Being in the command center allowed me to observe the first hours of the operation literally from a front-row seat. I was able to hear clearly VADM Steele's radio conversations with the embassy in Saigon, discussions with RADM Whitmire as well as deliberations with the various TF 76 coordinators present as the operation went forward. Several times, Steele had to move into an adjoining space to use a special communications link so he could speak directly with higher command, in all probability CINCPAC in Hawaii and possibly the Pentagon, I'm not sure which. Captain Keller and I continued to be stranded aboard BLUE RIDGE. But while in her command center, two unforgettable moments occurred. First, with the entire US SEVENTHFLT standing to seaward within sight of the coast line of Vung Tau harbor, American helicopter evacuation efforts began by the numerous Navy and Marine embarked aboard the assembled task force. The first major decision waypoint occurred as sunset approached on the first day of Eagle Pull when, under normal conditions, American helo operations should close down. These aircraft were normally restricted to VFR/daylight only operations. However, due to the huge numbers of people who desperately sought to depart Saigon, the command decision was made by Steele-Whitmire combo to allow flight operations continuously throughout the night until everything that could be done and everyone who could be evacuated, etc., had been accomplished. Flying through what was described via the helo control radio circuits as an intense lightning storm system, complicated by probable NVA anti-aircraft fire and flares illuminating the sky plus the limited instrumentation of those helos, the lack of night flying and landing experience by the pilots and the war-like conditions encountered around Saigon, this was a very difficult decision made by VADM Steele. But because of this action many, many people who would otherwise have been left behind were successfully evacuated. It goes without saying that the American pilots were nothing short of fantastic! Watching all this was a lesson in command decision-making that stayed with me for the remainder of my naval career. Sometimes you just have to take a risk if the situation warrants it, especially if involves the risk of life or death. ADMs Steele and Whitmire understood this and chose to save lives as possible. The second instance involved US Ambassador Martin who was still at the embassy in Saigon. VADM Steele had been in continuous direct voice radio contact with the embassy as well as higher command in Hawaii and Washington (he generally used a handset either directly in front of where I was seated or moved into a compartment just to my left where he spoke with higher authority on a secure long-range system).