A group of Vietnam War veterans gathered aboard the USS Lexington for what many say will be their final reunion, marking decades of service tied to a little-known but critical mission at sea.
The 17 men all served aboard the USNS Corpus Christi Bay, a U.S. Army vessel that functioned as a floating helicopter repair facility off the coast of South Vietnam.
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While they were not in direct combat roles, their work proved essential — helping cut repair times in half and returning aircraft to the field faster.
Veteran Art Earle said their position gave them a unique perspective on the war.
“We were actually probably the luckiest outfit in Vietnam,” Earle said. “We were safe on the ship, and we knew it. The men out in the field — they’re the heroes. We just did everything we could to support them and keep them flying.”
That support didn’t go unnoticed, even among those serving in combat.
“They saw the patch on my uniform and asked me what I did,” said Duluth Clifton Dawson Jr. “I told them I worked in a rear-echelon support role in Vietnam. It wasn’t a glamorous job, but even from the guys in combat, it was still ‘welcome home.’”
Dawson said their experience returning stateside stood in contrast to the divisions seen elsewhere during the war.
“We got a stupendous welcome home at the pier,” he said. “There wasn’t a single demonstrator in sight. To my knowledge, we were the only outfit that got a welcome home like that from civilians — and that’s always stuck with me.”
This year’s reunion carried added weight as attendance has steadily declined. What was once more than 100 veterans has dwindled to just 17 over the past decade. According to Dawson, at its peak the ship held about 300 soldiers.
“They’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life,” Earle said. “Every year, you look forward to seeing everybody again and catching up, and you always assume there’s going to be a next one. Knowing this is the end — it’s very heartbreaking.”
For Dawson, the gathering was especially meaningful — his first time attending after years of missed opportunities.
“They told me this was going to be the last reunion, and I said, ‘I’ve got to be there,’” he said. “There were others over the years, but with finances and life, I just couldn’t make it. This time I could — and I knew I had to.”
As the veterans shared stories aboard the historic carrier, their reunion served as a reminder that even behind-the-scenes roles can leave a lasting impact — both on the mission and on the men who carried it out.