My first deployment in 1981 (on board Nimitz), we spent Christmas in Naples. I had duty on Christmas day, but got off the ship on Christmas Eve. Found out later that it was the last boat ashore as the weather was turning bad. Came back that night, no boats.
We got a hotel room, away from fleet landing near a little bar we called the Lowenbrau house. Next morning, back to fleet landing, no boats. But free breakfast on the USS
Coontz tied at the pier. Told to check back around noon.
Back out into town, wandering around. At noon, still no boats, but informed about free Christmas dinner at AFSOUTH (the NATO base). So we head to AFSOUTH. Stuffed ourselves and headed back to fleet landing. Still no boats, told to come back in the morning.
More bars, then a hotel room. Next morning weather had calmed down and got back to the ship.
Wow!!! Got out of a duty day!!
Fast forward to 1995 and my LAST deployment to the Med on Eisenhower. Had signed up for the tour to Pompeii and had the duty the day before the tour. Guess what? the weather turned bad and boating was secured. My relief (I was Combat Systems duty section leader) was stuck ashore and I had to stand duty a second day in a row.
It took 14 years, but the Navy got their duty day back from me.
Thanks guys for the great stories.rlmorel was fun seeing you pic:)