Click on the above image to take a slide show tour of PCF-104

Immediately following the Memorial Ceremony, the most populated location on the Amphibious Base was the area just in front of the Memorial Wall that included all three restored Vietnam era Brownwater craft. And the queen of the show was PCF-104. Most of the reunion attendees had not been close to a real live Swift Boat in thirty-five to forty years. And here was an old friend from the days of training at Coronado that could be explored up close and personal to rekindle long dormant flames of endearment and to place the hands of family members and friends where we had once spent twelve months of an extremely important period in our lives. Expressions of both joy and serious recollection could be seen in the sometimes glowing faces of all that clambered about the familiar spaces that have grown so small in the intervening years. We were just glad that the seas were totally calm on the plains of CISM field in the bright sunshine of a day that brought back many, many memories to those having trouble ascending the ladder up into the past

The old girl looked fantastic in her Vietnam battle dress

People were anxious to get on board and see this treasure for themselves The fantail was a popular first stop on the tour Everyone wanted to experience the feel of being behind the over-and-under mortar Some were interested in quiet contemplation of days gone by. Or those largely unknown While others would revert to the antics of a more frivolous youth However, there were still other more serious places topside to explore and remember You just needed to be careful with your footing. We are not as agile as we once were ! Hold on tight ! Maybe inside IS safer Now this brings back lots of memories. Even for Admirals. The main cabin area was an appropriate conclusion to the tour