Arthur Woods Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
Arthur C. Woods
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateOctober 14, 2015
PeriodVietnam War
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Arthur C. Woods. OHP.087
Object numberOHP.087
DescriptionArthur Woods served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11) as aviation storekeeper third class (AK3) from 1968 to 1969. The Museum recorded his oral history interview on October 14, 2015.See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
Arthur Woods began his oral history interview with his decision to join the U.S. Navy and his first months aboard ship. He was in the reserves for a year before he went on active duty. After working as a mess cook aboard Intrepid, Woods explained how his degree in finance and accounting and a prior job at Citibank got him a role in the Supply Department. He worked in S-1 as an aviation storekeeper, doing accounting for the ship.
Woods described his job duties. Primarily, he did bookkeeping, but he also helped to unload supplies. He recalled a time when he had to load sonar buoys, which were stored far below deck. Woods mentioned the ship’s informal barter economy. He also remembered a time when sailors threw supplies overboard in order to finish their task before liberty.
The interview then shifted to the context of the Vietnam War. Woods described himself and fellow crew as broadly supportive of the war and aware of the outcomes of squadron missions. He referenced Tony Nargi and the battleship USS New Jersey.
Next, Woods summarized conditions and activities aboard ship. He described berthing, food in the mess, sending mail, USO shows and Crossing the Line. He also recalled an accident on the 5-inch guns. Woods described his Brooklyn homecoming: his mother had left up a Christmas tree for his return in February so that he could celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
Woods closed his interview with a reflection on the impact of his service on his life. He was profoundly influenced by the chaplain and attended religious services. When other sailors went to bars in port, he and a friend went to the zoo. Woods later became a pastor.
The interview picked up again to capture Woods’ recollections of fires aboard ship.
Extent: 3 video files, 14 page transcript
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