A Navy Veteran's Tale: From Rescue to Regret

A Navy veteran recalls a stark contrast between a past mission of compassion and a recent event that left him disheartened. The veteran, who served on the USS Saginaw from 1978 to 1981, remembers a time when the Navy's role was to save lives, not take them. In 1980, the USS Saginaw was redirected to the Straits of Florida. The mission was to assist Cubans fleeing their country during the Mariel Boatlift. The crew was initially unhappy about the change in plans. They were tired and wanted to go home. But their mood shifted quickly when they saw the desperate situation of the refugees. The first boat they encountered was overflowing with people. It was meant to carry 20 people, but it had over 120. The refugees were in poor condition. They were exhausted and scared. The crew of the Saginaw worked hard to rescue them. They took them on board, fed them, and cared for them.The crew's attitude changed as they saw the condition of the refugees. They became sympathetic and helpful. One sailor was even seen comforting a baby. The crew logged the refugees' information and provided them with basic necessities. The veteran recalls a woman crying when offered milk for her coffee. Milk was a luxury in Cuba. The USS Saginaw rescued over a thousand people during the Mariel Boatlift. The veteran remembers this time as the Navy's finest hour. He recalls a painting he once saw. It showed American captors being gentle to their prisoners. The veteran believes this painting captures the spirit of the Navy's mission during the Mariel Boatlift. However, the veteran is disheartened by a recent event. The U. S. executed two Venezuelan men who were survivors of a bombed boat. The veteran believes this event does not reflect the values of the Navy. He feels it is important to assert that Americans were not always like this. The veteran's story highlights the contrast between the Navy's past mission of compassion and a recent event that left him disheartened. It is a reminder of the importance of upholding the values of the Navy and the U. S.