My dad was XO on the USS Bristol (DD 857) during the Cuban Missile Crisis...I have always loved that class of destroyer. They seemed very well designed.
I was lead navigator on the Ault when my enlistment was up and I almost extended for 6-months to go on a Med cruise, but I had plans for going back to college.
I loved the Ault...great proud ship and crew, always spotless clean and I came very close to hanging around.
You may have read James Hornfischer’s excellent book, “The Last of the Tin Can Sailors”. Absolutely wonderful book detailing the Battle off Samar, the last ship to ship battle that took place in the U.S. Navy’s history.
Hornfischer is an outstanding military writer and this book reads like a novel.
Remember Pearl Harbor tomorrow...I’m sure I don’t have to mention it to you.