A Rare Privilege

I visited my sister, Hasna in the Philippines in the summer of May 1987 along with my son, Asif, for nearly 3 weeks. My brother-in-law, late Major General Manaf was posted there as Bangladesh's Ambassador to Philippines from 1986-1991. Being a top ranking defense personnel, he had easy access to the administration, also as most civil posts were manned by ex-defense officials. I was there at the time of political unrest to oust Mr Marcos, the President of Philippine and to establish democratic governance. His opponent was Mrs Aquino.  

It so happened, the official visit by my brother in law to the US Naval base at Subic Bay took place during my stay with them. General Manaf generously included me and my son in his itinerary. I was overwhelmed to be at the US Naval base. Philippines hosted the American forces as a base in the Pacific in 1941 to counter any attack from Japan.

The base was lined along the coast of the Pacific Ocean on Philippines' side. It was a huge American township with the best possible facilities that could be offered. Along the base grew local business establishments to cater to certain needs for the base and also generate economic activities for the locals. I was amazed at the size and the well appointed establishment-- luscious greenery, beautiful neat lawns and gardens. The waterways lined with smart, large and small ships and boats, one stood above all, The USS MIDWAY CV-41, US Navy's oldest operational (combat) carrier, having been commissioned on September 10, 1945. Later the ship became a fleet of the U.S. Seventh Fleet off the coast of South Vietnam. During the final days of the Vietnam war, MIDWAY played a major role in evacuation of over 3,000 refugees. MIDWAY's aircraft flew 11,000 combat sorties over Vietnam.

We were welcomed at the base by Captain Richard A. Wilson, commanding officer of USS MIDWAY. We were housed for 2 nights at their beautiful guest bungalows overlooking the ocean. General Manaf, my sister Hasna and we were entertained to a wonderful luncheon by Rear Admiral Dennis M. Brooks, USN, Commander, Battle Force Seventh Fleet and his ever so friendly wife Dolores Katherine Gober. Others at the luncheon were Captain Richard A. Wilson, Commanding officer, Captain Micheal B Nordeen, Executive officer and their wives. 

Just before sunset, we boarded USS MIDWAYCV-41. General Manaf was given a full Naval Guard of Honour, with bugles and whistles. We were told it was one of the smaller combat aircraft carriers but to me it was a massive structure of iron and steel. It is a 67,000 ton vessel housing 4500 people and up to 80 aircrafts. Its mission is to act as a first line of defense for United States and its allies. We went around the entire ship and witnessed from the bridge the takeoff and landing of F/A-18 HORNET and A-6 INTRUDER which was demonstrated for us. The Sikorsky SH-3H Helicopter is the versatile aircraft aboard USS MIDWAY. Its primary mission is to combat submarine forces that may pose any threat to USS MIDWAY and its battle group. There were other rescue helicopters flown by non-combat women pilots. 

We later went to dine at one of the office's mess halls. The streets within the base were dotted with stylish Bars with live bands, cinemas, stores, restaurants, a large hospital and residences. 

USS MIDWAY is now docked at Navy Pier San Diego. The decommissioned ship now serves her final tour of duty in San Diego, home to one third of the Pacific Fleet and a large cadre of the MIDWAYs former crew.

The writer is a Member of the Reading Circle, Dhaka.