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As a veteran of the carrier USS Coral Sea CVA-43 I applaud PBS for bringing to light the living conditions and other aspects of life on-board a carrier. I was 19 years old when I reported aboard and had absolutely no idea of what awaited this small town greenhorn. My hometown was as white bread Middle America as one could imagine. Especially since in this town someone of Eastern European ancestry was considered to be a minority.
I lived and learned from people from across the US, Mexico, and Asia. My perceptions were changed for the better and I consider my time in the Navy equal to my BS degree with regard to my understanding of people.
I do take issue with the title “City of Lost Children”. They are young adults. One may enter boot camp as a kid, but I will guarantee you, one does not stay a child for long. We put our lives on the line and to refer to those who are serving on active duty as “children” is an insult. I would also like to note during Vietnam those who served on the flight deck (the roof rats) had a higher casualty rate than those in the infantry.
I urge you to change the title of the article.
