Other Memories
I received orders for transfer from Fleet Training Group, Pearl Harbor to the USS Anchorage, LSD-36. I departed Naval Base, Pearl Harbor with my wife and four children on 1 June 1977 on United Airlines Flight # UA-180, ETD HNL 0930, ETA SFO 1725. Authorized 30-days leave. Found a residence for my family in my hometown of Medford, OR and settled them in during my leave period before reporting to my last year of sea duty. Reported to Fleet Training Center, San Diego, CA at 2343 10 July 1977 for a one week course of instruction in CMS, class convening 11 July 1977. Upon completion, to transfer to USS Anchorage (LSD-36). Detached from FTC, San Diego at 1200 14 July 1977 to report to Travis Air Force Base not later than 2230 July 14, 1977 for a flight to Clark Air Force Base, Philippines, and transport to U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay, Philippines. Arrived U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay, the Philippines at 1440, 16 July 1977. Was in transit at Subic Naval Station until catching transportation on the USS San Jose (AFS-7), departing at 0900 25 July 1977 then to rendezvous at sea with the USS Anchorage. I was transferred between the USS San Jose to the USS Anchorage by helo at 2015 31 July 1977 Reported aboard and assigned as Communications Chief on the USS Anchorage, LSD-36, home-ported San Diego, CA, from 31 Jul. 1977 to 15 Aug. 1978. During this period, I finished one more tour to the Western Pacific. I was assigned to serve as Communications Officer, after the retirement of the normal communications officer. This was during our dry-dock yard period in Long Beach, CA. On August 15, 1978, I retired from active duty and joined the Fleet Reserve until full retirement from the navy in 1988. My wife and children made a trip down by Greyhound Bus from Medford, Oregon to join my retirement presentation and celebration. We spent a couple nights with our good friends and old shipmate, Ben & Gerrie Mayotte that lived near the area of Long Beach, CA. (Note: The USS Anchorage was decommissioned October 1, 2003.)
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Best Moment
Our second daughter (4th child) was born during this tour of duty, on Thanksgiving Day.
Chain of Command
Formerly "Fleet Training Group, Pearl Harbor"
Other Memories
Assigned Instructor Duty at Fleet Training Group, Pearl Harbor, HI, from June 1974 to June 1977. Set up and established a course of instruction in Communications Quality Monitoring Systems (CQMS) and off-line cryptographic systems. Instructed several classes of fleet personnel in these systems. Rode various U.S. Naval and Coast Guard ships in the Hawaiian area, including Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand naval ships, conducting observations and critiques of simulated battle exercises for communications divisions.
I think the best and the proudest period of my career was while I was stationed at this command, being responsible for establishing a new course of instruction in Communications Quality Monitoring Systems (CQMS). I converted a basically empty classroom into a communications lab with all the necessary electronic equipment to teach the course. It took me two years just to procure, barter, cumshaw the needed communications and teletype equipment from the area, then to wire everything together on my own. By the time I finished, I had to write the curriculum for teaching the course. I have to say, I was pretty proud of the work that I had accomplished. Once I completed lab & paperwork, I began teaching the course to fleet personnel. At the end of each 2-week class I taught, the students filled out critiques about the course and I got numerous "outstanding" compliments for the course. I was only able to teach seven 2-week courses before being transferred to my next command for my final year of sea-duty. The other proud moments of this duty at Fleet Training Group was riding the various U.S. Naval and Coast Guard ships in the Hawaiian area, including Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand naval ships, conducting observations and critiques of simulated battle exercises for the communication divisions. As I went to work each day by boat to Ford Island, I would pass the USS Arizona Memorial. It was a very somberly experience, no matter how many times you go by it. (Note: Fleet Training Group, Pearl Harbor was later renamed by the Navy as Afloat Training Group, Middle Pacific (ATG MidPac).)
Criteria The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Commandant (or designated subordinate awarding authorities) to any unit of the Coast Guard for valorous or meritorious achievement o... The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Commandant (or designated subordinate awarding authorities) to any unit of the Coast Guard for valorous or meritorious achievement or service in support of Coast Guard operations not involving combat. The performance of duty must render the unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service but not of such a nature to merit award of the Coast Guard Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description
For service with Fleet Training Group, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii during 1974 to 1976.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Best Friends
RMC Dale "The Dawg" Caylor, RMC Gene Boyd, RMC Clifford Moore, RMC Art Drouin, and many others.
Best Moment
Our second son (3rd child) was born during this tour of duty.
Promotion to Chief Radioman (RMC) during this tour.
Other Memories
Assigned Instructor Duty at Service School Command, San Diego, CA., for Radioman "B" School. - Instructed courses of radio communications equipment. - Instructed the Communications Systems Lab. - Also instructed Communications Quality Monitoring techniques and procedures. - Instructed system troubleshooting techniques and procedures. - Assisted civil service engineers from Naval Electronics Systems Command, Southwest Division in the development of Standard Measurement Techniques (SMT) for testing all Navy communications systems.
Chain of Command
19 Oct 1970 - 30 Oct 1970 - Graduated Instructor "C" School - Lima Course (Leadership), NAVSCOLCOM, NORVA.
2 Nov 1970 - 25 Nov 1970 - Graduated Instructor "C" School - Alfa Course (Basic Instructor Training), NAVSCOLCOM, NORVA.
Other Memories
Graduation of Instructor "C" School, Lima Course (Leadership) and Alfa Course (Instructor Training) for preparation of next command, SSC, NTC, San Diego, CA
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Best Moment
Our first son (2nd child) was born during this tour of duty.
Attended a couple of schools, including TSEC/KY-8 secure voice equipment maintenance school.
Other Memories
I was assigned to the USS Spiegel Grove, LSD-32 as Leading Radioman, home-ported in Little Creek, VA., from Mar. 1968 to Aug. 1970. We made several tours to the Caribbean area, visiting the islands and countries of Puerto Rico; Aruba; the Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix (great places); and Bermuda (another great place). We also made a tour across the northern Atlantic to the Azores Islands; Lisbon, Portugal; Portsmouth, England during the time we transported the deep diving sub "Alvin" and her catamaran "Lulu" for underwater (seamount) exploration around the Azores Islands during August & September 1968. She made 11 dives (Dives #288 to #299) with depths over 900 feet. We made tours up and down many eastern seaboard cities of the U.S., including a trip up the Mississippi River to New Orleans. While attached to this command, I also attended various technical schools, including KY-8 voice cipher repair/maintenance school. (Note: The ship was eventually decommissioned, and then intentionally sunk off of Key Largo, Florida on 17 May 2002 as an artificial reef. During the sinking, it ended up on its side which was not intended by the sinking crew. In July 2005, it was up-righted on its hull by Hurricane Dennis. Mother-Nature corrected what humans could not accomplish.)
Best Moment
Graduation of a tough, complicated electronics course of the NESTOR system.
Worst Moment
A lot of cramming of knowledge and therory.
Other Memories
Official School Title: U.S. Naval Schools Crypto Repair C-1 (KY8), Norfolk Naval Ship Yard, Portsmouth, VA.
Upon completion, returned to USS Spiegel Grove. Given the NEC of RM-1541/1431 (TSEC/KY-8 Maint Tech).
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description 14 Jul 70: Received the Presidential Unit Citation for service on board the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) and ATTACK CARRIER AIR WING ELEVEN (CVW-11) during the period 23 December 1967 to 1 June 1968. Auth... 14 Jul 70: Received the Presidential Unit Citation for service on board the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) and ATTACK CARRIER AIR WING ELEVEN (CVW-11) during the period 23 December 1967 to 1 June 1968. Auth: BUPERSNOTE 1650 of 27 June 1969. Ribbon issued. MoreHide
Chain of Command
USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63 relieved the USS Constellation CVA-64 of duties in WestPac and Tonkin Gulf in Dec. 1967. Shifted CTF-77 from USS Kitty Hawk to temporary shore duty in Yokosuka, Japan on 22 Nov. 1967. Shifted Staff of CTF-77 from Yokosuka, Japan to USS Kitty Hawk 10 Dec. 1967.
Other Memories
My last short period of duty with CTF-77 on board the USS Kitty Hawk from 10 Dec. 1967 to 29 Jan. 1968.
Best Moment
R&R in the ports of Subic Bay, Philippines; Hong Kong; Yokosuka, Japan. Advanced to RM1 16 Nov. 1967.
Worst Moment
Relieved the USS Forrestal after her horrific fire July 29, 1967 while in the Tonkin Gulf that killed 134 men and destroyed 21 aircraft. It also caused severe damage to her flight deck from many of the live bombs that exploded that were loaded on most of her aircraft. She looked like a death ship when we relieved her. While on board the USS Kitty Hawk on Jan. 23, 1968, the USS Pueblo was captured by the North Koreans.
Other Memories
Assigned to the staff of Commander Attack Carrier Striking Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet (CTF-77), on board the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk, CVA-63 and USS Constellation, CVA-64, serving as rotating flagships in the Gulf of Tonkin off the North Vietnam Coast.
Description This Campaign period was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968. By mid-1967, the Navy's Military Sea Transportation Service operated a fleet of 527 reactivated World War II Reserve Fleet ships and chartThis Campaign period was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968. By mid-1967, the Navy's Military Sea Transportation Service operated a fleet of 527 reactivated World War II Reserve Fleet ships and chartered vessels under U.S. and foreign registry. Throughout this period, MSTS shipping carried over 40,000 U.S. and allied combat and support troops to South Vietnam. The allied requirements for transportation were passed from MSTS representatives in the ports of Danang, Chu Lai, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Vung Tau, Phan Rang, and Vung Ro through the MSTS office in Saigon to the MSTS Far East, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and finally to Commander MSTS in the United States. Many types of vessels sailed in the MSTS fleet, including converted escort carriers Core, Card, Point Cruz (T-AKV 19), and Kula Gulf (T-AKV 8), which served as aircraft ferries. Corpus Christi Bay (T-ARVH 1), formerly seaplane tender Albermarle (AV 5), operated as a helicopter repair ship for the Army. In addition to the great number of standard cargo hulls, the service operated ships that carried cargo stowed in easily handled containers and new roll-on/roll-off ships that could quickly load and unload vehicles through rear or side ports. Arriving at Danang on 1 August 1967, Bienville was the first such container vessel to reach South Vietnam. Fuel tankers included the 190,000-barrel capacity Maumee (T-AO 149), the 140,000-barrel Cache (T-AO 67), and the 30,000-barrel Chattahoochee (T-AOG 82), the latter of which was used for storage and shuttle services in-country.
MSTS also controlled as many as 16 troop transports in the Pacific during the buildup of forces in South Vietnam. A fleet of LSTs, the number of which increased from 17 to 42 by mid-1968, handled cargo shuttling along the coast. In-port lighterage and terminal duties were accomplished by the MSTS-contracted Alaska Barge and Transport Company, which operated 19 tugs and 33 barges. The total MSTS effort ensured that the 550,000-man U.S. contingent in South Vietnam was well supplied, armed, and prepared to stay in the battle against the determined enemy.
Naval Support Activity, Saigon, which the Navy activated on 17 May 1966, two days after HSAS ceased operations, was charged with providing logistic support to naval units in the II, III, and IV Corps Tactical Zones. The newly created NAVFORV directed the operations of NSA Saigon. The support activity supplied the Navy's Coastal Surveillance Force, River Patrol Force, Riverine Assault Force, and the various specialized headquarters, offices, and detachments operating in the three southern corps areas. NSA Saigon provided the commands with ammunition, weapons, and communications equipment; transported cargo and personnel; repaired and maintained ships and craft; stocked spare parts; and built bases and facilities. Finally, NSA saw to the quartering, messing, payroll, and recreational needs of the naval officers and enlisted personnel in Vietnam.
The Saigon activity developed subordinate support bases for the combat forces similar to those of NSA Danang's. NSA Saigon detachments at Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh Bay, An Thoi, Cat Lo, and Vung Tau primarily served the Market Time operation, although the last two bases were home to other naval combat units as well. The concentration of the Task Force 115 headquarters, naval air units, and other large contingents at Cam Ranh Bay required greater command authority and logistic resources. As a result, in September 1967, NSA Saigon upgraded the detachment to the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay. Detachments were also established at Can Tho (and later moved to nearby Binh Thuy), Nha Be, Vinh Long, Sa Dec, My Tho, Tan Chau, and Long Xuyen. These units saw to the special needs of the Task Force 116 PBR commands. The Naval Support Activity, Saigon, Detachment Dong Tam, supplied only the Mobile Riverine Force naval units. ... More
People You Remember
Rear Adm D.C. Richardson, Rear Adm Mehle, Rear Adm Ralph W. Cousins.
Memories Assigned to the staff of Commander Attack Carrier Striking Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet (CTF-77), on boAssigned to the staff of Commander Attack Carrier Striking Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet (CTF-77), on board the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63, and USS Constellation CVA-64, serving as rotating flagships in the Gulf of Tonkin off the North Vietnam Coast, from Jan. 1967 through Jan. 1968. CTF-77 was also Commander Carrier Division 5. It was an experience of some tough and demanding duty with this staff on board these aircraft carriers. Most of the time was spent on Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf during a very heated and controversial period of the Vietnam Conflict. Observed many fighter jets loaded with bombs flown off these carriers designated for enemy targets and enemy forces inland of North Vietnam. R&R in the ports of Subic Bay, Philippines; Hong Kong; Yokosuka, Japan. Relieved the USS Forrestal after her horrific fire of July 29, 1967, while in the Tonkin Gulf that killed 134 men and destroyed 21 aircraft. It also caused severe damage to her flight deck from several of the live bombs that exploded that were loaded on most of her aircraft preparing for launch. She looked like a death ship when we relieved her.
Several VIP's, Dignitaries, and Entertainers came aboard for visits:
1/19/1967 - Sen. Barry Goldwater visit on board USS Kitty Hawk.
2/12/1967 - Nancy Sinatra show on board USS Kitty Hawk.
3/23/1967 - NBC News Crew arrived on board for the filming of the pre-strike brief by one of our Flag Officers (Capt. Gorsline).
4/12/1967 - Actor Henry Fonda visit & overnight stay on board USS Kitty Hawk.
4/17/1967 - Maj. Gen. Moniyer, USAF on board for visit. USO show featuring the 3-D's.
4/19/1967 - VADM Hyland, ComSeventhFlt and ADM Johnson, CinCPacFlt came aboard to observe large Alfa Strike of Haiphong and Hon Gai TPP's.
5/25/1967 - Shifted CTF-77 Staff from USS Kitty Hawk to USS Constellation.
6/20/1967 - Honorable Mr. Baird, Undersecretary of the Navy arrived on board USS Constellation with VADM Hyland, ComSeventhFlt.
6/23/1967 - Gen. Ryan, Commander in Chief Pacific Air Force (4-Star Gen.) made a visit on board USS Constellation. 6/29/1967 - ADM Thomas Moorer, Chief of Naval Operations (Designate) arrived on board USS Constellation for visit. 7/21/1967 - USO show featuring Sammy Spear & Frankie Fontaine.
8/3/1967 - Actor Robert Stack arrived on board USS Constellation for visit.
8/20/1967 - Famous WWII 5-Star General of the Army, Gen. Omar Bradley and his wife arrived on board for visit. His wife was a photographer with Life Magazine at the time.
8/22/1967 - Miss America, Jane Jayroe (Oklahoma) and her 5 runner-ups arrived on board USS Constellation for visit and show.
11/22/1967 - Shifted CTF-77 off USS Constellation to ashore in Yokosuka, Japan.
12/10/1967 - Shifted CTF-77 from shore in Yokosuka to USS Kitty Hawk.
During my tour on the USS Kitty Hawk on Jan. 23, 1968, the USS Pueblo was captured by the North Koreans. ADM Sharp, Commander in Chief of Pacific Fleet was on board at this time for a visit.
Chain of Command
USS Constellation CVA-64 relieved the USS Kitty Hawk for Tonkin Gulf duty. Shifted the Staff of CTF-77 to USS Constellation on 25 May 1967.
Other Memories
Reported aboard the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63 for duty with Staff of CTF-77 (ComCarDiv-5) 6 Jan 1967 of the rate of RM2. Sea Tour commenced 29 Dec. 1966.
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description
For Service on the USS Constellation (CVA-64) during combat operations in 1967.
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description 1 Aug 1967: Authorized to wear the Vietnam Service Medal and Ribbon with Bronze Star/s for service with Staff of Commander Carrier Division FIVE in the Vietnam Theatre (current) Subj: Designation of C... 1 Aug 1967: Authorized to wear the Vietnam Service Medal and Ribbon with Bronze Star/s for service with Staff of Commander Carrier Division FIVE in the Vietnam Theatre (current) Subj: Designation of Campaigns in Vietnam Operations. Auth: SECNAVINST P1650.1C. Medal Issued. Signed: V.E. Arvin, LCDR, USN
Flag Secretary, By Dir. CCD-5 MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation MoreHide
Description
25 Feb 1969 - Awarded the RVN Armed Forces MUC Gallantry Cross on board USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63 for 02 Mar 1967 - 09 May 1967.
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description 3 Sep 67: Authorized to wear the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device (1960-) for service with Staff, Commander Carrier Division FIVE during the period January 1967 to September 1967. Auth: ... 3 Sep 67: Authorized to wear the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device (1960-) for service with Staff, Commander Carrier Division FIVE during the period January 1967 to September 1967. Auth: SECNAVINST 1650.26.
Signed: V.E. Arvin, LCDR, USN
Flag Secretary, By Dir. CCD-5 MoreHide
Best Moment
This was my first duty as a newlywed. Our first daughter was born at Aberdeen, Washington during this tour of duty.
Other Memories
This was "prime" duty in the Pacific Northwest. Pacific Beach was a small resort town located on the Pacific coast a few miles north of Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA. The facility was a SOSUS station, part of a network of underwater sound surveillance systems. The facility is now designated as IUSS (Integrated Undersea Surveillance System). Received a "Letter of Commendation" for outstanding professional performance during the floods of December 22 to 26, 1964 in portions of the Northwest. Was instrumental in establishing and maintaining emergency communications with the Naval Facility located in Humboldt County of northern California, and for relaying of essential messages pertaining to disasters in the stricken areas to the appropriate Civil Defense and Military agencies.
Best Friends
RMC Alfred A. Knierim, RMC J.R. Green
Best Moment
This was a tough 36 weeks of advance communications and electronics training. Burnt a lot of midnight oil in this school, but it paid off, since I graduated as Class Honor Man.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Best Moment
Met my wife, Peggy, while stationed in Boston, and we were married later in 1964.
Promoted to E-5 (RM2).
Worst Moment
Was on board arriving into port of Boston when we received the news that John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Other Memories
I was assigned to the USS Miller, DD-535, a reserve training destroyer home-ported in Boston, MA, from Jan. 1963 to Jun. 1964. I made the trip from Oregon to Boston, MA by train. It was a very cold train ride from Chicago to Boston that winter.
While onboard the USS Miller, we made tours to the Caribbean; visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Bahamas; Virgin Islands, and various other islands. We also made tours to Florida; New York City; Cornerbrook, Newfoundland (great port-of-call); Quebec City, Canada; and various other eastern seaboard cities.
During my tour on this command, I was promoted to RM2 (E-5).
During this assignment, I met my wife in her hometown of Boston. We dated for several months and later we were married in Boston.
I was involved in the decommissioning of this ship in Portsmouth, VA with its final decommissioning date on June 30th, 1964.
I then received my orders to transfer to the west coast for shore duty. I traveled from Norfolk back to Boston to meet up with my wife, pack up our belongings, and travelled in my trusty old 1958 Buick Century across the U.S. from Boston to Medford, Oregon for a few days leave, then on to Washington for my next duty.
Other Memories
I was assigned to the USS Samuel N. Moore (DD-747) from June 1959 to May 1962, a destroyer home-ported in Long Beach, CA and assigned to Destroyer Squadron 23 (DesRon-23). This was my first shipboard duty in my career. The first time underway was my first time of "absolute sea-sickness". I spent the first day underway "manning the rails". Once I got that out of my system, never was sea-sick again (well, maybe a little "woozy" when riding out a typhoon or two).
I first started out in the Deck Division for several months. This was the low-life duties of chipping paint, painting "Red Lead" primer, and painting lots of "Haze Grey" and "Deck Grey" throughout the ship. I also got the great duty assignments of "Scullery duty" and "KP duty", not to mention the cleaning of "Heads" (Navy term for Restrooms).
I was later offered an option to get into the medical division as a corpsman striker, working under HMC "Doc" Ben Mayotte until his retirement in 1960. Since I was so fed up with the Deck Division duties, I absolutely said "YES" to the inter-division switch, knowing it had to be a much better racket.
During my duties in the Medical Division, I learned quite a lot in First Aid, Minor Surgery, Pharmaceuticals, and Microscopic Biological Research. I learned to make some of the best "Terpin Hydrate" Cough Syrup on the west coast, 190-proof. Seems there was a lot of demand for my "special cough syrup" when at sea. Any time we deployed overseas, I assisted in giving all the necessary shots to the crew, like Typhoid, Tetanus, DTP, Chickenpox, etc. I never did like needles. The first time giving shots, I thought I was going to pass out, but later I got over it. I really got good at giving penicillin shots in some of the shipmates rear-ends while we were overseas.
Towards the expiration of my first enlistment, I was offered Hospital Corpsman School in San Diego if I re-enlisted for another 4-year term. I thought it over and determined that this was not for me; that I wanted to get into electronics.
Since there were no open billets in the ET (Electronic Technician) gang, the next best thing was to get into the Radioman gang.
The last few months that I was attached to the USS Moore, I joined the communications division as a radioman striker. Since my main interest was electronics, this was as close as I was going to get into the electronics field. I eventually shipped-over under the STAR program that guaranteed an "A" School for me, and if I graduated in the top 10%, I would be advanced to pay grade E-4. I re-enlisted and it got me the orders to Radioman "A" School in San Diego upon completion of my tour of duty on the Moore.
During my duty on this ship, we made two WestPac deployments of about 6 to 7 months each, visiting Hawaii and the countries of Japan, Okinawa, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Hong Kong was a great liberty port. I had a couple of custom-made suits and a "white sport-coat" made on my first visit there, that were very inexpensive. Visited the "Tiger Balm Gardens" that was a very impressive Chinese "fantasy land".
We also made trips up to Seattle and Everett, WA; and operations at sea off the coast of Mexico. We also conducted cold weather operations off the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
While attached to the Moore, we participated in a couple of 1962 nuclear tests, designated "Operation Dominic I" in the Pacific. One of the tests was conducted near Christmas Island & the second was off the coast of southern California.
(Note: After this ship was decommissioned in 1969, it was sold to Taiwan on December 9, 1969 and renamed Heng Yang. Later was stricken in 1993.)
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description 1 Aug 1967: I hereby acknowledge receipt of the National Defense Service Medal for service on active duty in the United States Navy subsequent to 31 December 1960. Auth: SECNAVINST P1650.1C.
Signed: ... 1 Aug 1967: I hereby acknowledge receipt of the National Defense Service Medal for service on active duty in the United States Navy subsequent to 31 December 1960. Auth: SECNAVINST P1650.1C.
Signed: Gary D. Wilkinson
AUTHENTICATED: V.E. ARVIN, LCDR, USN
Flag Secretary, By dir CCD-5
MoreHide
I received orders for transfer from Fleet Training Group, Pearl Harbor to the USS Anchorage, LSD-36. I departed Naval Base, Pearl Harbor with my wife and four children on 1 June 1977 on United Airlines Flight # UA-180, ETD HNL 0930, ETA SFO 1725. Authorized 30-days leave. Found a residence for my family in my hometown of Medford, OR and settled them in during my leave period before reporting to my last year of sea duty. Reported to Fleet Training Center, San Diego, CA at 2343 10 July 1977 for a one week course of instruction in CMS, class convening 11 July 1977. Upon completion, to transfer to USS Anchorage (LSD-36). Detached from FTC, San Diego at 1200 14 July 1977 to report to Travis Air Force Base not later than 2230 July 14, 1977 for a flight to Clark Air Force Base, Philippines, and transport to U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay, Philippines. Arrived U.S. Naval Station, Subic Bay, the Philippines at 1440, 16 July 1977. Was in transit at Subic Naval Station until catching transportation on the USS San Jose (AFS-7), departing at 0900 25 July 1977 then to rendezvous at sea with the USS Anchorage. I was transferred between the USS San Jose to the USS Anchorage by helo at 2015 31 July 1977 Reported aboard and assigned as Communications Chief on the USS Anchorage, LSD-36, home-ported San Diego, CA, from 31 Jul. 1977 to 15 Aug. 1978. During this period, I finished one more tour to the Western Pacific. I was assigned to serve as Communications Officer, after the retirement of the normal communications officer. This was during our dry-dock yard period in Long Beach, CA. On August 15, 1978, I retired from active duty and joined the Fleet Reserve until full retirement from the navy in 1988. My wife and children made a trip down by Greyhound Bus from Medford, Oregon to join my retirement presentation and celebration. We spent a couple nights with our good friends and old shipmate, Ben & Gerrie Mayotte that lived near the area of Long Beach, CA. (Note: The USS Anchorage was decommissioned October 1, 2003.)