Painter, Steve

EM2 STEVEN T. PAINTER 28 September 1963

I Steven Thomas Painter was originally aboard USS WATTS (DD 567). I transferred aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS for about a year, starting in summer of 1963. I wanted to make on more Westpac cruise before getting out. My hitch was up a year later in September. I thought the Navy was going to extend me due to the Vietnam War, but they let me out.

I remember the day JFK was shot, 22 November 1963. We were about a day out of Yokosuka, Japan. All the crew were stunned.

The electricians were restricted to the ship when in Hong Kong because the dress ship lights were not completed. Everyone was unhappy about that.

I just got done reading Jo Stephenson’s book, “In the Wake.” Wow, what a story!