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The Companies had the platoons involved in classes and exercises as much as possible during the day in order to get the troops topside and into the fresh air. In addition it was not good policy to have young Marines just lying around in their bunk—so we kept them busy—with classes, PT out on the decks, inspections, etc. The ship’s command provided excellent chow in the mess halls and the meals were a highlight during the voyage. Evenings were reserved for movies, free time where troops could move about the ship freely and have some time to themselves. Each Company was expected to provide work details for the mess hall, guard duty and policing the living areas of the ship. Although officers of our BLT were provided officer’s quarters many of us spent as much time with our
troops as possible while trying not to be a nuisance. Officers quarters were nice —two man bunks, shower and head facilities, snacks from the officer’s galley 24/7 and room to relax with a small library. It was in this library that I was introduced to Ian Fleming’s ‘James Bond’ series. I had heard that JFK enjoyed this Author so I tried it and liked it. When I had a few minutes to relax I would often read while some of the other officers played cards, chess, etc. The Navy is big on separate living conditions for the ship’s officers and the enlisted crew
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