Shore Leave: NAS Barber’s Point

11 Aug 1944 – 30 Aug 1944

After his time on the Yorktown in the summer of 1944, Kelley had a brief respite back in Honololu. He spent part of the time at a rest home on right on Waikiki beach (former estate of Fleischmann’s yeast heir Christopher Holmes). The other part of the time was spent at the Seaside Bungalows.

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12 August 1944
NAS Barbers Point

Back again at Barbers Point and the old Yorktown is plowing the sea headed for the West Coast. I must admit it didn’t waste much time leaving, nor getting rid of us. It was in port less than 24 hours. We spent the day aboard ship waiting to see what would happen to us. Finally at about 1900, Commander Strean came back aboard and told 19 Fighter pilots to pack their duds. At midnight we were loaded into a landing barge for the trip across the channel, then came a rugged ride on a Navy truck and finally B.P. at 0200. It was a little rugged on some of the boys because they’ve been out here for quite awhile, they’re quite pissed-off at the world in general. Brant and I kinda expected it though, so we’re not feeling too bad. I know some of these boys expected to be home in the States in 6 days, but now they’re in for another tour of duty and what?

We’re attached to VF- 100 again but we have the weekend off. They said the reason they sent us here was because they needed Fighter pilots and they must have 200 or more sitting here at B.P., that of course, rubs it in on the boys. Perhaps, if I were in their shoes I’d feel the same, but I’m glad I didn’t go home.

Old pennies are turning up. McJimsey is here and looks well. I could hardly believe he was in an accident. It sure is good seeing him and also a few other fellas I went through training with. I feel like an ole know it all since I’ve seen a little fighting. The boys want to know all about it, but how are you going to tell about that? There are so many feelings you can never explain to people.

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14 August 1944
NAS Barbers Point

It is a little nice to be back on land again. You can smell the earth in the air and its entirely different from shipboard life-so much room. The people and excitement really add to it. You can really appreciate things when you’ve been away from them.

When I first came to BP I thought it a dead place, however I’ve changed my mind. Another thing that’s nice is standing in a shower and just letting the water run and run.

They told us today that we’re going to a rest home. They say it’s quite a good deal and I’m quite anxious to see what it will be like. It’s Chris Holmes Estate, out on Waikiki Beach.

Oh happy shore leave—-Here I come.

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25 August 1944
NAS Barbers Point

Our orders have finally come in and soon we’ll be shoving off again. In fact we’ll go aboard the USS Sitkoh Bay (CVE-86) on the 29th. Brantley, Reid Arnold, Julliard, and Huckabee besides myself have orders for temporary duty aboard the Sitkoh, and then orders to Fighting Squadron 14 aboard the USS Wasp. McJimsey also has orders to the Sitkoh and perhaps he might even get to the Wasp with me. At least I’ll see Judge if he’s aboard and also Bud Miller from Woodhaven. It will be good seeing someone from home again.

The rest home was quite a good deal altho we only stayed 4 1/2 days because nine of the boys received orders and have already left for parts unknown.
After the rest home came more shore leave since they didn’t need us and our orders didn’t come in. We got a couple of rooms at the Seaside Bungalows and the party is still going on. I’ll be kinda glad to get back to sea to rest up, this leave is rugged.

Of course it was a lot of fun, however I don’t care to write down the complete story. I believe one could fill a book this size with all the word if he were inclined to do so. Waikiki Beach is rather beautiful and we weren’t very far from Diamond Head at the rest home. Just a lazy 4 1/2 days doing anything we cared to. Quite a mad life and someday I hope to write it all down.

Getting rather itchy to move again, the next 4 days can’t go fast enough.