Amid all the other chaos of American life this week was an account of a small but significant event: a former USS Midway (CV-41) crew member returned to his favorite ship, courtesy of East Coast member Pat Alderman. His return would have been “above the fold,” in the latest edition of the Scuttlebutt, but rightfully was bumped down to honor the contributions and recognition for Volunteer of the Year (2020) Library Lead Bonnie Brown, who was selected to receive the Midway Museum’s David Flohr award at the Midway Museum’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner on 23 September 2021.

Scuttlebutt notes that several Librarians have been nominated over the years, but this marks the first time a Curatorial Department nominee has won the coveted award. Winky is happy to appear “below the fold,” since his return is both symbolic and lasting.

East Coast Volunteer Pat Alderman was aboard Midway Museum, in person, for the Volunteer Recognition Event, bringing with her LTJG Winky for permanent residency aboard the Museum.

“Winky and I would like to express our gratitude and thanks to the people who prepared his welcome!” she said in her remarks.

LTJG Winky’s life-long pal and companion, JR Reddig sent along this comment in the words of his alter ego, Vic Socotra:

“So cool. He left by the same quarterdeck 41 years ago. It is good to see LTJG Winky home again!” – Vic Socotra
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Before he even came aboard, one of the Safety Team inquired if he was here and took his picture.

“John Bing escorted us up to the quarterdeck where we saw Winky’s name at the top of the list on the “Welcoming” board.

Phil Eakin as Officer of the Deck organized the short but impressive ceremony. John Bing and George Sykes were side boys. Alan Blake took a video and still pictures of the ceremony.”

See the ceremony at this link:

LTJG Winky – Arriving.MOV – Google Drive

Pat continued, “Phil rang the bell twice and called us to order. All three men in full dress Curatorial garb saluted while Winky and his aide crossed the brow and with a proud declaration “I report my return aboard, Sir!” Winky executed his best approximation of a salute.

The OOD returned the salute with equanimity and gave permission for the party to cross the quarterdeck. The party then retired to the Library and enjoyed the donuts. Winky was reported to be in a funk because he couldn’t get one, fresh from the deep fryer in the Wardroom service station.”

Midway pastry issues aside, LTJG Winky is home again, and notably excited to be once more a part of the unbroken line of the tens of thousands of Americans who served in Midway’s proud steel flanks on the broad sweep of the oceans of the globe. For those who served, the sight of her proud flank at anchor or underway launching ready jets is something that remains vivid in memory.

Looking east across the swell of the Indian Ocean, or west across the South China Sea for combat operations, after crossing the proud Pacific, or during her service in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, she was a powerful symbol of her nation.

Copyright Scuttlebutt 2021
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