In 1991 on deployment on board the USS Bristol County LST-1198, we were scheduled to pull into Subic Bay, Philippines but the Volcano Mt Pinatubo near Angeles City erupted. The eruption was so massive it destroyed Clark Air Force Base and the ashes rained all the way down on Subic Bay. We were diverted to the island of Cebu and we became the Command and Control ship for the evacuation for all Military family members and civilians from Naval Station Subic Bay and Clark Air Force Base. We were anchored in Cebu harbor and I had an opportunity to go ashore to escort some evacuees. While on shore I ran into this little girl approx 10 years old selling cigarettes, gum and matches. I gave her my command ball cap from the ship. And where ever I went she followed me around.My shipmates were teasing me calling her my daughter. LOL! The picture was taken when I was waiting on the boat to take me back to the ship...one of the Marines that came ashore with me took this picture.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 01:06:14 +0000