Joe O. Apodaca
Bio
Joe O. Apodaca enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. He traveled by train from his hometown in Denver, Colorado, to Great Lakes for boot camp and recruit training which involved marching, physical conditioning, fire drills, and swimming. After boot camp, he was assigned to serve as a baker in the galley on the USS Henrico (APA 45). He discusses his feelings upon arriving in San Diego to board the USS Henrico where he saw palm trees and the ocean for the first time. He recounts his first voyage aboard the vessel in 1951 to Hawaii and Japan. Later, he sailed to Korea (Incheon, Seoul, and Busan) where he observed United States Marines climbing down the ship’s cargo nets into the landing craft below which transported the troops to shore. He recalls standing on the ship’s deck at night to observe flashes of light on the land. At times, enemy planes would fly directly above the ship, but enemy aircraft never fired ammunition toward their location. After being discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1954, he returned to Denver, Colorado, with his wife where he enjoyed a long career operating bakeries and grocery stores.
Video Clips
Boot Camp at Great Lakes
Joe O. Apodaca, in 1951, went through his U.S. Navy recruit training at Great Lakes. He shares how, as a new recruit, he received the traditional short “induction” haircut. He recalls how, during his time at bootcamp, he and his fellow recruits were given medical shots that made many of them feel ill, including himself. He explains how swimming tests were also conducted, and since he was a strong swimmer who had lettered in the sport in high school, he did well. However, he remembers those who struggled with swimming received tougher treatment from the officers.
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Stationed on an APA Attack Transport
Joe O. Apodaca shares he was transferred to the USS Henrico, an APA 45 attack transport in San Diego, California, after completing boot camp. He remembers when he arrived in San Diego, he learned the ship had sailed to Bremerton, Washington, for repairs. He recalls how he traveled by train to Bremerton and boarded the USS Henrico the next day. He fondly remembers being awestruck by the magnificent ocean when he first saw it in San Diego.
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Running the Ship’s Bakery
Joe O. Apodaca explains he started working in the galley of the USS Henrico (APA 45). He recounts how he was later sent to San Diego for a twelve-week commissary training. He notes that, upon completion, he returned to the USS Henrico and became the head of the ship's bakery. He recalls his responsibilities for ensuring that the chief's menu was met.
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Baking at Sea and Corresponding with Spouse
Joe O. Apodaca recalls experiencing bouts of seasickness while aboard the USS Henrico. He shares how severe weather and rough waters made baking cakes and other goods difficult. He remembers how the ship's crew graciously enjoyed the food despite any mishaps. He explains he had married a woman in the last year of his enlistment, and during that time, his wife lived in an apartment in San Diego, working for various government agencies. He recalls how hey kept in touch regularly through letters.
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The USS Henrico in Korea
Joe O. Apodaca discusses his time in Korea while aboard the USS Henrico. He shares he witnessed U.S. Marines disembarking from the ship via nets onto LCMs and other boats which then transported the units to shore. He remembers how the ship traveled roughly one to two miles from the beach near Incheon, Seoul, and Busan. He recalls seeing flashes of light on land throughout the night and passing enemy planes.
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