USS MULLINNIX DD-944

Mullinnix Crew 1972

Thanks to FTG3 Jerry Baker for contributing these memories!!

Birthday party for FTG3 Jerry Baker
Restaurant in downtown Hong Kong - September 1972

Left to right: SM3 Terrence Mahoney(?), FTG3 Jerry Baker, GMGSN Michael Resetar,
BM3 Charles Buglione(?), BM3 William Cecil, FTG2 Thomas Demko, Unidentified (standing),
FA Rob "Snake" Ellis, FTGSN Greg "Birdman" Berry, FTGSN Frank "Woody" Wood,
Unidentified, and GM striker SN Kenneth(?) Arnold.

This is how I remember it: After shopping for tailor-made clothes most of the morning, a bunch of us met at an upscale restaurant for lunch to celebrate Jerry Baker's birthday. While in the restaurant, some of the staff suggested that we come back that evening for dinner. They explained they were having a live band and that if we'd show up they'd bake a cake for the birthday boy. We said great! As the day wore on, the word spread of the big party that night. Also, most everyone was doing what sailors do best - drinking cold beer all day (while shopping for clothes). The supper hour rolled around and our little crowd had grown to about +-25 - most with a classic "3-beer buzz". Everything started out OK - we were a well behaved group. As the evening wore on however, we slowly but surely turned into the Muxmen that we were. The crowning moment was when our hosts brought out a bottle of champagne and stated that it was a Hong Kong tradition for the birthday boy to be given this for his own use. Somebody yelled "Baker, show them the U.S. tradition" and yanked the bottle and took a big swig then passed it to the next guy. This was repeated again and again and again. The bottle made it halfway around the table before it was empty. 30 minutes later, with what was left of the birthday cake, we had a world-class food fight at our table. Shorty thereafter we were all asked to leave and never to return. I've talked to Jerry recently, he hasn't forgotten this unique birthday celebration. I know I never will!

	The "good times" at Jerry's party spread to some of the locals!! Hong Kong Sept 1972.		Jerry Baker and Mike Resetar. Jerry receiving a big birthday congratulations! Hong Kong Sept 1972.
	FTG3 Jerry Baker in Aft Gun Plot. Radar is on the left. Analog Computer on the right. Early 70's.		FTG3 Jerry Baker standing watch on quarterdeck. LTJG David Hurley (Gunnery Officer) in background. FTG Chief Walters on the right. Early 70's.
	FTG3 Dennis Wenske in the Forward Gun Plot compartment. Early 70's.		FTG3 Dennis Wenske in Forward Sleeping Quarters. Early 70's.
	Fox Division Quarters. Left to right: Ken Johnson, 3 unknowns, Dennis Wenske, John Brock, 2 unknowns, Chief Walters. Early 70's.		FTG3 Jerry Baker and FTGSN Don Boettcher on liberty. Early 70's.
	FTG3 Jerry Baker and GMG3 Eddie Holder. Early 70's.