Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Best Friends
XOs LCDR Carol Shivers and LCDR Dee Edgington, CMDMCs Mike Corcoran and Pat Nicometo, and my wife, Janice; Each and every Department Head and OIC/CPOIC; the CPO Mess and all the superb military and civilian support.
Best Moment
Assuming command of PSA Jacksonville! WOW! What a way to end a 35 year career: Leading, mentoring, encouraging, supporting and working for a bunch of dedicated, hard-working Sailors and civilians. Just doesn't get any better!
Worst Moment
(1)Statutory retirement/relinquishing command; ending the best 35 years of my life. (2)Execution of a headquarters' directed Reduction in Force, resulting in budget-based downsizing and consolidation of workload and closure of some offices.
Chain of Command
ISIC was CAPT Steve Nimitz, N1, CLF XO(1) LCDR Carol Shivers XO(2) LCDR Dee Edgington CMDMC Mike Corcoran and Pat Nicometo and the best Department Heads and Det OICs in the Navy.
Other Memories
The culmination of 35 years: a change of command/retirement ceremony that I, and many others, will never forget...being honored and then piped ashore with my brothers and close shipmates as Bos'n and Sideboys. (Many thought I would never shut up...and just go home!) :)
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Best Friends
Too many to list. You know who you are.
Best Moment
At first, I'd have to say "The moment I assumed duties as Executive Officer," but in retrospect, I have to say the day I met then-Captain Donna Crisp who would become to be the most wonderful individual, leader, mentor and friend I could ever have.
Worst Moment
Those that I do not like to think about....that make me sad.
Chain of Command
PSA Norfolk, forerunner to PSA Atlantic, reported to CINCLANTFLT. CO(1) CAPT Sherry Darling CO(2) RADM Donna Crisp
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). 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
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Description
COMTHIRDFLT Staff embarked in USS CORONADO (AGF 11)
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Best Friends
LT Leo Morrissette CWO4 Robert J. Udell (deceased)
Best Moment
(1)When the CO, CDR JoAnn Rodes, selected me to be her XO. (2)Permanent promotion to LT on 7 Jan 1987
Worst Moment
Having to relinquish charge of the PSD to LT Leo Morrissette
Chain of Command
The name of the command was PSA Mediterranean during my tour, which reported to CINCUSNAVEUR in London. CO was CDR JoAnn Rodes, a wonderful leader and manager, from whom I learned a lot and who became a good friend!
Other Memories
The day CDR Rodes and CWO3 Udell took me to the golf course at Carney Park. Once I picked up the clubs, I was hooked. It's a great game!
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 This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Best Friends
LT Vern Meierotto ENS Tim Greene (SC) CWO4 Robert J. Udell (deceased)
Best Moment
*The moment I relieved LT Vern Meierotto as Officer-in-Charge, PSD Naples, Italy. *The day my son, Brian, graduated from Naples American High School.
Worst Moment
*Having to send a CPO to CO's NJP. *Time spent keeping my son out of the Italian jail for being associated with his friend who patted an Italian girl on the behind! Ouch!!
Chain of Command
I was assigned to PSA Mediterranean/PSD Naples, Italy. CO,PSA MED was (1)CDR Marie McElligott, (2) CDR JoAnn Rodes
Other Memories
*Reuniting with USS KITTY HAWK Shipmate, LT Jerry Loporto, Security Officer, NSA Naples, and subsequently, through association with him, becoming a Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, and a Shriner. *Meeting and greeting then-LT Jerry Hart as a fellow 6410 from a visiting CVN. *Playing golf for the first time at Carney Park with CDR Rodes, LT Morrissette, CWO4 Udell. *My brother's (AVCM(AW) Rick Kirtley) visit enroute to his Squadron embarked in CVN in the Med., and the fun we had at the market places. *My sons playing soccer and some Italians wanting to 'buy' Brian to play soccer for an Italian team.
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
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 Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Best Friends
CDR Sherry Beckhart LCDR Priscilla Van der Pool CDR Leslie Page CWO3 Jeff Funk CWO4 Bob Udell (deceased) PNCM Bill Bryant
Best Moment
The day customer commands learned I was an LDO Ensign, not "just an Ensign!"
Worst Moment
Having to send my MCPO to ARC/Drydock
Chain of Command
I was assigned to PSA San Diego/PSD NAVSTA San Diego, as the Transient Personnel Division Officer. Detachment Officer in Charge was LCDR Sherry Beckhart.
Other Memories
Playing tennis with Jeff Funk at the NavBase Tennis Courts on Harbor Drive, before they were closed and subsequently destroyed.
Other Memories
Attending the CPO Initiation of my brother, PRC Carl G. Kirtley...Boy! was that a mistake, especially since another brother, AECS Richard D. Kirtley was also in attendance. UGH! Darn "truth serum."
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Navy personnel who have landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition or who have operated under circumstances deemed to mer... The Navy Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Navy personnel who have landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition or who have operated under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition and for which no campaign medal has been awarded. MoreHide
Description
USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63)for Indian Ocean
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Best Friends
CWO4 Ralph Huskey CWO4 Bob Walls CWO4 Sam Rader CWO3 Tom Tollefson YNCS Dick Cavanaugh PNCM Rene LaMarche LICM Johnnie Hooper PCCM Bill Fults AGCM Amos Fields AGC Roger Graham BMC Ron Wallace BM2 Frank Diamond
Best Moment
A few: (1) WestPac Cruise ('79-'80) with my brother, AOC Ed Kirtley (deceased), and the two of us meeting brother AEC Rick Kirtley (RVAH-7)in Subic Bay, RP. (2)Advancement to YNCS on 16 Nov 1979 (3)When I became a commissioned officer on 2 April 1980 with my Mother, wife, 3 sons, 3 brothers and sister in attendance.
Worst Moment
Waking up onboard ship after a night of promotion celebration at the Chief's Club in Subic Bay (nuff said)
Chain of Command
CO(1) RADM Samuel Hubbard (2) RADM E. J. Hogan, Jr. (3) RADM W. Lewis Chatham (4) CAPT F.S. "Tooter" Teague XO(1) RADM Leonard Perry (2) CAPT Gary Scoffield (3) VADM Walter J. Davis AO(1) LCDR Curt Mosier (2) CDR Tom Williams (3) CAPT Jack Turner
Other Memories
Having the opportunity and pleasure of working for LCDR Tom Williams and LCDR Jack Turner (both 641X) who inspired me to apply for the LDO program and taught me to be a good administrator and leader.
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
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
*When my wife pinned on my Chief's Anchors 16 May 1975 *Attaining my Associates Degree in Personnel Management
Worst Moment
That moment would be during my Chief's initiation.
Chain of Command
Attended Olympic College, Bremerton, WA, through the Associate Degree Completion Program. Administratively assigned to Naval Shipyard, Bremerton
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
YN1 Skip Peltz (VA-196) PNC Jack Lane AO1 J.D. Seward
Best Moment
Being selected for the Associate Degree Completion Program 1974
Worst Moment
Leaving my family for the first time for a 6 month WESTPAC deployment
Chain of Command
CO - CDR Herb Kinney XO/CO - CDR Steve Owen XO - Chip Banta
Other Memories
Deployment WESTPAC 73-74 in USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63); Arriving on YANKEE Station; becoming a SHELLBACK enroute to Mombasa, Kenya; being a part of the KNIGHTRIDERS Softball team
Best Friends
YNC Gary Legate AGC Roger Graham YN2 John Alvin Peppers
Best Moment
*Advancing to YN1 on 1 April 1972 *OOPS! I guess meeting Janice Currie and getting married on 1 May 1970 should be included here. :) *Birth of my youngest son, Douglas Alvin on April 18, 1971
Worst Moment
*Meeting CAPT Esmiol at homeplate in a softball game his first week in the command..I scored; he lost the ball when I plowed into him and knocked him on his backside. "Hi CAPTAIN, I'm you new YN2." *Losing my first bout in the 1971 National Golden Glove Tournament in my hometown of Fort Worth, TX
Chain of Command
Commander, Test Command, DNA - (1) CAPT R. W. Duborg, USN (2) CAPT Morris A. Esmiol, Jr., USN LTC Cohen, USAF, Admin/Personnel Directorate CPT Ralph Caruthers, AGC, USA, Personnel CMSGT Melvin Legg, Senior Enlisted
Other Memories
*Coached/participated with the Sandia Base Army Boxing team: Won 4th Army Light-heavyweight Championship 1970 & 1971. Also was the 1971 Albuquerque Regional and New Mexico State Middleweight Golden Glove Champion. *Accompanying CAPT Esmiol to Amchitka, AK, for OPERATION KANIKAN, underground nuclear test in 1971
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 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
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 This Campaign period was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. The overall composition of the SEALORDS task force in South Vietnam reflected the growing role of the Vietnamese Navy in the war. The newly elThis Campaign period was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. The overall composition of the SEALORDS task force in South Vietnam reflected the growing role of the Vietnamese Navy in the war. The newly elected administration of President Richard M. Nixon formally adopted as U.S. policy the Vietnamization program early in 1969.
The naval part of that process, termed ACTOV (Accelerated Turnover to the Vietnamese), embodied the incremental transfer to Vietnam of NAVFORV's river and coastal combatant fleet and the logistic support establishment. ACTOV was more than the provision of material, however, for the Vietnamese Navy needed training in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the U.S. equipment and in the efficient functioning of the supply system. Leadership skills at all command levels required improvement as did the general morale of naval personnel before the Vietnamese Navy would be able to fight on alone.
Spearheaded by the 564 officers and men of the Naval Advisory Group early in 1969, the U.S. Navy integrated Vietnamese sailors into the crews of American ships and craft. When sufficiently trained, the Vietnamese bluejackets and officers relieved their American counterparts, who then rotated back to the United States. As entire units came under Vietnamese Navy command, control of the various SEALORDS operations passed to that naval service as well.... More
Memories Flying into Cam Rahn Bay where our air gunships were life bees over a hive; our plane going to a "doFlying into Cam Rahn Bay where our air gunships were life bees over a hive; our plane going to a "down" status; incoming rockets just after it was announced the plane was "up!"... More
Best Friends
YN2 Mike Benson - taught me Legal YN2 Roy Shafer - taught me Admin/Officer Records/ODCR AO3 Buddy Fallaw - Party animal AN Jeff White - relieved me in COMM Office AN John Heil AXCS Dick Creley - Ops/Trng Div CPO
Best Moment
Advancing to YN2 on 16 Jan 1969
Worst Moment
When I heard we had lost a plane with crew of 12 aboard during our deployment to Iwakuni, Japan '67-'68
Chain of Command
CO(1) - CDR Donald J. Childers (2) - CDR Paul J. "Moose" Tetreault
Other Memories
*Returning to Adak, AK, for 6-month deployment Dec 1968 *Flying just above the whitecaps in the Bearing Strait with PPC Jack Odell *Flying into Cam Rahn Bay, RVN, in April 1969 during the Tet Offensive. (Scary!) *Taking off in a power climb from Bergstrom AFB, TX with PPC Jack Odell, only to have to return since nobody signed for fuel. *Cross-country flight into Winston-Salem, NC, where Buddy Fallaw and I took off for South Carolina and walked through the night until a Marine's parents finally gave us a ride to Columbia and Charleston, respectively.
Description Yankee Station was a point in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam used by the U.S. Navy aircraft carriers of Task Force 77 to launch strikes in the Vietnam War. While its official designation Yankee Station was a point in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam used by the U.S. Navy aircraft carriers of Task Force 77 to launch strikes in the Vietnam War. While its official designation was "Point Yankee," it was universally referred to as Yankee Station. Carriers conducting air operations at Yankee Station were said to be "on the line" and statistical summaries were based on days on the line.
The name derived from it being the geographic reference point "Y", pronounced "Yankee" in the NATO phonetic alphabet. In turn the term Point Yankee derived from the launch point for "Yankee Team" aerial reconnaissance missions over Laos conducted in 1964. It was located about 190 km due east of Dong Hoi, at 17° 30' N and 108° 30' E.
During the two periods of sustained air operations against North Vietnam (March 2, 1965-October 31, 1968 and March 30, 1972-December 29, 1972) there were normally three carriers on the line, each conducting air operations for twelve hours, then off for twelve hours. One of the carriers would operate from noon to midnight, another from midnight to noon, and one during daylight hours, which gave 24-hour coverage plus additional effort during daylight hours, when sorties were most effective. However at the end of May, 1972, six carriers were for a short period of time on the line at Yankee Station conducting Linebacker strikes.
The first aircraft carrier at Yankee Station was USS Kitty Hawk, which was ordered there in April 1964 for the Yankee Team missions. Kitty Hawk was joined by Ticonderoga in May and Constellation in June, two months prior to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. Ticonderoga and Constellation launched the first bombing missions from Yankee Station on August 5, 1964. Constellation was also the last carrier conducting operations at Yankee Station on August 15, 1973. USS Forrestal suffered a major accident while at Yankee Station when a series of fires and explosions on her deck killed 134 men and injured another 161.
A corresponding Dixie Station in the South China Sea off the Mekong Delta was a single carrier point for conducting strikes within South Vietnam from May 15, 1965 to August 3, 1966.... More
People You Remember
CO, CV-63: CAPT Kirksey CO, VA-52: CDR Kinney
Memories
Arrival of the Shah of Iran onboard KITTY HAWK while on YANKEE STATION
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
Other Memories
Attended Communications Yeoman(CYN) "A" School. CYN was a speciality rating of the Yeoman general rating that went only to E4. Advancement to E5 was through the Yeoman or Radioman ratings.
Best Friends
Richard D. Kirtley (my brother) James A. Rutledge, Jr. - Brookline, MA
Best Moment
When I was selected to be APO1 for the Company.
Worst Moment
When I had to discipline my brother by putting him in the "Captain's Chair" holding his "piece."
Instructors
Recruit Company Commander: GMGC Foster
Other Memories
Participating in the boxing 'smoker' in Chula Vista, with the Navy Boxing Team, and subsequently being invited to join the Navy Boxing Team. I couldn't accept because I had already been through classification and assigned to an "A" school.
Chain of Command
Assigned to Mine Warfare Schools Command as Tech Pubs Library Yeoman (Non-Student)PSI to Communications Yeoman "A" School in Norfolk, VA
XOs LCDR Carol Shivers and LCDR Dee Edgington, CMDMCs Mike Corcoran and Pat Nicometo, and my wife, Janice; Each and every Department Head and OIC/CPOIC; the CPO Mess and all the superb military and civilian support.
Assuming command of PSA Jacksonville! WOW! What a way to end a 35 year career: Leading, mentoring, encouraging, supporting and working for a bunch of dedicated, hard-working Sailors and civilians. Just doesn't get any better!
(1)Statutory retirement/relinquishing command; ending the best 35 years of my life.
(2)Execution of a headquarters' directed Reduction in Force, resulting in budget-based downsizing and consolidation of workload and closure of some offices.
ISIC was CAPT Steve Nimitz, N1, CLF
XO(1) LCDR Carol Shivers
XO(2) LCDR Dee Edgington
CMDMC Mike Corcoran and Pat Nicometo
and the best Department Heads and Det OICs in the Navy.
The culmination of 35 years: a change of command/retirement ceremony that I, and many others, will never forget...being honored and then piped ashore with my brothers and close shipmates as Bos'n and Sideboys. (Many thought I would never shut up...and just go home!) :)