Submitted by Paul & Kathryn Pflaum
Dear Coronado,
I arrived in your care in April of 1972 to begin my Navy enlistment at NASNI in what was then (since disbanded) Fleet Composite Squadron Three (VC-3). We provided aerial targets for the 32nd St. “Fleet” (and whoever else showed up), and also aerial targets for “Top Gun” training out of Miramar. I was the main Ordnanceman (I quickly found out) to prepare and get functional……all aerial targets with explosive capabilities needed to provide “the enemy” – – – that our pilots and destroyer gun crews would use to practice for “the real thing”…out of NASNI and also San Clemente Island.
My duty in Coronado and SCI would be known, to those not so lucky to be stationed there performing my duties, as: “Cake Duty”. I was an E-2 upon arrival in April of 1972. I left in August of 1975 as an E-5. Between E-2 and E-5 was a story of continually being questioned by those who were envious of my duty that my Father must be an Admiral…… or politician to get me stationed there. No – – – wrong – – – not so. I showed up at VC-3 on the Saturday before my 10 day travel time ran out on Sunday (the next day)……and never looked back. My orders stated “indefinite shore duty.”
I thank you Coronado for being an “upscale” city that had to “tolerate” we great unwashed sailors……that occasionally became the the reason the Navy Shore Patrol existed.
The wife and I are close to 70 now. I’m retired from Northwest Airlines (absorbed into Delta) and we’ll be visiting there in June and staying at the Del. We will expect changes over 45 years…but will still feel the familiarity and “home” feeling you provided while we were stationed there.
See you soon……
Paul & Kathryn Pflaum
