITMO, as known by the old salts,

for testing and a shakedown cruise.

While at work I remember testing my gun (40mm)

with the newer guidance system shooting the target

and then the cable attached to the plane pulling the

sleeve until the pilot radioed our captain for a cease fire.

But, it was not all work and no play,

as I am sure some of my shipmates

can remember my first and

my last attempt at horseback riding!

Photo credits: Guantanamo US Naval Base web site

Learn more about Gitmo here:

You can contact me at:

ussbetelgeuse at centurylink.net

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Old Salts Sharing Sea Stories Since 5-24-08

Last edited April 27, 2019