I crossed decked from the Canopus to the Holland (The  Worlds Greated Tender) in Holy Loch,  My family and I enjoyed the tour in Scotland.

Reported aboard Hunley who was in the yard in Charleston. Took the Hunley over to Scotland to exchange it for Holland. Crew in Scotland were complete anal orifices. Took Holland through the yards and then back to Gitmo. Returned to Charleston to load out for around the world cruise including a three month stay in Diego Garcia. Left Charleston on course 089 degrees. Passed just south of Bermuda. Entered the med through the straights of Gibraltar and headed for Palma. Had three four days libs there but had to be back on board by 2400. Went through the Suez canal, red sea and then entered the Indian ocean. Upon arrival Diego Garcia we anchored and did not move for three month. We worked on 52 ships, two submarines and two airplanes.

Departed on schedule without any transit orders. Three days out, informed Sublant we were on our way to Australia. Stopped at Freemantle for three or four days, went on to the Panama Canal, I saw the Galapagos through binoculars, got a few hours of libs on the base but not enough time to go out in town. Pulled into Charleston on Sunday, the day before Columbus day. No one to greet us except wives. Had Monday off and Tuesday all hands turned to to relieve the tender on site. The first day in the moor we had six subs alongside and one up the river at the loading pier. Spent seven months at sea, didn't see a damn thing, worked our tails off in Diego Garcia for nothing, three days in Australia, big deal, had one day off with family upon return to port. Worst experience in 30 years in the navy. We were screwed over big time. Received 120 female female enlisted and officers prior to going to Diego Garcia. Within two weeks, all were parried off with men or women depending on which team they were on. Three months at sea, married women showing up two months pregnant. What a zoo the entire trip was. Many divorces on return to Charleston. Only a handful of the female enlisted and officers were worth a damn. The rest were along for the ride and other things. Very bad experience all around. Continued to work very hard until transfer in 1984. Took five officers to relieve me of all my duties. I was so glad to get the hell out of there. Crossed the equator twice, International date line, Panama Canal, and the Suez ditch. Very poor way to treat sailors. First Sub tender to circumnavigate the world. Did not receive one single honorable mention from Sublant or DC. If my little expose of the truth offends anyone, sorry, that is the way it was.

Hope everyone is well!!

Was nice going to Bermuda and Bahamas but Hurricane Bob sucked.

Just found out about this site I plan to become a member.  Some of my greatest memories of the Navy were aboard this ship.  Thank You to most of the people I served with.

thanks, it's good to have a link to the past

Looking for Schumacher

1983 world cruise, Sueze and panama canals. Spain, Diego Garcia. Perth Austrailia. We had a good crew in the optical shop and lots of friends in the R-4 macinery repair division and the instrument shop as well. I enjoyed my duty in Goose creek SC Pops pizza, and bar hopping around there. Made some great memories. If any of my shipmates  that knew me from the optical shop want to chat, just email me. I have a few pics to share.

 Checking for other guys I served with. Memory fades as time goes by,but I have had contact with some guys.

Would like to find other Shipmates from 1963 - 1966

It was good seeing the ship in the video be I could not find an other pictures on the site.

Great duty station. Peolpe were great. Met my best friend onboard Holland.

Left the USS Simon Lake on 01/01/08 from Holy Loch to transfer to the USS Holland, which I finished my 6 years with the Navy in October of 89