During the Project Mercury Cruise in early 1962, I was ask if I would like to spend a few days at sea aboard the USS Hugh Purvis, DD 709. I was told that I could take my personal camera, and make all the pictures I wanted to, plus I would not have any daily duties. My only purpose was to make pictures of John Glenn if the ship picked up his space craft.

The only way this could have happened would be if the mission failed, and Glenn had to crashed into the ocean and died.

The only bunk free for me was in the lower front sleeping compartment with the deck gang. This compartment was located aft of the CPO bunk room. Space was tight, but OK.