Tex Trek '23 - Day 5

Fredericksburg, Texas

Friday, 24 March 2023

Today was our first full day here in Fredericksburg, Texas for a reunion with folks we served with in Japan back in the mid-1990s.

To start off the day, Van Henley and I went to the National Museum of the Pacific War. The museum was established here because Fredericksburg is the home of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz.

Van and I served together on USS Independence (CV-62) where we were “dual-hatted” as both the ship and Battle Force SEVENTH Fleet Intelligence and Public Affairs Officers respectively.

The museum is fantastic with numerous fascinating artifacts on display.

Is this something?

Here’s a hatch from USS Arizona (BB-39):

This was a fascinating display:

Here’s a B-25B like that flown in the Doolittle Raid:

The famous Jeep:

Some amazing stats about the B-29 Superfortress:

I thought this was interersting:

And how about this:

A replica of Fat Man dropped by Bockscar on Nagasaki:

As we try and get into WW III as fast as possible, it’s worth pondering this stat of JUST THE PACIFIC WAR:

Sound leadership advice:

Back at the campground, Maddie enjoyed a little grass and sun:

Seen on an RV near us:

Me and 10-year old Fritz who belongs to Hardy and Karen Kircher, good friends from our time in Japan.

Rear Admiral Tom Fellin, former commanding officer USS Independence, Jay Bo, Captain Hardy Kircher, former Executive Office USS Independence, and Karen Kircher.

And here are the lovely ladies responsible for this wonderful reunion:

Missy Henley, Frieda Gureck, Carolyn Grubb, Tina Fellin, Karen Kircher and Margaret Sale.

Here’s to wonderful friends and a fantastic Japan reunion!

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Tex Trek '23 - Day 4

Tex Trek '23 - Day 6