PHOTOEX

At the end of our mock fleet battles, with the carrier strike group claiming victory. All the American and Japanese ships came together for group photos. This was to be largest fleet formation in anyone's recent memory. There was the carrier, two cruisers, two submarines, a supply ship, and about twenty five destroyers and frigates. In the air were helicopters and fighter planes doing fly overs. Considering that one destroyer carries enough fire power to decimate a small country, you can imagine how impressive it was.

The USS CURTIS WILBUR was chosen to be in the third line of five, three ships back. That put us in the exact middle of the formation. The maneuvering prior to setting up the formation was dangerous. There were warships packed tightly into operating boxes while others where still steaming in groups. I was conning during this time during last watch and pitch black seas. My attention was wavering between the navigational radar and taking bearings on a Japanese destroyer in front of us. All I could see of the destroyer was it's stern light. I was making minor course and speed adjustments all night to stay exactly behind it at the distance required.

When all the ships were positioned correctly a helicopter flew by and took pictures of the formation. All hands were required to stay below decks until the exercise was finished. I was relieved just prior to lining up the formation so I quickly went back to the flight deck to take a look at all the ships around us before going below. It really was an awesome sight, one I may never see again.