DIY History | Transcribe | Nile Kinnick Collection | Nile Kinnick and Nile Kinnick Sr. letters to William C. Stuart, 1941-1983

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Nile Kinnick and Nile Kinnick Sr. letters to William C. Stuart, 1941-1983

1989: Page 11

Much has happened since last I saw you.  Contrary to expectations I didn't get out to sea in five or six weeks as I
had every reason to believe at the time.  Shortly after reporting to the advance carrier training group in Norfolk the
whole unit was transferred to Jacksonville.  For two months I got concentrated training in gunnery, combat tactics, and field carrier landings.  All work was done in a Grumman Wildcat, a mighty fine little ship.  Profited more in these two months than in all previous training.  Hobbs was with me both at Norfolk and
Jax which made it nice for both of us.  I presume Leck told you of Stevie and Geo. Hill.  Just about expired when I saw the latter in his cadet uniform.  We did have a good time that night.  Wish you could have been on hand.
"From Jax I was sent to Norfolk for carrier qualification. To qualify means to make a certain number of satisfactory landings on a ship thus proving you are ready for the fleet in
that respect.  Had four days to get up to Norfolk and not having anything to do accepted an invitation to ride up to Greensboro, N. C. with a guy who had an auto.  His girl there fixed me up
with the slickest little number you ever ran an eye over or put an arm around.  It was so good I stayed around an
extra day.  After qualifying I headed for my permanent squadron stationed right at Quonset Pt. R. Island.  Enroute I stopped in New York City for a day or two.  Saw a couple of good plays,
raced around a little, and in general had a pretty fine time. Don't know just how long it will be before we shovew off, but not for a couple of months.  I guess we are going to the New Lex
which I hope you'll keep rather quiet.  The setup here is good, but cold.  The quarters fine, food excellent (for a change) and the guys are regular gents.  The only drawback is that Bob and I have come to a parting of the ways.  He is headed for a replacement group on the west coast.
"I took real joy in learning that you made Coif.  Your folks musts be pretty proud.  Wish I could have seen you preside at the banquet--in your masterful way, Olympian manner.  Much obliged for the dope on Tom, Zell, et al.  Mrs. Louden rememberedd me with a fruitcake again this Xmas.  She sent it home and it was forwarded to me.  The Loudens are damn fine
people; would like to visit them again sometime.
"I'm ashamed to admit I haven't written Bibba for an awfully long time.  Rather imagine she has given up on me for
several reasons.  She is teaching in the econamic dep't now isn't she?  Bet she tries to fill those students  full of high
ideas aand great hopes.  Her enthusiam would  almost turn the trick too.
The last I heard Petit, Enick, and James L. George were still on the west coast.  Norm Sandler is in Norfolk- a scout pilot- and about ready to pull out.  Ran into him the last time

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Much has happened since last I saw you. Contrary to expectations I didn't get out to sea in five or six weeks as I had every reason to believe at the time. Shortly after reporting to the advance carrier training group in Norfolk the whole unit was transferred to Jacksonville. For two months I got concentrated training in gunnery, combat tactics, and field carrier landings. All work was done in a Grumman Wildcat, a mighty fine little ship. Profited more in these two months than in all previous training. Hobbs was with me both at Norfolk and Jax which made it nice for both of us. I presume Leck told you of Stevie and Geo. Hill. Just about expired when I saw the latter in his cadet uniform. We did have a good time that night. Wish you could have been on hand. "From Jax I was sent to Norfolk for carrier qualification. To qualify means to make a certain number of satisfactory landings on a ship thus proving you are ready for the fleet in that respect. Had four days to get up to Norfolk and not having anything to do accepted an invitation to ride up to Greensboro, N. C. with a guy who had an auto. His girl there fixed me up with the slickest little number you ever ran an eye over or put an arm around. It was so good I stayed around an extra day. After qualifying I headed for my permanent squadron stationed right at Quonset Pt. R. Island. Enroute I stopped in New York City for a day or two. Saw a couple of good plays, raced around a little, and in general had a pretty fine time. Don't know just how long it will be before we shovew off, but not for a couple of months. I guess we are going to the New Lex which I hope you'll keep rather quiet. The setup here is good, but cold. The quarters fine, food excellent (for a change) and the guys are regular gents. The only drawback is that Bob and I have come to a parting of the ways. He is headed for a replacement group on the west coast. "I took real joy in learning that you made Coif. Your folks musts be pretty proud. Wish I could have seen you preside at the banquet--in your masterful way, Olympian manner. Much obliged for the dope on Tom, Zell, et al. Mrs. Louden rememberedd me with a fruitcake again this Xmas. She sent it home and it was forwarded to me. The Loudens are damn fine people; would like to visit them again sometime. "I'm ashamed to admit I haven't written Bibba for an awfully long time. Rather imagine she has given up on me for several reasons. She is teaching in the econamic dep't now isn't she? Bet she tries to fill those students full of high ideas aand great hopes. Her enthusiam would almost turn the trick too. The last I heard Petit, Enick, and James L. George were still on the west coast. Norm Sandler is in Norfolk- a scout pilot- and about ready to pull out. Ran into him the last time