Hello Mr. Caruso,
My name is Duc Phung. I just want to thank you for the nice job you have done on the Oklahoma City (CLG-5)'s web-site.
I just could not believe my eyes when I got to the second photo on the Evac Page and saw myself; I was that little kid in a white shirt, standing near the marine. We were on the first refugee helicopter which landed on the ship that day with a couple of other people whom I knew on that fateful day, April 28, 1975. My brother, who was then a South Vietnamese Air Force Captain, stole a helicopter and with the help of his friends, flew us out of Vietnam just hours before the war over.
I am now forty years old. I am working as an engineer for the USDA. I also served four years in the U.S. Navy (1985-1989). I spent half a year on the USS Phoenix (SSN-702) and two years on the Skipjack (SSN-585).
Although I have never been a crew member of the Oklahoma City, she has always been special in my memory. And truly, what a magnificient ship she was! I had collected several pictures of her out of the "All Hands" magazine over the years when I was in college.
Thank you so much for the pictures and most pleasant memory.
P.S.
To all the crew members of the USS Oklahoma City during the 'Operation Frequent Wind', I want to thank you. I know that you, like many of the veterans who had served, feel that you were just there doing your jobs. But believe me, your presence made a big difference for many lives, including mine. And for that I am grateful. I thank you.
Best regards
Golden, Colorado