U.S. Navy Casualty Evacuation Team #1 from Blair Gilbert (HM2) on September 15, 2012 at 07:23:24
Email: Blair Gilbert (HM2)

Fifty years ago this month. Hard to believe.

I was a member of the U.S. Navy Casualty Evacuation Team #1 (HM2). We were flown from the USNH in Memphis to Panama in October 1962. We boarded the Iwo Jima on the Pacific side when she started through the canal. Once through the canal we were high lined to the USS Thomaston where we served during the Cuban crisis.

The trip through the canal zone was one I’ll never forget. I still can’t believe that went off without a hitch! One of my shipmates took pictures and had promised to share copies with me but shortly after that situation I was transferred to Bethesda and we lost touch.

I’m wondering if there’s anyone that might have pictures of that crossing as I’d love to have copies of those memories.


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