|
In the fall of 1958 the Chinese Communists were shelling the offshore islands of Quemoy and
Matsu in the Formosa Straits. The aircraft carrier USS Midway and her task force was hurriedly sent to the area to intercede on behalf of the Nationalist Govt. on Formosa. So began the long hours of flight ops, battle stations and refueling. Midway had a new "fighting skipper", Capt. J.T. Blackburn a WWII Corsair Ace and a "sailor's" captain and we knew we were in good hands for the coming cruise into perilous waters. He always seemed to take the time to talk with the crew as he prowled the flight deck and passageways of his ship. There are some great tales floating around about our captain and I'm sure they will all surface when the Midway reunion takes place. The crew would have followed him anywhere. I always felt it was a great privilege to serve under him. Sadly he passed away in 1994. |
|
CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE LARGER IMAGE
|
|
USS Midway on the prowl off Formosa Sept. 1958
|
|
CLICK ON THUMBNAIL IMAGES OR LINKS BELOW TO SEE LARGER PHOTOS OF MIDWAY
|
|
CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE LARGER IMAGE
|
|
Midway refueling two of her escorting destroyers in the South China Sea
|
|
1958 - 1959 Far East Cruise jacket patches
|
|
P4
|
|
You may contact me at anytime at either of the following email addresses
|
|
midway_joe@email.com
|
|
jbrig@qwest.net
|
|
Hong Kong
|
|
Japan
|
|
Philippines
|
|
Taiwan
|
|
China
|