The AMERICA had outlived her time. She was built as "thin" hulled ship and I imagine that she was getting weak. Still, I agree, it is a sad end to a glorious piece of naval architecture.
The Belleau Wood was a neat ship too. Hell of a job you had as helmsman. S! Quartermasters had all the neat shit, like the parachute riggers did. LOL
Hell, all the planes I worked on are out of service and either "gate guards" with a pole up their ass, in a museum or been sold to China for scrap. My squadron was de-commissioned and my boat sunk.
Singapore was beautiful and fun. Hong Kong was a hoot. Subic Bay? "I LOVE YOU JOE!! NO BULLSHIT!! BUY ME FRIDGIDARE??"
Fond memories of the "SAN MAGOOS"
NOT!!