CASTLE'S COMMAND

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

EPILOGUE

Author's Note: As I've stated before, while this AU story aligns with the major events in our timeline individual incidents, including ships and how they were actually used may be fictionalized.

Headquarters, United States Navy, Washington DC, o1 May 1968.

"Admiral Warner will see you now, Admiral Castle."

Castle walked into the admiral's office, came to attention and said;

"Admiral Castle reporting as ordered sir."

"At ease, Admiral. Take a seat. Would you care for coffee?"

"Yes sir, thank you sir," The coffee served, Admiral Warner said;

"Your tour of duty as base commander is over in July. Have you given any thought of what you'll be doing next?"

"I've several ideas, but noting definitive yet."

"The navy has a project that we think you would be perfect for, but before I go any further, I should warn you that it is classified secret at this point."

"Go ahead sir,"

"We have been experiencing unacceptably heavy losses in attack aircraft in Vietnam. The Battleship New Jersey has been recommissioned, upgraded and is intended for the shore bombardment role. To take out targets while staying out of range of enemy guns. A squadron will be built around the New Jersey. A guided missile cruiser two guided missile destroyers and four general purpose destroyers. The squadron is yours, if you want it."

"I'll have to discuss it with my family. Not the mission of course, but that it will be a sea command. Pending their approval, I want the command."

"You may tell them that the mission is in Southeast Asia, but that's all, for this time. As the mission moves closer to launch, it will be too big to keep under our hats, but we'll still keep as much classified as we can. We will need your answer within the week."

"You'll have it, sir.

"Very well, Admiral, dismissed."

As soon as Castle got back to San Diego, he signed out, and was driven home. That evening a family meeting was held and the mission discussed.

Toward the end Rick said;

"It will probably be my last sea command and last command before retirement. It will probably last eight months but might go up to a year."

"Kate said;

"There will be R and R half way through So it won't be so bad. Other families go through it okay, so will we. Go ahead."

Rick put a call through to Washington and accepted the command.

Naval Base San Diego, 01, July 1968.

Admiral George Kelly saluted Admiral Richard Castle.

"I relieve you sir."

Castle returned the salute and replied;

"I stand relieved sir." They shook hands and Castle left for the second ceremony of the day. Standing on the foredeck of the U.S.S. New Jersey, Rick read out his orders finishing with the phrase;

"I assume command of this squadron."

The squadron consisted of the battleship New Jersey, the guided missile cruiser Los Angeles, the guided missile destroyers Buchanan, and Lawrence and the conventional destroyers John Paul Jones, Barry, Decatur and Somers

The New Jersey was armed with nine sixteen-inch guns in three turrets and twenty, five-inch guns in ten turrets. All of her twenty- and forty-millimeter guns had been removed when she was modernized. Her radar and other electronics had been a large part of her upgrade.

The two guided missile destroyers were of the Charles F. Adams class. Armed with two five-inch guns, an ASROC* launcher, six torpedo tubes in two mounts and one dual missile launcher for Tartar or Terrier anti- aircraft missiles.

The four conventional destroyers were of the Forrest Sherman class armed with three five-inch guns, four three-inch fifty guns six torpedo tubes in two mounts and an ASROC launcher.

The guided missile was the U.S.S. Los Angeles a former heavy cruiser now converted. She was armed with six eight-inch guns in two turrets. Her aft turret and guns had been replaced with two twin rail missile launchers for Tartar or Terrier missiles. She also carried ten five-inch guns in dual mounts and six three-inch fifties in dual mounts.

Castle went home that night with the good news that the squadron wouldn't be sailing until the second of September, and they'd be conducting exercises locally so Rick would be home most nights and see the kids off to the first few days of the school year. Alex would be a junior, Jo a freshman.

Naval Base San Diego, 02, July 1968

Castle met with his staff and the captains of the squadron's ships. Captain Carl Withers was castle's deputy commander. Commander Edward Maynes was his operations officer. Captain Keith Hathaway was the Captain of the New Jersey. Captain Walter Carroll commanded the Los Angeles. Castle didn't try to memorize the destroyer's captain's names that first day. He would get to know them over the next two months.

In light of their main mission, the squadron spent most of its' training time on the ranges on San Clemente Island. Not only with the visual and radar sighting, but coordinating with both spotter aircraft and Marine forward observers. A Large part of the operations officer's job was integrating the various ships into the firing plan.

Lemon grove California, 17, August 1968.

A joint birthday party was held for Alex and Jo on Saturday as it was midway between their birthdays and this year both dates were on a Tuesday and school would start on Monday. There were twenty teens at the party equally divided between the two children's friends. The party was held on the patio., where the teens could dance, with the proviso that if the music got too loud or anybody got rowdy, Rick would shut the party down.

Kate had provided finger food and snacks, sodas and the cake. Except for the cutting and serving of the cake, Rick and Kate stayed inside so that they could supervise the party without interfering. The party was a success. The only problem occurred when two girls wanted to dance with Alex at the same time. It almost turned into a fight but Kate stopped it before it got to be more than name calling.

As it always does in this type of situation time passed too quickly and at last week of August, it was time for the Grossmont game. It turned out to be the best kind of game, close and hard played, Helix winning by a touchdown with four seconds on the clock Alex made three critical plays. One touchdown, and two critical first downs. Rick was very happy to be able to see the game before he sailed.

San Diego Bay, 03, September 1968.

Kate and the children stood on the pier and watched as the squadron departed. It was Tuesday, a school day, but Kate had written notes allowing the day off. The squadron touched at Pearl and Subic Bay before sailing on the twenty-fifth for her first tour on the gunline along the Vietnamese coast, near the seventeenth parallel.

Off the coast of Vietnam, near the DMZ, 30, September 1968.

Admiral Castle trained the heavy 10x50 binoculars on the coastline.

"Pass the order to all ships, commence firing."

For the first time in over sixteen years, the New Jersey was firing her guns in battle. Firing thirty sixteen-inch shells against NVA targets near the DMZ, at the seventeenth parallel.

On October first, the squadron took up station off Tiger Island -and fired on targets north of the DMZ, then moved south to engage the Viet Cong, destro0ying eight bunkers, three supply trucks and an anti-aircraft installation. On the third and fourth of October the squadron moved south of Tiger Island, and fired on more communist troops both NVA and Viet Cong, destroying more bunkers and breaking up a regimental size attack on U.S. Marines. On the seventh, the destroyers engaged a flotilla of supply vessels on the Song Giang river sinking twelve of them before they could land and drop off supplies.

"Rather a noisy first week gentlemen, Castle said; But all reports say that we've been very effective and to boot, no attack aircraft have been lost this week."

On the eleventh, the squadron was attacking a coastal installation hen a report from a spotter plane located a large truck convoy north of Nha Ky The squadron shifted targets, destroying or inflicting heavy damage on the entire convoy.

From the twelfth through the fourteenth, the New Jersey shelled the fortified Vinh caves setting several installations on fire and sealing one cave. Late on the fourteenth the New Jersey shifted her fire to the coastal artillery sites on Hon Matt Island, destroying two batteries.

On the sixteenth the squadron took position to support the U.S. 3rd Marine division using both sixteen and five-inch guns destroying fourteen structures and an artillery site, also halting the progress of an enemy company moving to attack.

On the seventeenth, the squadron moved to support the First Field Force, but foul weather kept spotter planes grounded until the twentieth. But the squadron made up for lost time by destroying a Viet Cong command post and ten bunkers in support of the 173rd Airborne Brigade who were operating fifty miles north of Nha Trang.

The next day, the squadron maneuvered into the Baie de Van Fong to fire on Viet Cong positions but poor visibility prevented any damage estimates.

On the night of the twenty-third, the squadron sailed north to rearm before tacking up position to support the 3rd Marne Division, shelling enemy troops on the twenty-fifth.

The next day the squadron engaged targets of opportunity along the DMZ destroying some fifteen bunkers and twelve other structures, a large observation tower and an enemy trench line. The squadron then came under hostile artillery fire but it seemed to be concentrated on the battleship, but all the shells fell short, not hitting the New Jersey or any other ship of the squadron.

The enemy artillery kept at it too long. An aerial observer spotted the position and called in the coordinates. The New Jersey and the Los Angeles fired a full salvo each. The enemy rounds had fallen short. The American's didn't. Four Russian made one hundred fifty-millimeter guns were destroyed.

On the twenty-eighth, the squadro0n steamed south to engage more communist targets. During the shelling, aircraft spotting for the squadron reported taking heavy anti-aircraft fire from the north end of the target zone. The squadron shifted fire and the ant-aircraft site was destroyed by the battleship's big guns.

The next day, the squadron destroyed thirty structures, an underground bunker and a Viet Cong trench line. On the thirtieth, the squadron destroyed a communist resupply area, an anti-aircraft site and a hilltop artillery position southwest of Cap Lay. On November second, the squadron took up position off of Da Nang and Point DeDe to lend naval gunfire support to the First Marine Division, engaging nine enemy positions, but heavy foliage in the area prevented spotters from seeing the extent of the damage.

From the fourth to the tenth, the squadron operated in support of the second corps in the Phan Thiet area. Mostly firing in support of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. During that time destroying ten Viet Cong bunkers and twelve other structures. On the eleventh they departed Vietnamese waters, headed for Subic Bay for replenishment and shore leave.

. Rick and his aide spent a few hours enjoying several upscale restaurants, a nice change from navy food. A couple of times, very attractive Philippine women asked to join them but they were politely refused. Rick saying: "I am a married man."

Off Vietnam, 23, November 1968

The squadron returned to the gunline in support of the Army's Americal Division. That afternoon the squadron shelled enemy buildings, destroying eighteen structures and heavily damaging thirty others.

On the twenty-fifth, the squadron launched its' most destructive shore bombardment of its' Vietnam tour. For the next two days, concentrating its' fire on Viet Cong storage areas near Quang Ngai, destroying one hundred eighty-two structures and fifty-four bunkers, inflicting heavy damage to ninety- three other structures and destroying several tunnel complexes. Between December second and eighth the squadron returned to the Da Nang area. Shelling Viet Cong bunker complexes, in support of the Third Marine division. On the ninth they departed for Subic Bay, where they began a two- week replenishment and maintenance mission as well as rest and recreation for the crews. With the squadron's ships in the hands of the yard crew, Rick was free to take his own R and R. manila was only sixty-two miles from Subic Bay, so Rick could get back quickly, if he was needed. Kate flew to the Philippines to meet Rick in Manila to spend those two weeks with her husband. Family friends, the Walshe's looked after Jo and Alex.

They stayed in the Historic Manila Hotel. They were no sooner in their suite, than Kate was rushing Rick into the bedroom.

"Hurry and get out of that uniform, my Darling. I've been too long without my love. We can drink the Champagne later. Unzip me, please. Rick did as she asked, then quickly removed his jacket, shoes, shirt, pant6s and socks, leaving him in his t-shirt and boxers.

Kate let her dress fall and stepped out of it, slipping off her shoes at the same time, leaving her in only her panties, bra and stockings.

She grinned and twirled once.

"Still like what you see, my Darling?"

"I love what I see, Sweetheart. You are still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

Kate, at forty-seven had a body that would raise envy in a woman half her age. Her breasts, while not large were still firm and perky. Her waist slender, her hips only a trifle larger than they were when she married Castle, despite bearing two children. Her legs, long and shapely.

She still needed only the barest of makeup on a face that could still turn men's heads. No gray showed in her chestnut hair.

Rick, in turn, also had a body that a much younger man would envy. Tall and muscular his broad chest and shoulders tapered to his waist. He still had the same belt size as when he joined the navy. He was ruggedly, not classically handsome. His ocean blue eyes gleamed with intelligence and humor, unless angry. Then they were stormy. His still thick hair was now starting to gray.

Rick took Kate in his arms and kissed her, his tongue asking and gaining entrance to her mouth. She kisses him back, just as hungrily their tongues twining, probing, tasting. They kissed like that for a few minutes. Rick gently lowered Kate to the bed, never losing contact with her mouth.

She moaned as he began kissing her neck and the sensitive spot under her ear. She moaned again as he tweaked her nipples. And she arched her back so that he could unclasp her bra. It fell away, leaving her breasts open to be lavished with kisses, until he took a nipple into his mouth suckling it while teasing the other one with his fingers.

Kate could feel the dampness building in her core before Rick even touched her.

"Panties off, now." She demanded. Rick obliged her, sliding the tiny piece of purple silk, down her legs, dropping the panties on the floor.

She spread her legs as he thrust one large finger into her. She was wet and ready.

"Strip, damn it, I need you in me, now!"

Rick complied dropping his t-shirt and boxers on top of her panties. She grabbed his erection and guided him into her, gasping as he slid all the way home. She lifted her legs to give him deeper penetration and her more pleasure. Even after months apart they quickly established their rhythm. Neither of them lasted long, but Kate had a powerful orgasm as she felt Rick empty into her.

Rounds two and three were slower and infinitely tender. They ate a late, room service dinner.

They didn't leave their suite the first two days. Kate had packed civilian clothes for Rick. They spent the rest of the two weeks playing the tourist, in old Manila. Rick bought Kate two silk tresses. One in black and one that was deep purple in the bodice and top of the skirt gradually lightening to lavender at the edge of the skirt.

She bought him a white linen suit, with a black silk shirt and white silk tie and a black pocket square. She loved the retro look.

Rick bought a double strand of pearls for Kate and a single strand for Jo for Alex he bought a very unique chess set. The board was made of black and white marble, edged in ebony. The black chessmen carved of ebony the white in ivory. The kings' queens' knights and bishops had individual features. It was antique and cost Rick five hundred dollars. He guessed that it would be worth three to four times that at home.

Those idyllic days passed all too swiftly and it was time for Kate to go home and Rick bac to the war.

Kate kissed Rick just before boarding the plane.

"Be careful, my Darling and come home safely to us. We love and need you."

"I will be careful, Sweetheart. You too I love and need you, just as much."

On the thirtieth, the squadron returned to the gunline off Tuy Hoa in support of the RVN, spending the next three days supporting second Corps. They destroyed Viet Cong bunkers, supply depots and cave posts.

The squadron would remain in the waters of the DMZ, pounding bunkers and ground troops, until after New Year's, departing on January third leaving to support the First Marine Division.

Throughout January and into February, the squadron operated in support of the Marines. On the tenth of February the squadron left to support the Korean 2nd Marine Brigade, operating near Da Nang. The Target was suspected subterranean staging area for a Viet Cong regiment.

The New Jersey's big guns went to work on the complex firing her sixteen-inch shells into tunnels and bunkers, destroying or heavily damaging the complex badly enough to put it out of action.

On the fourteenth the squadron steamed south of the DMZ in support of the Third Marine Division, in the process, destroying an anti-aircraft site. The next day, a rocket site northeast of Con Thien was destroyed. The squadron next trained their guns on known communist positions to harass PAVN forces. On the twenty-second the squadron responded to an urgent request for fire support to an observation post near the DMZ. For the next six hours they fired into the area, ultimately repelling the attacking force.

For the remainder of February and into march the squadron shelled targets of opportunity along the DMZ. On the thirteenth the squadron departed for Subic Bay, returning to action on the twentieth, operating near Cam Ranh Bay in support of the Korean Ninth Division. For the next week, the squadron patrolled the waters between Phan Thiet and Tuy Hoa, shelling targets of opportunity along the coast.

From march twenty-eight through April first operated south of the DMZ, supporting the Third Marine Division. On April first the squadron departed for Subic Bay and on the fifth, for Japan, ending the Vietnam tour.

They arrived in Yokosuka or a two- day visit, Leaving for home on the eleventh. On the seventeenth, while the squadron was still at sea, North Korean fighters shot d9own an unarmed EC-121 electronic surveillance aircraft in the Sea of Japan, killing its' entire crew. A carrier task force was formed and sent to the Sea of Japan.

The squadron was ordered to turn around and return to Japan, arriving in Yokosuka on the twenty-fourth and immediately put out to sea in readiness for whatever might occur. As the crisis eased, the squadron was released to resume her voyage home, anchoring in San Diego Bay on the seventh of May. The first time in her home port in eight months.

Lemon Grove California, 10, may 1969.

The welcome home party for Rick was in full swing. The house and patio were crowded with happy partiers. The Ryan's were here, Ryan on leave and the whole family happy to see the Castles. Sarah Grace especially happy to see Alex, glad for the excuse to hug him and kiss him, even if it was only on the cheek.

Unfortunately for Sarah Grace, her feelings for Alex were not returned. He only thought of her like a sister and loved her that way. Kate knew very about Sarah Grace's crush and understood it, but she also knew how Alex felt. She was sad for the girl but was also sure that by the time Ryan's tour at Mare Island was over, Alex would be away at college and Sarah would find another young man o love. One o0r most likely several before she found her mister right.

Lemon Grove California, 17, May 1969.

Things had settled down from the initial rush of homecoming and Rik's duties in settling down the squadron. It was decided to keep it together, for the time being in case the navy decided on another deployment, so, the summer would be spent with refitting the squadron, correcting any deficiencies and more exercises. Castle remained in command of the squadron.

Tonight, however naval duties were put aside for a family discussion. The four of them gathered in the living room.

"How is school? I know how your grades are and that you're both on the honor roll, your mother has kept me informed on that, but grades are not the only aspect of school. Alex, you're older, you go first."

"Well Dad, it's going great. I've been promoted Cadet Captain and I'll be in running for the Cadet Major's slot, but I'm not sure I want that. It's a cadet staff slot with a lot of inter school stuff. I'd rather concentrate on things at Helix. After all, I'm one of the cadet company commanders."

"How is football going?"

"It's great, Dad. I'll be the starting quarterback on the varsity team and possibly team captain but that's up to the other players."

"Have you decided what colleges you want to apply to?"

"My first choice is Annapolis and I've already started putting what information I need to apply. Also, Stanford, Harvard, Columbia. And maybe San Diego State. That's all I've got so far, but I'll keep doing research."

"If Annapolis is truly your first choice let's start gathering recommendation letters right away. I'll contact several ranking officers I know and we should be able to add their letters to your teachers, coaches, and Father Greenlee."

"Another thing, Dad. I'd like to buy a car. I've been saving money to buy one. It will be a lot easier for me to get to and from school and Mom won't have to drive me on bad weather days."

"I'll buy you the car Alex, I don't want you to have to take a job, you'll be busy enough with your studies. But you will have to pay for gas, oil and maintenance. We'll add you to our insurance but you will pay your portion of it. The car will be for your personal use only. I don't want to hear of a bunch of kids using you as a taxi service or trips to the beach. You may carry only one other person either to and from school or on a date."

They had a stroke of luck. A friend of the family had a 1966 Chevrolet El Camino. He had an eye injury at work, losing the sight in his left eye. He didn't want to risk driving with the loss of peripheral vision. When he heard that Alex was looking for a car, he offered it to Castle. "The car is less than three years old, Rick with low mileage. All I want for it is for you to pay what I owe on it. I want to get it off my hands, he said. But I want it to be appreciated."

"Consider it partly a gift. If Alex hadn't helped Brandon with his math and science classes last year, he would have failed both of them. I know that Alex didn't do it for any reward, but I still feel that we owe him."

"You don't owe him anything, but if you feel that strongly about it, I accept the deal."

"I do feel that strongly. Deal's done." The two men shook hands then sealed the deal over a couple of cold beers. To Rick's mind the El Camino was the perfect solution. No back seat for moochers or making out and bucket seats in the cab. Also, the pickup bed would be useful for light hauling if needed.

The truck was a dark red with a tan interior, it had a 327 V-8 engine with an automatic transmission, the wheels and tires the stock issues.

Alex loved the truck the minute he saw it and was amused that El Caminos had the nickname "The cowboy Cadillac." Castle knew that Alex would only be driving the car for a year unless he ended up going to San Diego state or Stanford, but he liked the car himself and felt that it would be handy to have a third car around. Jo would be driving in two years.

"How about you, Jo?"

"Schools going great for me too, Dad. I'm on the cheerleader squad and the drama club. I think my hardest class this fall will be biology. But Alex can help me with that."

The ships of the squadron spent June and July undergoing refitting ad correcting deficiencies that had been discovered and then resumed training in case the navy decided on another deployment to Vietnam. Castle hoped that it wouldn't happen. He was at the point that being away from his family for any length of time was antipathy for him. Nonetheless, he kept up the exercises to the best of his considerable ability

Lemon Grove California 17, August 1969 The seventeenth was the perfect day for a party as it was midway between the kids actual birthdays which both fell on a Thursday.

Monday the eighteenth would start the kids last two weeks of freedom before school started in September.

Summer hadn't been entirely free for Alex. He'd had a part time job in Benton's sporting goods store and football practice had started in the first week of August. The party was, as usual, held on the patio for the kids and a separate for the parents, inside the house where they could supervise things without interfering with the teen's fun.

Alex circulated, but spent most of his time with a tall girl who, except for her bright green eyes bore a striking resemblance to Kate. She could have been mistaken for a cousin. Her name was Ava Dale.

She was on the girl's swim team and girl's cross-country team. She was intelligent and empathic and loved to dance. She had a lovely contralto voice, singing in her church's Choir. They had known each other since their freshman year, sharing several classes, and it was just now that they were ready to declare themselves boyfriend and girlfriend.

As they chatted Alex said;

"Ava, do you want to be my steady girl?" Ava smiled and hugged him.

"Do you really have any doubt? Of course, I want to be your steady girl."

Jo was watching and was mildly jealous that her brother got to date and even now had a steady girlfriend and she couldn't even date yet. The year until her next birthday seemed a very long way away.

The following Saturday, Alex took Ava to see a rerun of Doctor Zhivago. Lar's theme was one of Ava's favorite songs. They sat in the back row, paying more attention to each other than to the movie, indulging in a little light necking.

Lemon Grove California, Thanksgiving, 1969.

Ava was an only child and her father had been killed in a skiing accident, buried in an avalanche. So, it was just Ava and her mother, Frances. At Alex's request, Kate invited them to join the Castle's for Thanksgiving dinner. The Dales gladly accepted. There were also a sailor and a marine at the table, enlisted men far from home. Inviting servicemen into their home at Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition of the Castle family, whenever Castle was home. It was fortunate that the dining room was large. Martha and George had flown out for the two major holidays. So, there were ten people gathered around the table. The table was a beautiful antique dark walnut, designed in the days when families were large. With the inserts installed it could seat twelve

At first, the sailor and marine were stiffly formal, very much in awe of eating at an admiral's table. Castle quickly got them to relax when they realized that he wasn't the stuffed shirt they expected.

In meeting Frances Dale, it was obvious where Ava got her looks and vivacious personality She fit in with the others at the table, talking easily with Kate and Jo and even with the two servicemen. It was a magnificent feast. Turkey wasn't the only meat at the table. Castle wasn't particularly fond of it so ham and roast beef were on the table as well. There were sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn, peas and a salad. Dessert was apple or pumpkin pie with ice cream or whipped

cream, Coffee, tea or sodas with the meal, wine for the adults that wanted it.

After the meal was over, Castle, George and the two service men went into the den to watch football. The ladies chatted. Alex and Ava went for a walk.

The Dales were Catholic, as were the Castles. They were invited to attend midnight mass with the Castles as well as spending Christmas Day with them. Christmas dinner was basically a repeat of Thanksgiving. With two different enlisted men and an exchange of presents after the servicemen left.

Alex gave Ava a charm bracelet and she gave him a letterman's sweater to go with his letterman's jacket. Rick gave Kate and Jo lovely silk dresses and dark green jade necklaces. Kate gave Rick a finely detailed model of the New Jersey. Alex and Jo both gave Rick silk ties.

Naval base San Diego, 02, March 1970.

Another ceremony was in progress. The navy had decided to disband the squadron and decommission the New Jersey. Castle and all the squadron's captains stood on the battleship's foredeck and saluted as her flag was hauled down and she was turned over to the captain and crew who would take the ship to her storage port where she would join the inactive fleet. With just fifteen months to go before retirement Castle was relieved of sea duty and assigned to the staff at San Diego.

Lemon Grove California, 10, April 1970.

Alex opened the letter, his stomach in knots. When he read it, his face lit up? Rick had just gotten home from the base. He and Kate were having a drink. An excited Alex said, almost yelled.

"Mom, Dad, I got accepted. I'm going to Annapolis!"

Kate and Rick both set their drinks down and stood to hug Alex.

"That's wonderful news son." They said in unison. Both hugged him.

"Where's Jo?" Rick asked.

"She's at Ellen's house. They're studying. Or so she says. She did take her books with her."

"Call Ellen's house and tell her to come home. We're going out to dinner to celebrate."

Ava had known Alex for three and a half years now and was in love with him. It wasn't just puppy love. She was mature for her age. She knew that Alex liked her a lot wasn't sure if he loved her. She would have to know, before he left for Annapolis. If he did, she would go to college at Loyola Marymount, also in Annapolis so that she could see Alex whenever there was a social event that allowed the midshipmen to see young women. (Alex said he loved her too. She didn't ask him make any promises, yet. She did go to Loyola)

Naval Base San Diego, 18, June 1971.

Castle's retirement parade was in full swing. He stood on the reviewing stand as both his retirement orders were read out. He had been promoted to Rear Admiral upper half (two stars) six months ago so that he could retire at that grade. Kate, Jo, Alex Ava, George and Martha sat in the grandstands, proud smiles on their faces. Alex had been granted a special leave to witness his father's retirement and Ava was home on summer break she was happy to be invited to attend and spend a little time with Alex. The Ryan's were also in the stands. They would be back next week, as would Kate and Rick to witness Kevin Ryan's retirement.

Rick and Kate had convinced George to leave New York and live in California. They were both in their seventies and the New York winters were hard on them. They had sold their loft in New York and bought a house in point Loma.

Rick and Kate had also sold their New York loft and bought a house on the same street as Martha and George. They would rent the house out for the next Year and move into it when Jo graduated from Helix.

Kate Rick and Jo were back on the twenty-fifth for Kevin's retirement parade and a joint retirement party at the San Diego officer's club.

Castle may have retired from the Navy but he and Kate both loved the sea. Castle bought a thirty-five-foot Chris-Craft Catalina, cabin cruiser. It had a small galley with an electric stove, refrigerator, sink and counter. It had a head with toilet sink and shower. It could sleep four in berths a double berth forward and two single berths in the aft cabin. A fifth could be accommodated on a sofa-bed in the main cabin. He and Kate spent the first month of his retirement cr5uising up the west coast all the way to Vancouver and back.

He had retired from the Navy, but not writing. He had just had his twenty-fifth successful novel published.

Annapolis Maryland, 08, May to 01 June 1974.

Kate, Rick, Jo, Martha George, Frances Dale and the Ryan's (Except Sarah Grace) had traveled to Annapolis for Alex's graduation and commissioning as a naval officer on May 28, and the marriage of Alex and Ava on June ist in the USNA chapel.

Finis

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