May 1978, we steamed at max speed in zero visibility for 32 miles from Ft Walton Beach, Fl to Escambia Bay to conduct rescue and salvage ops of a Boeing 727 airliner crash. We and they were lucky, only 3 deaths. I pass that spot at least twice a month and I still remember the events vividly each time.

It was quite the experience for a 19 year old Seaman Apprentice.