Earlier this month while vacationing in Key West, FL and wearing my new ‘Semper Fi Fund’ shirt my wife and I came upon the Truman Annex and Naval Air Station. The plaque on the wall to my right reads:
SEMPER FIDELIS
October 1, 1977
The first United States Marines arrived in Key West with Commodore David Porter’s Pirate Hunting Fleet in 1823.
The Corps has played a vital role in the life of this island both in war and in peace intervals since that time. From 1939 until September 30, 1977 Marines were on continuous service at the United States Naval Base and Naval Air Station here. The city of Key West salutes the:
United States Marine Corps
Mark Hite, S/Sgt
RVN 1966-67, ’69-’70
Well I’ll be!!!!!! Mark you haven’t change a bit from the days in RVN to Camp LeJeune and the BLT 3/6 LANFORSIXFLT I-69.
I am still just north the Hite Family Estate on the East Coast.
Semper Fi, Friend
Be safe out on the West Coast
DJC
I was stationed at Key West Marine Barracks from 1965-67. Our C O was Major J O Black whh I also served under in Viet Nam.
I was stationed at Marine Barracks 1962-1964 as One of two “Duty Musicz” (aka Buglers) plus Gate Guards and even had a go at the Air Station Guarding the Weapons Complex. Great duty .
Dfoley1960-1973 Sgt
dfoley@cableone.net