This picture post card shows the US Navy Drill Team on the left and the USMC Drill Team on the right.
The Navy Band forms an anchor in the center of the picture.

Our Band Leader (center) was a student also. May 1953

Dave Brouchoud and his sax! May 1953

R & R in Yosemite Park. May 1953

Parade Rest! March 1953

The Oakland Bay Bridge from TI. March 1953

The Bay Bridge from TI, east end. March 1953

Receipt for class materials.

Permission slip to visit sick bay.

Special request for 10 days leave following graduation from Radar School.

I had already used my 30 annual leave before I knew I'd be attending the school.
During that leave, I had fallen madly in love.
The Navy had a policy granting at least 10 days leave following graduation.
Since I had used 30 days earlier in the year, I now needed special permission for the 10 days.
Yes, it was granted, but now I had another problem.
I was broke and could not afford the train ticket home to Wisconsin. Dad would not help.
He said it was stupid to spend money for such a short visit.
The train ride would have taken 2 days each way, leaving me 6 days to visit my LOVE.
We were young and stupid! Guess what? I decided to hitch-hike home!!
My plan was to see how far I was on the 5th day. If not home, I would start back.
Everyone said I was crazy. It would not work! I would be AWOL and end up in the brig!!
When you are in love, nothing else matters---right? So I did it and it worked.
2 and 1/2 days on the road and I was home.
My Love and I had a great time for the short time available.
My Dad was very angry with me and would not permit me to hitch-hike back to California.
He purchased a train ticket for me with the warning--I had to pay him back ASAP.
I did and no---I did not see my "Love" again.
She found another guy and did not even send me one letter.
PS: In 1953, I was 19 years old.