66 Years Ago Pickens nears San Francisco

As I was preparing some pictures of the USS Pickens to mail and thus got to thinking about where the ship and we aboard her were at  this time 66 years ago.  We were likely about two weeks from Saipan and a little more than one week away from San Francisco.  About this time we were briefed on what was  in store for us.  We didn't need to be told that our next battle would be the final one, the invasion of Japan.  Also, after our experiences at Okinawa, we were not surprised when we were informed  that the navy expected 50 per cent casusalties.  To my mind that meant one of every two would not come back.  Although the ship would not stay long in San Francisco, there was promise of the possibility of some brief leaves.  If you have read what I wrote last August, you will already know that I wasn't one of  those who was among the fortunate ones.