: I spent some of the happiest years of my life as a member of the 12th Naval District
: Band on Treasure Island. The band room contained living quarters for the single band
: members, two or three to a room unheard of for enlisted men during that era. We also
: had a kitchen with food lockers and cold storage. The base commissary was right out our
: back door. We were housed in one wing of the building- the Marines had the rest. They
: were constantly trying to kick us out! Our wing had been the base clinic and infirmary at
: one time so it was divided into individual rooms with a large rehearsal area and TV lounge
: complete with pool tables.
: I had a career of 27 years as a musician in the navy and at no time did I experience the
: closeness and warmth like we had in that band. The band was excellent musically thanks
: to our leader CWO Gerard Bowen. And then, there was the matter of the greatest city in
: the world just across the bridge! I was blessed to be able to hear the greatest jazz
: musicians in the history of the music at the Blackhawk and Jazz Workshop during those
: years. North Beach was my university and church.
: I will never forget the wonderful spiritual times we shared working together and
: making beautiful music on the Magical Treasure Island. A treasure never to be forgotten.
: The museum should be reopened with a special section for the Navy Band.
I was one that always enjoyed hearing the Band play at ceremonies and homecomings. Admiral Toney always seemed to find an opportunity to have the Band perform around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Yes, have a section for the 12th Naval District Band.
Note: I served on the USS Kansas City at Naval Supply Center Oakland and with Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity at Naval Air Station Alameda.