Making Petty Officer
U. S. Navy
Leadership Opportunity
I have fond memories of making Yeoman Third Class (YN3) during my time in the USS Ranger (CVA-61). We deployed to the Western Pacific in late 1962, however prior to deployment the entire crew was exposed to Health Lectures which involved preventing the development of "Sexually Transmitted Diseases" (STDs) while enjoying the many "Liberty Calls" we would encounter in the Western Pacific Ports.
These lectures also involved viewing a series of 35MM slides which displayed what the "Male Sex Organ" would look like if an STD was acquired. The slides were very graphic and this one does not even come close to what we were required to view, however I show it here so you may get an idea of what is being discussed.
Certainly not anything anyone would desire to acquire.
As a new Petty Officer I was charged with handing out the Liberty Cards to My shipmates who desired to go over and enjoy the opportunities available ashore.
Along with the the Liberty Cards I was given a paper bag with Condoms so that my shipmates could practice safe sex if they desired to remain healthy.
Now before the readers here get alarmed, most Sailors who engaged in Sexual Activity would usually boast about the encounter when they returned to the ship, so the Liberty Card Petty Officer usually knew who to offer the "prevention equipment" to. Just part of the duty to help Shipmates remain healthy.
During the previously mentioned "Health Lectures" is was pointed out that safety procedures were also appropriate and proper if one wanted to enjoy liberty even in the Continental United States (CONUS) as well as when ashore when deployed. We were also educated that the majority of "Professionals" overseas would usually show a "Health Card" during the bargaining phase of anticipated sexual activity. As can be expected the "Health Card" was only good for the first encounter. If one were to be the second customer the chance for an infected encounter was often possible.
The bottom line was essentially be safe and keep yourself clean and disease free for your own personal future.
