Good morning, My name is Carl
Kilhoffer and I was a Beach Jumper from April ’67 to
December ’69.
Today I would like us, one more
time, to think of our Beach Jumper experiences. Most of
those thoughts are with fond memories – not as war
heroes or Sgt. Yorks, but just of young men doing a
necessary job, not expecting or seeking fanfare or
recognition; that would be left up to others.
Where were we in those years of
the challenging 60’s and early 70’s? We were here in
Coronado, at Little Creek, in Okinawa, Subic Bay,
Taiwan, and Vietnam….
Vietnam - what a life altering
experience.
We were there, in IV Corps, on the
peninsula and Sea Float, on the canal network between
Vietnam and Cambodia with sensors, and in I Corps
carrying out ground ops with the Marines in the Qua Viet
River area.
Our orders took us to the Carrier
Group Commander Staff, to shouldering Fleet Tugs (ATF’s)
and Sub Rescue Ships (ASR’s) that kept the Russian Intel
Gathers (AGI’s) at bay.
Our memories should not stop
there; remember the afloat teams with Commander Task
Force (CTF) 76, the in-country detachments that rode the
riverine "small boys" and then to the little ships,
"Cans", made big by electronic magic.
Throughout all of this we had some
great support activities to provide refuge in down
times: Subic Bay, White Beach and MCAF, Futema.
On the home front we were made
ready with trips to Nebraska Ave (NSA) in DC – the
Amphibious Operations Training at Little Creek and
Coronado – how about Jump School at Lakehurst, NJ and
with the 1st Special Forces at Kadena? Also
Demolitions School- Small Unit Tactics – SCUBA School –
Jungle Warfare – SEAL Cadre – Small Boat Tactics – hours
on the weapons firing line, swift repelling, and, the
all time favorite, SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance
Escape).
These all helped to transform us
from green kids to men, not so much outwardly (but for a
few pounds), but we absolutely were changed.
Changed because we grew with the
experiences of war.
The knowledge that severe injury
or death, of ourselves or our buddies, was a real
possibility. And when the possibility became a reality,
we saw shipmates leave us forever.
Today we have come together to
recognize two young sailors who didn’t have the
opportunity to fully know that change. The change that
each of us who returned alive now knows.
Along with the other memories that
shaped our lives as young men in war, let us remember
their lives and contributions.
You know, it wasn’t necessary to
be a Vietnam Veteran to feel that transformation, but it
is necessary to recognize that having been a Beach
Jumper, we quietly contributed to the security of our
great country.
We are proud to have served with
those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you.
Capt. Carl Kilhoffer, BJU-1.
