I was on the Midway from 83 to 85, had a blast. Olongapo was definitely a wild place. It does not exist anymore, well at least the way we knew it back in the day.
I was an AO3, ships company on the Oriskany back in '73-'74. Had a great time on that cruise. Lived with a Filipino family off base when in-port. Went back to Olongapo in January 2015 to see if I could find some of my Filipino family. Some of the neighbors came out, to see what I was doing I guess, and started helping me in my search. We couldn't find any of the neighbors that could remember them. They instructed me to bring pictures next time! I plan on dong that on my next trip and may find some long lost friends. As for the town, as John Register stated, it's nothing like it used to be, but still I had a great time. The base is not converted into a Tourist Destination complete with shopping,casino's, and hotels. I did find one of my favorite after hours eateries, Kongs. Still in business and owned by the same family. ...and still serves some really good food.
Dan, I served with you on the O Boat, G Div. I was on the 3rd deck crew. My name is Greg Wefel. We did Hong Kong together - you can find me at milehighplumbing@netptc.net
That was published one month after I left the Midway.
ReplyDeleteI was on the Midway from 83 to 85, had a blast. Olongapo was definitely a wild place. It does not exist anymore, well at least the way we knew it back in the day.
ReplyDeleteI was an AO3, ships company on the Oriskany back in '73-'74. Had a great time on that cruise. Lived with a Filipino family off base when in-port. Went back to Olongapo in January 2015 to see if I could find some of my Filipino family. Some of the neighbors came out, to see what I was doing I guess, and started helping me in my search. We couldn't find any of the neighbors that could remember them. They instructed me to bring pictures next time! I plan on dong that on my next trip and may find some long lost friends.
ReplyDeleteAs for the town, as John Register stated, it's nothing like it used to be, but still I had a great time. The base is not converted into a Tourist Destination complete with shopping,casino's, and hotels. I did find one of my favorite after hours eateries, Kongs. Still in business and owned by the same family. ...and still serves some really good food.
I can't find any way to edit my post. It should say that the Base HAS BEEN converted into a tourist destination. Sorry for the typo...
DeleteDan,
ReplyDeleteI served with you on the O Boat, G Div. I was on the 3rd deck crew. My name is Greg Wefel. We did Hong Kong together - you can find me at milehighplumbing@netptc.net