Outland, Brooks, YNCS

My wife, Cathy, and I are volunteers aboard my old battleship, USS Missouri (BB-63).  I am one of the Volunteer Supervisors. During 2008, I had the privilege of working with "Wounded Warriors" (Marines) back from Afghanistan/Iraq.   A group of those warriors volunteered to come aboard and help in the repair and preservation of the ship. 

I am frequently called upon to speak to groups visiting the Mighty Mo.  I spoke to 57 newly appointed CPO's at the third CPO Legacy Academy held aboard the ship (2008).   On 30 Aug 2011, I was guest speaker for the CPO Legacy Academy Class of 43 new CPO's.  Command Master Chief  of the Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific, Patricia  M. Roebuck and 7 Senior Chiefs from local commands were also in attendance.  I was asked to speak during the CPO Legacy Classes of 2010, 2011,  two classes in 2012, and will be speaking with the two classes of 2013. 

I was asked to be the Keynote Speaker at the Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony held aboard the battleship USS Missouri on 11/11/11.  More than 250 people attended; including a dozen or so active duty Flag & General Officers.  I heard one of the best renditions of our National Anthem, sung by a TSgt Laura Murdzia, USAF.  I was completely surprised when, at the conclusion of the Flag ceremony performed by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Old Glory Detail, the ceremonial Flag was presented to me.  It was, to say the least, an awesome experience!  Please see "Family New" section for some photos.

As a result of an article I submitted to AMVETS Magazine, the Commander of Post #1 in Honolulu, Hawaii contacted me.  After a rather lengthy discussion, I was offered the position of Post Legislative Director and Editor of the Post's Newsletter.  I agreed, with one proviso;  I would be a volunteer.





 

In 1970, I was personally selected by RADM Dean L. Axene to be his Writer and Administrative Assistant.  I was later officially assigned the duties as his Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide.  I was, at that time, the first and only Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide in the U.S. Navy and I was issued shoulder Aiguillettes signifying that I was a Personal Aide to a Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy.

I also served  aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59)  in the Operations Office (1957/59), a couple shore duty assignments, 10 years with NATO Commands (including NATO HQ Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium) and a tour of duty as a Naval Advisor in Vietnam (1966/67) with MACV/SOG.



I am a member of The Battleship Missouri Association and am a Plank Owner/Crewmember of the "Friends of the Mighty Mo."  I am also a member of the USS Missouri Association Legacy Society.   I am a member of the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) Association .