The Mars class ships (AFS) were sort of like a disposable butane lighter. They were never intended to be restored in the ship yards. They were planned to have a short life time. But as many of us know that served on them they went Far past their calculated time.They had some weird things to. Like plumbing unions built in the bulkheads like they would never fail & have to be replaced. Some things were a nightmare to work on because of that temporary service idea in the design. Still I loved AFS-6
The opening vertrep shot looks like HC-6, Det 6 aboard the USS Seattle from July 77 through Feb 78. We had side numbers 12 & 14 and our stubwings were painted yellow as in the opening shot. I was in HC-6 from Sept 76- Jan 80 and again from July 92 through Nov 94.
Ah yes, the simple life. Back in the days when you had one job, and one job only. I can honestly say my time in a Navy helicopter squadron was not only the best, but easiest job I’ve ever had. As a federal employee with the Department of Navy, my responsibilities are 50 times greater, and I wear so many different hats, I literally work 8 days a week, and I’m still behind in my workload.
Wow ! Can be a small world ! My younger brother and I were on the USS San Diego AFS-6 from 78 - 82 we parted company when we reenlisted. MUCH later he was on you guessed it the USS Seattle !! He was on the Seattle during the Gulf War. One of 3 brothers Navy we all spent 8 yrs. got out he went back in and was only one to retire. Won't loan me any money either ha ! I refueld those birds quite afew times and was also on the Crash team. Fortunately we never had any problems.
Oh meant to say older brother was an AT first on the IKE then later the Saratoga. I got out as an EN1, younger brother got out then went back & retired as an MM1, older brother got at 8 yrs. like me as an AT1.
I am a Plank Owner AFS-7, my "day job" was maintaining the gun directors, but most of my time when we were out on the line was either on an UNREP team or cargo handling on the flight deck. I was pretty good with a fork truck positioning pallets - even in the middle of the night - but I was always careful. Another guy in my division had been on AFS-1 doing the same job and his truck went over the edge! He managed to jump into the safety net but the truck sank very quickly...
