U.S.S. KENNEBEC (AO-36)
                   c/o Fleet Post Office
                   San Francisco, 96601

                                          A036/TAK:mj
                                          22 February 1966

Dear KENNEBEC Families and Friends,

	We are now about half way through our West Pac tour with the U.S.
SEVENTH Fleet.

	I mentioned in my last letter that I had recently relieved as Commanding
Officer and was devoting my time getting to know the ship and your sons and
husbands. It is now a little over three months later, and I have learned
a lot about the ship and her crew some of which I am very pleased to pass
along to you. KENNEBEC is very popular with the SEVENTH Fleet ships we
support. I think this is because everybody tries their best and works well
together. This is the stuff that ships spirit is made of and to which
every man contributes. This KENNEBEC spirit is most gratifying and it is
a pleasure to pass along to you that your loved ones are part of a real good
outfit.

	My first letter brought forth many letters in response. I hope I have
answered all your questions satisfactorily but if I haven't just let me
know. All of your letters showed me clearly that you were very interested
in what I had to say and what we are doing out here. I therefore suggest
that notes of thanks are not necessary, but if you need some information I
will be most pleased to tell you what I can.

	You will be glad to know that we have not had any serious accidents and
all hands have enjoyed excellent health. We have had a series of inspections
and both the ship and crew members are shipshape and seamanlike. For that
matter, these inspections have been so satisfactory that I feel KENNEBEC,
ship and crew, will look well under any circumstances, and consequently,
future inspections can be considerably reduced.

	Since my last letter, our activities have been essentiality the
same - providing fuel to Fleet units in the South China Sea. These
assignments vary from supporting Attack Carrier groups to the small patrol
ships used for coastal patrolling along the coast of South Viet Nam.

	For the most part our port visits have been short fuel stops and
upkeep periods in Subic Bay; although, we have visited Kaoshung, Taiwan,
and Manila since my last letter.

	Kaoshung was enjoyed by all hands. It was picturesque and fascinating
as only China can be to the Westerner.

	There is an American Military Advisory Group in Kaoshung which has
some fine recreational facilities, including clubs, golf course, and a
swimming pool. Full advantage was taken of all these facilities with
much enjoyment by all. While there, the crew challenged the officers to
another softball game, and although, faced with younger and more eager
men I'll have to admit the wardroom squeezed out another win but only by
one run. It was enjoyable and the score mattered very little. Everyone
got the chance to yell and let off steam and that was the main goal.

	Manila too was fascinating and many crew members took tours of the
city and surrounding points of interest. Photography has been very popular
and I'm sure you will enjoy seeing the pictures and movies that many of the
men have taken.

	Christmas was spent in Subic Bay, for the most part in body only
because I'm sure minds and hearts were back home with the loved ones.
Separation at times like this is difficult, but the job we are doing is an
important and necessary one which must be done.

	1966 was herald in by four rings of the ship's bell and the words
"1966 Arriving". We spent New Years day at sea doing our job.

	Next month we are to be in Hong Kong, a colorful port we are all
looking forward to visiting. Shortly afterwards we will probably work
our way up north to the Japan area. Although the exact date is still
up in the air, we will be home in June.

    With best regards to you and concern for your loved ones.

                              Sincerely

                              CHAS B. ALMY
                              Captain, U. S. Navy
                              Commanding Officer