The main body of personnel departed Oakland, California, on the U. S. Naval Ship William W. Wiegel.  After boarding 3,000 Marines in San Diego, the Wiegel sails the Pacific to Okinawa.  From Fritz Ruben, who was on that crossing:

"On the way to Okinawa the 24th Evac Staff provided the bulk of medical services to the ship's crew and Marines. All of the NCO's and enlisted personnel were assigned to a single hot compartment under the fantail of the ship. The Wiegel held a crossing ceremony at the international date line where-in a liberal amount of horse play and bad taste was exhibited but a good time was had by all.

"The Weigel stopped at Okinawa to unload and load marines. Shore leave/Liberty was granted to the members of the 24th Evac. Many cases of VD were diagnosed not to long after this stop much to the howls and jeers of the enlisted staff.

"The Weigel then proceeded to Da Nang where Marines were unloaded and the Weigel was greeted with a morning salute of artillery outbound from the beach towards the hills.

"After the departure from Da Nang all grades ate in the officers mess for several days. I personally ate in the ship's crews mess because the food was better."

PFC Tim Morton in the foreground.  The USNS Wiegel in the background in San Diego Harbor

Photo Courtesy Tim Morton

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