Young, Clifton, ETC

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
I grew up in the small country town of Clinton, SC. There wasn't much in the way of industry there except for the cotton mills. It was good money for those who worked there but from what I could tell when people retired from there they barely had two nickels

It was this big I tell ya !!!

to rub together afterwards. I was not interested in the least of living in a one horse town barely eking out a living all my life. I wanted to learn a viable trade and do some traveling. I couldn't afford either, so I looked at joining the Navy.

I was a little reluctant at first because I didn't really want to follow in my father's foot steps (he made EMC after 20 years). In fact, I had decided to join the Air Force. I could tell he was disappointed but he took me to Shaw AFB for my physical and I passed with flying colors. Three weeks later, I got a letter in the mail from the Air Force saying I had to come take my physical. I was surprised and a little concerned about how "squared away" the AF was. I was only planning to do two years and figured if it was a SNAFU trying to get in how much trouble would it be to get out. I went ahead and joined the Navy the next day. I signed up for the Cache program in January 1976 and entered boot camp in Orlando in August.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?

Tough Duty-Chillin' in St. Maarten

I was always a science buff and loved to learn about the universe and how things worked. When I was a kid I was always fascinated by the glowing vacuum tubes in the back of TVs and old radios. Later I become enamored by the smaller components like diodes, caps, and transistors in the back of transistor radios. I signed up for 4 years with the Navy under the electronics program.

I went to BE/E and "A" school in Great Lakes, Ill. Man, that place gets cold in the winter! Toward the end of "A" school, I was offered a chance to graduate and go to my first ship (USS Grand Canyon out of Mayport) as a seaman deuce or extend for 2 years, get a "C" school and automatic advancement to ET3 (push button 3rd). Well, that was a "no-brainer" and I extended it to 6 years. So much for staying for only 4 years!

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
The only thing I can honestly say was considered "combat operations" way back in late 1983 (shortly after the Marine barracks in Beirut were hit by a suicide truck bomb). I was on board the first Aegis cruiser (USS Ticonderoga CG-47) doing "box ops" in the Med along with various

Operation Computex 1982

other combatants including the USS New Jersey (BB-62). It seems that the Libyans were constantly trying to shoot down our F-14 fighter recon planes with triple-A because they knew were taking photos of their positions and relaying them to the Israelis. Eventually, we (all ships with 5" guns and bigger) received orders to take out all of the Syrian gunnery/artillery positions.

We were very excited because we'd been doing box ops for way too long. We all lined up one behind the other and let loose a hail of NFGS they probably hadn't seen since Vietnam! It was very cool and intense! I'll never forget because, at my GQ station, my Chief made me and another shipmate lay down on the floor of the RICER room behind the spare klystron coffin to protect us from return fire if any. There were some reports of splashes in the water near some of the ships but they could not be confirmed. Hence, no combat action ribbon. Darn!

DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY SITUATION DURING YOUR MILITARY SERVICE WHEN YOU BELIEVED THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY YOU MIGHT NOT SURVIVE? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME.
There was a time in '78 in Pamplona, Spain that I participated in the "Running of the Bulls".
I was a young 20 year old and it was just one big party of drinking, eating, and merriment with many false starts (aka the bulls are coming but they weren't!). What's not to like? I decided to ignore the last "false alarms" until I turned around and discovered a young bull lowering his head, stomping his hoofs and preparing to charge me full-on! I thought to myself, "This is how I'll die." Luckily, some young Spaniards kicked him in his rear to prove that they were braver than me (they most definitely were!). And my life was spared that day. There was another time on my first ship (USS S. E. Morison FFG-13) out of Mayport when we were off the coast of Vieques Island, PR test range testing out all of our weapons systems. Everything was going great until one of our SAM missiles that we fired at a target drone briefly turned back towards us due to a control fin malfunction. Some of us were observing on the helo flight deck when it happened and were frozen in our tracks. Fortunately, the missile lost track and spiraled out of control while losing altitude. It exploded loudly until impacted the sea! I'll never forget that terrifying moment! Another time on the same ship, we successfully destroyed all assigned air and surface targets during the exercise, and we were pulling into port (Rosey Roads, PR). In fact, we had a broom hanging from the yardarm indicating a 'Clean Sweep" of all targets! Those not involved in S&A detail were below decks anticipating liberty call after docking. Unfortunately, we ran aground, and everyone was confined to the ship until admirals and other investigators could fly from DC to inspect the damage. It happened on October 13th at 1300 (Note our hull # is 13). At the time though we thought we had been struck by a cargo ship and were going to be split in two! Another terrifying moment was when I was on my last ship (USS Milwaukee AOR-2) during a night unrest with an old carrier (I won't mention her name). We had been pumping fuel for 30 minutes when there came a call over the 1MC of "Emergency break away to port! This is not a drill! Emergency break away to port!" I was curious as to what had happened and took a peek outside. The darkened ship immediately switched out. It took me about 15 seconds for my eyes to adjust to the clear, moonless night sky to realize that the carrier's flight deck was significantly over our flight deck! We're pumping fuel and you have two steel beasts about to collide and generate sparks while fuel fumes are in the air?!!! Not good!!! It turns out the carrier gyro compass had malfunctioned and drifted causing incorrect course corrections to the helm. I dodged Yet another bullet there!

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
My favorite sea command was USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) the first Aegis cruiser. We commissioned her in January 1983, went through intense workups, and deployed in 9 months! We were a proud hand-picked crew who knew how to get the job done because once on board we had to "hit the

Chillin' at home before my 1st Med Cruise

deck running'. It was great being on such a formidable platform and being the envy of the fleet for years to come. In fact, I picked up Chief the first time (at my 9-year mark) due to my exemplary performance on board.

My least favorite sea command was the USS Milwaukee (AOR-2) stationed out of Norfolk. It was an old (20+ years) 40K ton replenishment oiler (a floating 7-Eleven if you will) that was a workhorse for the fleet. We seemed to dock only long enough to refuel, resupply and head back out again. I clearly remember being told at quarters on a Monday that we would be deployed in lieu of another ship (who failed their OPPE) the following Wednesday. We were right in the middle of decom preps and had to re-install or radar and TACAN as well as CASREP to get any parts required to be ready to deploy. My baby daughter was born the day after we set sail (all leave was canceled) and I didn't get to hold her until she was 3 months old (when the other ship finally got its act together).

My favorite shore command was SEAL Team 2. We were designated a deployable unit hence it counted as sea duty for rotation purposes. It was great working with such a great bunch of proud and quiet professionals who will not accept failure at any cost. Our fleet Sailors assigned as support also gravitated up to that level and had a superb symbiotic relationship with the "Team". I'd go back in a heartbeat!

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.

Task Force 60.

I remember all of the missile shoots we did off the coast of PR to test out of the new Aegis weapon system on board the Ticonderoga (CG-47). It was a very exciting time for us to prove our capabilities especially with telemetry reporting repeated skin-to-skin missile hits. I remember our excitement when we were authorized to provide Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) to target Syrian artillery positions in Beirut, Lebanon. It was especially cool when the mighty New Jersey fired her massive 16-inch guns in anger!

I also remember the CENTAM cruise we on in the Gulf of Mexico going from place to place performing goodwill projects for needy schools and villages in Central and South America. We were once again cruising with the New Jersey and got to witness firsthand a full broad (5" and 16" guns) of her guns as a demonstration for the president of Belize (who was on board our ship, the Tico). It was awesome!!!

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?

CO-XO at SEMs 1st Bday Jamaica

My 1st NAM was awarded for exemplary performance after our return from deployment in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991 while onboard the USS Milwaukee (AOR-2). I earned my 1st NCM as branch head/instructor of the IFF course at FTC Norfolk for student throughput, course reduction, and cost savings. The 2nd NCM was from SEAL Team 2 for my superior technical acumen as the Commo who outfitted and deployed 15 operational SEAL platoons from Jan '97-Aug '00.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?

Relaxing at GITMO

I feel that the NCM (my 2nd) and especially the "Paddle" that I received from SEAL Team 2 have the most meaning to me. These guys don't just give out awards freely or quickly unless they truly believe that you've earned them. The NCM was a fitting end to a 24-year illustrious career where I had to "make it happen" daily and I really appreciated it. The "paddle" or oar was a surprise to me since it is normally only awarded to exemplary SEALs upon their departure from the Team. I'm not sure if they consider me an honorary SEAL or not. I guess it's best not to speak of these things. I treasure it most of all!

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?

Ground Elex Gang

RMC Donnelly was a great mentor of mine when I was aboard the USS S.E. Morison (FFG-13). I was a young and cocky boot 2nd class comm tech who needed guidance at times. He was there when I need him since we had no ET Chief. Also, LCDR Free (my dept head) aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) was an inspirational leader who was firm yet fair and always had an answer no matter the question. Also, my father was a retired Chief Electrician's Mate. He kept me on the straight and narrow when I was growing up. I have no idea where I'd be without his firm hand, guidance, and wisdom.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?

My Drinkin Buddie, Jenks.

When I was stationed on the USS S.E Morison (FFG-13), one of the guys in my work center was kind of a jokester. I think his name was Evan Davies. Anyway, he knew I was kind of a germaphobe (not the severe type) who was adamant about my hygiene. Well one day while standing in the chow line during supper, he "sneezed" very loudly and up close right on the back of my neck where I could feel the spray particles landing. I cringed and turned around with the intent of ripping his head off because he knew I didn't like that sort of callous disregard for my well-being! He was laughing really hard at first but once he saw the look on my face he quickly revealed a PMS bottle that he'd filled with water and set the nozzle on mist! I still think about that day and chuck a little.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
In April 2000, when I was about 6 months out from my 24th year (High Year Tenure for a CPO), there was a big job fair at the Scope in downtown Norfolk, VA so I took a day off from work, put on my Sunday best and headed down there

Tour of Italy.

with a few resumes in hand. I perused some of the government contractors (Raytheon, Motorola, etc.) who made some of the equipment that I'd worked on before but decided I didn't want to work for anyone who relied too heavily on government contracts (no contract = massive layoff I came ups). I came up to the Intel Corp. booth.

I'd heard of them before from the TV and radio commercials touting how great their chips were. They gave me two different interviews (technical and behavioral) right there on the spot. They told me that I was an excellent candidate to join the team and they'd send me an offer within the next 2 weeks. The offer came, I accepted and after I retired they moved me and the family out to the Phoenix, AZ area. I've been here in the desert ever since working as a manufacturing tech in the huge factory (3 football fields long) making various flavors of desktop, laptop, and server chips! So if you're going to buy a new computer, make sure Intel is inside (shameless plug)!

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?

Veterans of Foreign Wars

I belong to the VFW (life member) in Clinton, SC however since I don't get back home too often nowadays I haven't been to any meetings in awhile. There's a different branch here where I live but their meetings always take place on my work nights (I work night shift).

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?

Finally, down and Dawg time.

Be a professional and be the best at everything you do. Remember, someone could be secretly watching you and using you as a role model. You can be a good example or something else but it's all up to you and your integrity. Also, volunteer every chance you get. There is always someone somewhere who needs help. Be that person who knows how to "pay it forward".

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?

Education is the key for upward mobility

Get your quals and get 'em quick. Learn from the senior Sailors and follow them around like a shadow (if they'll let you). Become the "go-to" guy or gal when your team needs something done right the first time. Don't hang out with the wrong groups because there is still such a thing as "guilty by association."Don't let one bad instance sour your take on the Navy. We've all screwed up once or twice but it was a learning experience so learn from your mistakes and carry on smartly.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US Navy

I like the way I can set up my profile for all to see my accomplishments, see my pix and read my stories. It's also great to reconnect with old shipmates as well!

KC 8.7.23