It was hot and humid during the summer months at Whiting Field. The barracks had no AC, and just a few fans. During the day working sailors drank a lot of water, and swallowed salt tablets.

When you returned to the barracks after work, the first thing needed was a cold shower to cool off. We then got dressed again and walked to the chow hall for the evening meals, or went to town. Some sailors drank their evening meals at the enlisted mens club, and a few just cooled off in the rec room.