I enlisted in the Navy in early May 1968, to avoid the Draft, because I knew where the Army would send me. Got my Draft Notice at home, while I was at Navy Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois. Was stationed on the West Coast, aka 32nd St San Diego and Long Beach Naval Station. Made my first Westpac Cruise in December 1968 in escort of the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk.
Only picture I have of myself back then is one of me at Basic Training Graduation in Sept 1968. Very short hair, skinny as in 98 pounds and 6 foot tall.
Actually, my wife prefers to see me sitting on a horse, rope in-hand, wearing Western clothes. Have to agree with her.