Carol Shenkenberger wrote:
> Well, these things happen.  It still wasnt easy on my relief as all those 
> troops were green to the job, but at least he had something to work with.

And I'm certain he appreciated that.

> Havent had an easy one since maybe "A" school instructor

I'd say "you poor thing", but somehow I get the impression you enjoy the 
challenges.

> Rare for me too but when the chance hits, it's a good thing to do for the guys.

Agreed.  :)

> Gompers eh?  Had orders there once but they fell though.

Yup - 1986-1990, Alameda CA.  She's now resting at the bottom of the 
Pacific.  She didn't sink easy, either:

On 21 July 2003 in a SINKEX operation by the US Navy, Samuel Gompers 
(ex-AD-37) and two other ships were sent to the bottom of the Atlantic 
ocean off the coast of North Carolina. The ships involved in the SINKEX 
included the famed USS Cole.

Of the three ships destroyed, Samuel Gompers was the last to be sunk and 
slipped beneath the waves at 0006 22 July 2003. The first Harpoon 
missile to strike Samuel Gompers was from USS Cole, designation: Cole 4. 
Reports indicate it took 16 Harpoon missiles (400 lbs each) and over 
40,000 pounds of ordnance to sink the Gompers.

When the Harpoons finished, a squadron of bombers dropped 2,000-pound 
bombs on her to sink her.

Samuel Gompers lies at 31° 17' N 073° 51' W

My last sight of her was 18 July 2003 as she was being towed to sea.  :(
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