I served on USS Ranger back in the early 60's when CVs were CVAs. In Alameda we were berthed right next to Midway. Interesting times. We once had a "drag race" with Kitty Hawk out in the Pacific. Of course, Ranger was the victor!
In my 2 1/2 years aboard Ranger we cruised through 2 typhoons in the Pacific with extreme seas and water washing over the bow onto the flight deck. Thrill rides. My job on Ranger was "R" Div. Officer. I was in charge of toilets. Very exciting stuff...so I signed up for watch duty in CIC and the Bridge, in addition to my normal watch rotation in Engineering. Yes, I worked at least 16 hours a day. The Bridge was my favorite. At least there were windows. My "cabin" was mid-ship more or less, a couple of decks below the hanger deck. My bunk was against an exterior bulkhead and, at night, when at sea in convoy, I could hear the sonar "pings" from accompanying warships. Loud...very loud!
Were you a brown shoe. or black shoe? Thanks for your service, by the way!