Other Memories
TRANSFER TO FLEET RESERVE A transfer to the Fleet Reserve requires that you complete 2 years at your duty station and submit the application no sooner than 6 months or later than 12 months before your requested transfer date. Send applications for Fleet Reserve to the Chief of Naval Personnel (PERS-273). Submit NAVPERS 1830/1 in quadruplicate and NAVPERS 1070/621 (Agreement to Extend) or NAVPERS 1070/622 (Agreement to Recall or Extend Active Duty) as appropriate. Refer to MILPERSMAN, article 3855180, for more detailed information. TRANSFER TO FLEET RESERVE AND RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY You will be transferred to Fleet Reserve on the last day of the month (date stated on NAVPERS 1830/2) only upon the authority of BUPERS except as follows: You are undergoing medical treatment not involving Physical Evaluation Board proceedings or appearance before a medical board requiring departmental action and you consent to remain on active duty. You request or are involved in a Physical Evaluation Board or appearance before a medical board requiring departmental action; you will be transferred only after final action is completed and instructions are received from BUPERS. You are awaiting disciplinary proceedings, serving a sentence of a court-martial, awaiting civil action, awaiting action on an administrative discharge, or awaiting a checkage of pay on date of transfer. Your service is required because of urgent operational commitments; commanding officers may defer the transfer to Fleet Reserve for 30 days. MILPERSMAN, article 3855240, provides an in-depth explanation. PHYSICAL FITNESS REGARDING FLEET RESERVISTS Fleet reservists must notify the Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Personnel Center, New Orleans, of any significant change in their physical fitness that would result in their transfer to a retired list. Reservists found unfit for duty are transferred from the Fleet Reserve to the retired list of the Regular Navy or Retired Reserve as appropriate, See MILPERSMAN, article 3855260, for more information. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION IN CONNECTION WITH RETIREMENT You must have a physical examination 6 months before your retirement date to allow for the treatment of minor health problems or to identify health problems that would qualify you for a disability retirement. See MILPERSMAN, article 3860160, for more information. MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST MEMBERS SCHEDULED FOR FLEET RESERVE OR TRANSFER TO FLEET RESERVE Your command career counselor or Family Service Center should have available publications about retirement. Many commands conduct a mandatory retirement seminar that personnel must attend within 6 months of their retirement date (see OPNAVINST 1720.3D). The retirement seminar is an excellent source of information. The following are some publications about retirement that you can get through the Navy supply system: Disability Separation, NAVEDTRA 46601 F; national stock number (NSN): 0503-LP-212-6100 Once a Veteran, NAVEDTRA 46602D; NSN: 0503-LP-211-8400 SBP Made Easy, The Survivor Benefit Plan, NAVEDTRA 46605E; NSN: 0503- LP-003-0295 Navy Guide for Retired Personnel and Their Families, NAVPERS 15891F; NSN: 0500-LP-345-1022 PRESEPARATION CEREMONY If desired, a person may request a pre- separation ceremony before transfer to the Fleet Reserve or the Retired List; however, participation in a formal ceremony is not mandatory. MILPERSMAN, article 3810200, lists items to be presented to a person transferring to the Fleet Reserve or the Retired List.
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
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
During my assignment at MEPS Sioux Falls, I was selected for promotion to Senior Chief Petty Officer E-8 (PNCS).
In late 1982, it was time for me to consider my reassignment orders. I was inline for promotion to Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) and along with that a set of orders to a brand new aircraft carrier. I would set up the Personnel Office and all that went along with it. The family had enough traveling, moving, packing and unpacking, so I decided that it was my turn to start over. They told me to go ahead and to come home on leave every once in a while. They were done; so after nearly twenty-two years, I chose to retire from the Navy. I retired from the Navy February 28, 1983.
Other Memories
NAVAL RECRUITING COMMAND AREA FIVE OMAHA, NEBRASKA? January 1979 ? February 1983 (throw me in that brier patch). Having completed my tour on USS Wainwright, I ask to be assigned to recruiting duty in the Midwest so that we might get a little closer to mine and Mary?s home-part of the country. When my detailer offerred me the Omaha assignment, I called to find out where I might be assigned; I was told that Sioux Falls, South Dakota Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) was where I would work from. They also told me that the snow was currently four feet deep and piled even higher along the streets. I truly believe they were trying to discourage me from taking the assignment. Ha! Ha! Ha! throw me into that brier patch.
Other Memories
While assigned to MEPS Sioux Falls I was responsible for the Classifiers in the Military Entrance Processing Station, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Military Entrance Processing Station, Fargo, North Dakota, Military Entrance Processing Station, De Monies, Iowa, and Military Entrance Processing Station, Omaha, Nebraska. This did require me to travel some to oversee the work of those assigned under me. I was responsible for seeing that all incoming recruits for the navy were properly tested, interviewed and assigned to appropriate schools, or to other commands for duty.
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
Comments DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY HAS AWARDED THE
NAVY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF THE SECOND AWARD)
TO
SENIOR CHIEF PERSONNELMAN ROGER BROOKS, UNITED STA... DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY HAS AWARDED THE
NAVY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF THE SECOND AWARD)
TO
SENIOR CHIEF PERSONNELMAN ROGER BROOKS, UNITED STATE NAVY
FOR
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT FROM 1 OCTOBER 1981 TO 9 JULY 1982 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 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
Description
NAVY RECRUITING COMMAND OMAHA, NE OPEN THE PICTURE BELOW AND READ THE CITATION
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
YNCM SUITER, EWCS LEVAN, EMC CREED, STGC GREENWOOD
Best Moment
SOME PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER ME FOR MY SEWING MACHINE WORK. I HEMMED A LOT OF PANTS. SEWED ON A LOT OF PATCHES. WHEN MY PLASTIC BOBBIN BROKE MR2 MAUPIN MADE ONE OUT OF BRASS. STILL HAVE IT. Before going on the Mediterranean Deployment we had decided that I would try to purchase European Crystal for our use. Lead crystal is not easy to find here. As we steamed from port to port I started looking for crystal. In Taranto Italy I found two shops on the same street that dealt in Crystal. One on a commercial bases and the other was all had blown and cut. After much deliberation and negotiations with the two proprietors I had reached a price that we could afford and I bought both sets. August 5th, two Sets of Crystal, 136 pieces. This meant packing 136 pieces of crystal in boxes and getting it aboard ship, finding a place for it to be stored until we arrive back in the States. This I accomplished with the help of the Sonar Technicians and one of their storerooms. All 136 pieces made it home in one piece. August 13th we got underway to Augusta Bay.
Worst Moment
COMING DOWN WITH A VERY SERIOUS CASE OF KIDNEY STONES. IT PUT ME IN THE HOSPITAL IN CHARLESTON, SC FOR SURGERY TO REMOVE ONE THAT WAS VERY LARGE. AFTER 30 DAYS CONVALESCENT LEAVE I WAS BACK ABOARD.
Chain of Command
ROSTER FROM MED CRUISE 9 MARCH 1977 TO 21 OCTOBER 1977
BM3 FREDERICK
BM1 MCGALAMERY
SA TAYLOR
SA HEWITT
SA CRAVEN
SN MCCONNEL
SA MARTIN
SN SCHOENING
SN NEWTON
SN KENDRICK
SN CARVER
SN TURNER
SN EDWARDS
SN CULVER
SA GORE
SN NEALY
SN DUFFY
SN OTWAY
SN P. TURNER
SN DIEHL
SN WHITE
SN RAUCH
SN MCMILLIAN
SA SANTIAGO
SN KING
SA CONKLIN
SA GREATHOUSE
SN WILLIAMS
SN RUFF
SN MACKENDREE
SN BRAGG
SA TIEDT
SA JOHNSON
BM2 PEARCE
SECOND DIVISION
GMGSA GILMAN
FTG3 KNUDSON
GMGSA WALTERS
GMG1 CHANDLER
GMG1 SALOR
SN DIETZ
SN GANTT
GMG2 EXUM
GMGSN BECKER
FTMSA SNYDER
FTM2 FREEMAN
GMMSA CARBINE
FTM3 CHAMBERS
GMGSN BRYANT
FTMSN SHIMIZU
GMM3 MARTINELLI
GMMSN VITO
FTM3 MURRAY
FTM3 KEEZEL
GMMSN PARKEY
FTMSN GREEN
FMMSN FISHER
FTMC BELL
FTMC FIELDS
GMMSN JONES
FTM3 CIESIELSKI
FTM2 HOWARD
GMM3 WILLIAMS
GMM3 STANFORD
GMM1 BANNING
GMM3 ERICKSON
GMMSN DEAL
FTM2 MARCOUX
FTMSN SCOTT
GMM1 GRIMMER
FTM1 TERRELL
FTGSA JACKSON
FTM3 CROSS
GMMSN WATKINS
FTM3 STACHOWICZ
FTM2 SHOOP
FTM1 LANE
GMMSA SMITH
GMMSA WASHINGTON
GMM2 CROSS
GMMC HALLMARK
MS DIVISION
MS3 DEGARRIZ
MS1 ARIGO
MS3 DAVIS
MSSA SEARS
SN SCHULTZ
MS2 CAULEY
MS2 PERRONE
MS1 BARBER
MS1 VALDEZ
MS3 DONALDSON
MSSN GUILER
MS1 COBILLA
MSSN STONE
MSSN OWENS
MESSCOOKS
FA CAMPBELL
OSSN MARSH
SA STUBBS
SA OHMER
SA GARDNER
SA MITCHELL
FA SOMMERS
EMFA WATERMAN
HTFA COLE
HTFA BELL
SN BASHANSCI
FA WARD
BTFA HANCOCK
MMFA DIAS
OSSN GARNER
SUPPLY DIVISION
SH3 REED
SH3 HARRISON
SH1 DEFREISE
SHSA GARDNER
SHSA BERNDT
SH3 DIZON
SH3 WARNER
SHSN WALKER
SH3 M. JONES
SH3 H. JONES
SN RONE
SH2 ELLIOTT
DK1 DOMINGO
SN SMITH
SKSN YOUNG
SN HALOG
SKSN EDWARDS
SN WINDER
DK3 GOLET
SK3 ROBERTS
SKSN BERLIN
SK1 TEMPER
SK2 TAN
OE DIVISION
ETR2 BOERSMA
DS3 HAGAN
SN BLOME
DS2 LONG
DS2 GLABRAITH
DS1 JANYSZEK
DS3 TEEL
ETN2 ADAMS
DS2 PENNINGTON
ET1 GARBER
ETR2 DAVIS
ETN3 WHITFIELD
ETN3 ANASTASIA
ETR2 SWANSON
ETN3 ROBLES
ETRSA MCNALLY
DS3 HOLT
OI DIVISION
EW2 MAURER
EW3 LARSEN
EMCS LEVAN
EW3 NIXON
EW1 WILLIAMS
EW2 CORDES
EW3 STRZELECKI
SN PETKOVIC
Other Memories
July 17th we had Swim Call! Where?s the bottom? We were anchored in 60 fathoms of water (360 feet). The weather was out of this world and the Mediterranean Sea was very blue and very warm and very inviting. In order to hold swim call we had to put a small boat in the water with armed men because of sharks. We put nets over the side so we could climb up once in the water. There were two men who dove in to the water and nearly drown and had to be pulled in by the lifeguards. When asked what had happened both said they thought the water was not that deep and that they thought they could touch the bottom like in a swimming pool. After a great day of swimming we were again underway at 1930 hours.
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
Comments CHIEF OF NAVAL TECHNICAL TRAINING
UNITED STATES NAVY
Take pleasure in commending Chief Personnelman Roger BROOKS, UNITED STATES NAVY, for service as set forth in the following
CITATION; For sustained o... CHIEF OF NAVAL TECHNICAL TRAINING
UNITED STATES NAVY
Take pleasure in commending Chief Personnelman Roger BROOKS, UNITED STATES NAVY, for service as set forth in the following
CITATION; For sustained outstanding performance of duty while assigned to the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Memphis, Tennessee during the period 18 February 1972 Through 13 February 1976. While serving in a Chief of Naval Personnel Classification Billet, Chief Petty Officer BROOKS consistently performed his duties in a superior and highly exemplary manner. Throughout his assignment Chief Petty Officer BROOKS interviewed and classified an average of 150 school attrites per month recommending reassignment for the student commensurate with his qualifications and attitude. During this period Chief Petty Officer BROOKS further administered DOD ASVAB tests to over 1,500 Class "A" School students as part of a Navy Personnel Research and Developed Center projects to validate the present test being administered to prospective enlistees. Chief Petty Officer BROOKS Further provided his professional expertise and superior knowledge of Classification techniques to the Staff, Chief of Naval Technical Training in the effort to standardize methods of interviewing and reassigning class "A" school students who do not successfully complete their courses of instruction. Throughout his tour, Chief Petty Officer BROOKS professionalism, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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 "E" Ribbon denotes permanent duty on ships or in squadrons that won the battle efficiency competition after July 1, 1974.
Description USS WAINWRIGHT CG-28, commanded by CAPT Richard C. Berry, Won the Majorie Sterrett Award for FY77 in the Atlantic Fleet. Wainwright out distanced about 95 other cruiser and destroyer types of SURFLANT... USS WAINWRIGHT CG-28, commanded by CAPT Richard C. Berry, Won the Majorie Sterrett Award for FY77 in the Atlantic Fleet. Wainwright out distanced about 95 other cruiser and destroyer types of SURFLANT in winning the award. In Battle Efficiency competition the ship wan the Battle "E", the CIC Green "e", Communications Green "C", Supply Blue "E", the Electronic Warfare Excellence Award and a Second Consecutive Engineering Red "E" MoreHide
Best Moment
While attached to the Millington Naval Air Tactical Training Center I was selected for and promoted to Chief Petty Officer. This was a very special day in my life; being selected for Chief Petty Officer in the Navy is very special. The creed we live by explains (it is reproduced below for your reading and understanding), the importance of promotion to Chief Petty Officer in the U. S. Navy.
NAVAL AIR STATION Memphis, Tenn.
The following is dedicated to all of the Chief Petty Officers that have gone before you and directed specifically at you.
PNC ROGER BROOKS, USN
During the course of this initiation on this 16th day of January 1976 you have been caused to suffer friendly indignities and to experience humiliation. This you have accomplished with rare good grace and therefore we now believe it fitting to explain to you just why this was done.
There was no intent, nor desire to insult you, or in any way to demean you. Pointless as it may have seemed to you there was a valid, time honored, traditional reason behind every single deed and each pointed bard.
By experience, performance and testing you have earned and been selected for advancement to the grade of E-7. In the United States Navy, and only in the United States Navy, does an E-7 carry such unique responsibility which you are now privileged to carry and to fulfill.
The privileges and responsibilities that we enjoy as Chief Petty Officers do not appear in print; neither can they be referred to by name, number, or file, they exist because for nearly 200 years Chief Petty Officers before you have freely accepted responsibility beyond the call of printed assignment. They have by their actions and by their performance demanded the respect of their seniors and commanded the respect of their juniors.
It is now required that you become the fount of wisdom, the ambassador of good will, the authority (sometimes the ?buffer?) in personnel relations, the technical advisor and finally the example (militarily, professionally and otherwise) that your juniors look up to; that they strive to emulate and one day become!??ASK THE CHIEF? ? the phrase that rings throughout the United States Navy?YOU ARE NOW THAT CHIEF!!!!!
The exalted position that you have now achieved, and I use the word exalted advisedly, exists only because of the attitude, example, and performance of Chiefs before you. It shall continue to exist only so long as you and your fellow Chiefs maintain these standards.
So this then is why you were caused to experience these initiation proceedings. You were subjected to these humiliations to prove to you that humility is a good, healthful and necessary trait which cannot mar you; in fact it strengthens you.
It was our intention to prove these facts to you. It was our intention to test you, to try you, and to accept you. Your performance today has assured us that you will wear your hat with the same feeling of great pride as the Chiefs who have preceded you have honorably and proudly worn theirs. It is our intention that you will never forget this day and we take sincere pleasure in welcoming you to our midst.
R. A. GELINAS, MACS, USN, PRES., CPO CLUB NAS, MEMPHIS
Worst Moment
There was a Tornado that came through the area one day. It took the mobile home behind us the one across the street from us, but only moved our porch away from the front of our mobile home and deposited it a small distance away. No one was hurt and there was no damage to our mobile home.
Other Memories
Umpire School! While I was stationed at the Millington Naval Air Tactical Training Command, I became very interested in umpiring. I had done some in Vietnam and had worked only the bases, never behind home plate. Then the opportunity provided its self for me to get into an official umpire school. After writing the entire baseball and softball rulebooks in long hand, working as a class IV umpire for two years, I was moved to a Class I and was able have my own crew. I worked many, many games during those four years. I did have visions of getting into the big league some day, but never did make it.
While in Millington, Tennessee, we purchased our first real house for just $21,500 dollars, using my VA loan. After we had been in our new home for about a year, another tornado was approaching from the west. Mary was at work at the Naval Hospital, and I was home with the two girls. We did not have a basement in our home, and the bath only had a shower stall. I put the two girls between the bed and the wall and piled pillows and blankets on them to protect them if debris fell on them. I joined them in the pile. The storm passed and no damage resulted.
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
After six months, it was time for the squadron to return home to Moffitt Field in California. The flight home for me was special; the squadron commander said I would be on the first flight to go home to Moffett. I could set up for the squadron?s return and as soon as possible I would be flown to Cheyenne to get my family.
On arrival to Moffitt Field, California, January 21, 1971, there was much fog, but our pilot said we go in anyway. After eighteen plus hours on the plane, flying over the Pacific Ocean, he figured that the runway was down there some where and we would find it. We did.
END TO A VERY LONG TWENTY-SIX MONTHS FINALLY COMES.
This was the end of a very long, long, stay away from Mary, Michell and Kim. I would soon have my family in California with me and all would be well. I began looking for a place to park our mobile home.
?Pets OK?, ?kids extra?, Can you believe this? We had to pay extra for the kids in the trailer park, and the pets could stay for no extra charge. Go Figure?
VIP Flight to Cheyenne to get family. One day the Executive Officer called me into his office. He asked if I was packed to go home and get my family. I said no, ?not yet?. He said ?get packed,? the plane would leave in one hour. He had arranged a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer and one observer to fly me in a P3 Orion to the Cheyenne, Wyoming, airport. What service, right to my hometown.
Other Memories
Orphanage ? Every Patrol Squadron assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, would help take care of the orphanage. We would play with the kids and take them toys. We painted and fixed the buildings as was needed.
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
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
Description
TASK GROUP 31.5 OPEN THE PICTURE BELOW AND READ THE CITATION
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
Description
LONG RANGE PATROL SQUADRON VP-19 OPEN THE PICTURE BELOW AND READ THE CITATION.
Best Friends
YN Floyd Propst who was my room mate.
Best Moment
"MARS" Military Amateur Radio System Calls. "I love you, over." This was one way I was able to call back to the "world" and talk to Mary and my folks. The calls were very inexpensive and NOT at all private. Because we were using Ham Radio operators, who would patch you through, everyone in the world could hear what you were saying. My connection was usually through Berry Goldwater who was part of the MARS group. I would try and call Mary and the Folks once a month. You were not allowed to use the system much more than that. It was a good system until we had a monsoon come through and blow down the antenna. It took some time to get it rebuilt, but it was. We did not have the internet and two-way video like today. Some of the mail took as much as thirty to forty five days to make the trip.
Worst Moment
THE FLIGHT HOME. When my day came to depart Vietnam, it was the greatest feeling I think I have ever had. The trip home was different because we were on a regular-chartered United Flight. The entire plane load was treated as if they were in first class. We ate the best food and even had drinks. We were told, before we left Vietnam, to have all our flight reservation home made and to keep the flights as close together as possible. We were told to travel in civilian clothes. If you recall, I said we lost the day of October 9th on the way over to Vietnam. One the way back we actually arrived home before we left. We gained back the entire day we lost plus a few hours. I had to sneak into and out of the Seattle Tacoma Airport. When we arrived at the Seattle Tacoma airport it was 2 a.m. I went through customs with the Commodore and was on my next flight out of there and on my way home within an hour. After arriving, we found out why we were told to wear civilian clothes and to have our flights booked as close together as possible; there were protesters all over the airport. There were no parades, no cheering crowds of people no people waving flags and no family waiting when I came home. This was not a good time; not something I want to think about too often.
Other Memories
Vietnam was not all work and no play. We were lucky enough to have a very nice beach area on the base we operated from. The water was crystal clear and very warm. We had a great time swimming and snorkel diving for large giant clamshells, which the Vietnamese used for washbasins. All we had to worry about were the barracuda, sea snakes, and the rockfish. Leave them alone and they generally left you alone. Body surfing was very good there as well. We had several USO shows that came through, and we had a good time going to the movies ?MASH reruns? out doors and in the rain. All of this was fun, but the time finally came for me to go south.
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
Comments Citation reads as follows:
COMMANDER
UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES VIETNAM
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Commendation Medal to
ROGER BROOKS PERSONNELMAN FIRST CLASS UNITE... Citation reads as follows:
COMMANDER
UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES VIETNAM
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Commendation Medal to
ROGER BROOKS PERSONNELMAN FIRST CLASS UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
"For meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from October 1969 to September 1970. While serving as Commodore's Writer with Commander Coastal Surveillance Force and Commander Coastal Flotilla One, Petty Officer BROOKS performed his duties in an exemplary manner. In providing overall direction and supervisory effort to the Administrative Section of a large and very active staff, he demonstrated a great capacity for work and outstanding leadership ability. In December 1969, he volunteered to assume the highly responsible position as' Administrative Assistant to Operation SEA FLOAT. In that capacity, he was responsible for the administrative matters pertaining to the operation and its two hundred personnel. In addition, he voluntarily assisted in the handling of ammunition in order to rearm helicopters which were placing strikes against enemy forces. He also assisted in the handling of wounded personnel brought back to SEA FLOAT for treatment and medical evacuation. Throughout his tour, he performed his duties under the imminent threat of enemy terrorist squads and main force units. Petty Officer BROOKS' professionalism, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
For the Secretary of the Navy
Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy Commander U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam 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 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
Description
VP-19 has been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service during Operation "FREQUENT WIND", 1970
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
MARKET TIME OPERATIONS SEA FLOAT TRAN HUNG DAO III
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
Best Moment
Mail Call with lots of mail. Mail from home was very important to receive. It only came once a week, but when it did, there was a lot of catching up to do in reading letters from home and eating the goodies that came in packages. My Grandmother Olson sent me a rum cake at Christmas but she said in the letter that she could not find enough rum so she used bourbon in stead. I was pretty popular there for a while, at least until the cake ran out. The amount of moving around we did made it such that when we got mail, some of us would get quite a lot.
Worst Moment
The call for help, the Sea Wolf?s Hot Turn AroundOn December 30, 1969, BMC Doyle H. Parson left Sea Float with his crew headed for the Ki Nap Canal where there had been a lot of VC action in the days previous. We received a radio call for help from Chief Parson's Boat; he was under attack. We scrambled the Sea Wolf Helicopters to give them air support. The Sea Wolf's made their run, emptying their twenty-four rocket pods, and returned to Sea Float for a hot turn around to reload. Before we could get them reloaded, the call came that the Boat Captain had been hit and they needed a medevac ASAP (As soon as possible). It was a matter of life or death. The Sea Wolf?s made the run and returned with the body of one casualty and we placed him in a body bag. My friend Chief Parson was gone. He made his final trip home in one of the black body bags. His name is on the wall of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. The location number is (NE 15W 109). When you are in the military you don't make a lot of close friends, particularly in a war situation. I had only known Chief Parson a few days, but in the situation we were in, it could have just a easily been my boat that was hit. I had been on the river just the day before.
Other Memories
Going down the River in the LCM. Every morning the Commander would make the Utility Boat assignments; on one of these mornings, I was assigned as boat captain for the Landing Craft (M) LCM. I was to take the LCM, my crew, one Seaman as Boat Cocksen, one Fireman as Engineer and one Gunners Mate Second Class who carried one Grenade Launcher, our only fire power beyond our M-16s and a 12 gage shotgun I got hold of. What was our cargo? We were carrying four tons of C-4 explosives, to be delivered to the Landing Ship (LST) at the mouth of the river. We were to spend the night and return the following day. We left early, with an escort of two heavily armed swift boats, and visions of hot food, a hot shower, clean sheets and a bed for one night. Not so for me anyway.
My LCM lost an engine in route to the river mouth. We lost one engine about 1400 (2 p.m.) hours and were continuing on with one engine at a much slower pace, while the engineer tried to repair the other. I knew that low tide would be a problem at the mouth of the river. By the time we reached the mouth of the river, the tide was going out and we ran up on a mud bar, bringing us to a complete stop. The flat bottom of the boat did not cut through the mud like our escorts, the Swifties, that continued on to the LST.
Our escort left us in the mud. My engineer was finally able to get both engines running while we sat for four hours waiting for the tide to come in so we could make headway through the mud. We finally reached the LST just after dark, and as I climbed aboard the LST, I was met with a message to return on the next boat to Sea Float. So much for the hot food, hot shower, and clean sheets I road one of the Swift boats back to Sea Float that night.
Description Operation Game Warden, Task force 116, was an operation to deny Viet Cong access to the resources in the Mekong Delta which was conceived of in December 1965. U.S. naval forces, backed by Marine artilOperation Game Warden, Task force 116, was an operation to deny Viet Cong access to the resources in the Mekong Delta which was conceived of in December 1965. U.S. naval forces, backed by Marine artillery on the ground, launching a rapid surprise attack on the dozens of small Viet Cong ports which were scattered around the Delta. Unprepared in the face of intense U.S. firepower, which included U.S. F-4 Phantoms dropping special illumination bombs which blinded the Viet Cong deck gunners, leaving to them being unable to accurately return fire on the attacking U.S. craft, the Viet Cong were incapable of mounting a stiff resistance. Much the Viet Cong fleet and its operators were destroyed.... More
Memories I have been ask many times if Vietnam was right, wrong, political or what? Here are my thoughts aboutI have been ask many times if Vietnam was right, wrong, political or what? Here are my thoughts about the Vietnam War, and my participation in it.
I was a career man in the Navy. I was a Petty Officer First Class (E6) when I received orders and was sent to Vietnam. I was 26 years old. The average age of the service personnel in Vietnam was nineteen. As I stated earlier, I tried to look at this assignment as I did any other assignment in my career. I trained for what I needed to be able to do, and I went where I was sent. I know there was a rather involved attempt by the Personnel Officer in San Diego to get my order canceled and to have me reassigned to a ship. This was done without my knowledge until he was unable to get it accomplished, and told me that. I never did understand his motives. He simply said that someone must really have wanted me to go in country and was in a position to see that those orders were carried out. When I got to Vietnam, I was surprised to find that it was a very beautiful country. I think I expected to see nothing but bomb craters and demolished buildings. My first two months were in an area that was fairly secure, but every place in Vietnam was subject to attack. When my turn came to "go south" to operation sea float, I knew I was getting into the area where the fighting could be fierce. I was to be assigned with the Commander of Task Force 116 as his clerical aid and interpreter. I did serve as a Boat Captain for one trip out to the river mouth. I never came under direct fire from the enemy. Only when fired upon, from a distance, did we return fire with 81mm mortars. We used machine guns to fire on anything floating in the river. We knew the enemy was always trying to float bombs down the river to sink our barges. Sippers (swimmers) would try and swim out from the shore to place bombs on the side of the barges. We threw hand grenades over the side to kill any swimmer attempting to do this. I help load rockets into the rocket pods on helicopters returning from a firefight with the Viet Cong (VC) somewhere close by. Usually they were helping the riverboats get out of an ambush. Did I kill anybody? Not face to face. When returning fire with the mortars and using the machine gun on the river, maybe. I do not know for sure. All I know is, I did everything in my power, to remain alive and in one piece, to stay only as long as I had to in any one situation and then move on.
What was my Job? I was an interpreter and a translator. I worked to decipher documents that were captured and determined what they were and what they were for. There was always gunfire in the distance, and there were always grenades being lobbed over the side of Sea Float to kill any sipper trying to reach the barges. I carried a service .45 pistol and a sawed off 12 gauge shotgun for my protection. Was I scared? Yes, many times over. When the shooting started, or we heard the call for support and we started firing the mortars or loading rockets, we were scared, but we did what we were trained for. See the book "NAM a photographic history" for the worst side of Vietnam. The pictures I took show the nicer side of Vietnam. Should I/we have been there? Probably not. It has been said that it was a politicians war, but we were there, and we did the job we were asked to do, whether good, bad, or indifferent. I am proud that I served with integrity while I was in Nam, I ask only that people realize that and support me for it. War in any form is HELL, and people die, civilian, military, and even worse, children; war is like that. There is never a good war. Because I was there, I like to think I am a better person for it. After my tour at Sea Float, I returned to Cam Ranh Bay and spent the remainder of my time serving as bodyguard to visiting dignitaries and carrying documents back and forth to Saigon. When it was time to leave, I was very thankful that I was able to do so with all my facilities and body parts in tact. There were many that did not come home, and there were many that did come home, but were never the same again. There were many that fell victim to many mental problems. There were many that fell victim to isolation and would never come back to reality. I chose to move on with my career and tried not to let this experience ruin my life, but rather use it to try and better understand my life. Do I still think about it? Yes. Do I still have dreams? Yes. I have chosen to accept what I had to do, and I truly believe that God knows and forgives for what I or any other military person has to do when called to duty. I only wish that we would have had the support of the people, as the troops today have. Is it different? NO! War is war, people die and when your country asks you to fight you do so because you are trained to do so. Was the government right back then? I guess I would ask, are they any more right now? ... More
Description Operation Market Time was the United States Navy’s effort to stop troops and supplies from flowing by sea from North Vietnam to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was one of four Navy duties begOperation Market Time was the United States Navy’s effort to stop troops and supplies from flowing by sea from North Vietnam to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was one of four Navy duties begun after the Tonkin Gulf Incident, along with Operation Sea Dragon, Operation Sealords and naval gunfire support.
Operation
Seaplane tenders USS Currituck (AV-7), USS Pine Island (AV-12), and USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) served as flagships for Market Time.
A VP-40 SP-5B Marlin on patrol in 1965.
An SP-2H Neptune of VP-1 flying over Vietnamese junks.
When a trawler was intercepted landing arms and ammunition at Vung Ro Bay in northern Khánh Hòa Province on 16 February 1965 it provided the first tangible evidence of the North Vietnamese supply operation. This became known as the Vung Ro Bay Incident.
North Vietnamese mine laying ships attempted to close the entrance to the bay but were turned back by U.S. Marine helicopters modified with anti-ship missiles launching daring close range attacks on the vessels, braving intense machine gun fire from North Vietnamese commandos on the decks of the ships.
P5M seaplane Patrol Squadrons, Navy destroyers, ocean minesweepers, PCFs (Swift boats) and United States Coast Guard cutters performed the operation. Also playing a key role in the interdictions were the Navy’s patrol gunboats (PGs). The PG was uniquely suited for the job because of its ability to go from standard diesel propulsion to gas turbine (jet engine) propulsion in a matter of a few minutes. The lightweight aluminum and fiberglass ships were not only fast but highly maneuverable because of their variable pitch propellers. Most of the ships operated in the coastal waters from the Cambodian border around the south tip of Vietnam up north to Dà Nẵng. Supply ships from the Service Force, such as oilers, would bring mail, movies, and fuel.
Of the many vessels involved in Operation Market Time, one of the more notable was the USCGC Point Welcome (WPB-82329) which, on 11 August 1966, was brought under fire by a number of United States Air Force aircraft. This incident of a "blue-on-blue" engagement killed two members of the cutter’s crew (one of whom was the commanding officer) and wounded nearly everyone on board.
Operation Market Time was established by the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff after the 1965 Vung Ro incident to blockade the vast South Vietnam coastline against North Vietnamese gun-running trawlers. The trawlers, usually 100-foot-long Chinese-built steel-hulled coastal freighters, could carry several tons of arms and ammunition in their hulls. Not flying a national ensign that would identify them, the ships would maneuver “innocently” out in the South China Sea, waiting for the cover of darkness to make high-speed runs to the South Vietnam coastline. If successful, the ships would off load their cargoes to waiting Viet Cong or North Vietnamese forces.
To stop these potential infiltrations, Market Time was set up as a coordinated effort of long range patrol aircraft for broad reconnaissance and tracking. These aircraft, initially SP-5 seaplanes, later P-2 and SP-2 Neptunes and P-3 Orions, were armed with Bullpup air-to-surface missiles and were therefore capable of engaging these craft directly. Under normal conditions, however U.S. and allied surface forces intercepted suspect ships that crossed inside South Vietnam’s 12-mile coastal boundary. On the aviation side, some of the patrol squadrons that were involved and flying from South Vietnam, Thailand, or Philippine bases were: VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-8, VP-16, VP-17, VP-22, VP-26, VP-28, VP-40, VP-42, VP-45, VP-46, VP-47,VP-48, VP-49 and VP-50.
A significant action of Market Time occurred on 1 March 1968, when the North Vietnamese attempted a coordinated infiltration of four gun-running trawlers. Two of the four trawlers were destroyed by allied ships in gun battles, one trawler crew detonated charges on board their vessel to avoid capture, and the fourth trawler turned tail and retreated at high speed into the South China Sea. LT Norm Cook, the patrol plane commander of a VP-17 P-2H Neptune patrol aircraft operating from Cam Ranh Bay, was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for discovering and following two of the four trawlers in the action.
Market Time, which operated day and night, fair weather and foul, for eight and a half years, succeeded in denying the North Vietnamese a means of delivering tons of war materials into South Vietnam by sea.... More
Description This Campaign period was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. The generally good performance of the Vietnamese Navy during the allied sweep into Cambodia motivated the transfer of significant operatThis Campaign period was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. The generally good performance of the Vietnamese Navy during the allied sweep into Cambodia motivated the transfer of significant operational responsibilities to the Vietnamese. The barrier along the Cambodian border was turned over to the Vietnamese Navy in March 1970, which renamed the operation Tran Hung Dao I. In May, Giant Slingshot and Sea Tiger became Tran Hung Dao II and Tran Hung Dao VII. The allied navies also launched Operation Blue Shark, a seven-month effort designed to strike at the Viet Cong command, communication, and logistics network (or infrastructure) in the mangrove swamps at the mouth of the Mekong River system, on the river islands, and along the river banks all the way to the Cambodian border. Coastal Surveillance Force PCFs landed SEALs and LDNN for swift, deadly attacks on the usually surprised enemy. The units often followed up on intelligence gathered by Naval Intelligence Liaison Officers (NILO) assigned to many of South Vietnam's provinces and operational areas.
Coinciding with the turnover of river and coastal fighting vessels in 1969 and 1970, the Navy transferred many of the bases from which they operated. The first change of command occurred at My Tho in November 1969. Then, in the last three months of 1970, COMNAVFORV placed the Phu Cuong, Long Binh, Kien An, Chau Doc, Tan Chau, and Ha Tien Operating Bases under Vietnamese control. The transfer of Sa Dec and Chu Lai the following spring completed the process. During this same period, the Vietnamese Navy took over the six Advanced Tactical Support Bases established on the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay Rivers for the Giant Slingshot operation and two more on the Cua Viet River in I Corps. In addition, the allied naval service assumed control of the harbor defense posts of the Stable Door effort, the three existing coastal radar sites, and Market Time's coastal surveillance centers.
Meanwhile, the Navy deployed Seabee detachments throughout South Vietnam to construct logistic facilities at new and existing bases. Once the Seabees completed this work and U.S. leaders felt the Vietnamese could totally support their combat units, the Americans transferred the bases to their allies. In this manner, beginning in the spring of 1971, Rear Admiral Robert S. Salzer, the new COMNAVFORV, relinquished control of Cat Lo and An Thoi, two of seven primary Logistic Support Bases that provided allied naval forces with major vessel overhauls and other supply assistance. In the same period, the Vietnamese took charge of Ben Luc and Rach Soi, two secondary or Intermediate Support Bases. These installations handled minor craft overhauls and provided units with maintenance, administrative, financial, and supply support. The next incremental transfer occurred in September when the Dong Tam Logistic Support Base and eight Intermediate Support Bases were Vietnamized. ... More
People You Remember CTF 115, CTF 116, OPERATION SEA FLOAT, BM Parson, Doyle Hall, CPO -Fallen Anderson, John Louis, 2ndLCTF 115, CTF 116, OPERATION SEA FLOAT, BM Parson, Doyle Hall, CPO -Fallen Anderson, John Louis, 2ndLt USMC -Fallen... More
Other Memories
My trip to Sea Float "Tran Hung Dao III" was on board the USS Gallup a high speed patrol craft that could travel at speeds of some 45 knots approximately 60mph, through the water. The trip from Cam Ran Bay to Sea Float was a fast one. As we started up the Cua Lon River towards Sea Float, the CO announced "General Quarter" (Battle Stations) for all Hands. Being a passenger I figured I would only observe. Not so! I was put into a twin M-60 machine gun mount to man in case we were ambushed. We literally flew up the river. We left such a rooster tail (wake) that nearly all the small Vietnamese boats we roared passed were swamped. We arrived at sea float with no action encountered.
Other Memories
CULTURE TRAINING and LANGUAGE TRAINING, Coronado, California
I thought history was tough in High School. In the weeks that followed, I read three rather large books about Vietnam, its history, its people, its politics and its culture. Each day in class, we would discuss what we had read with our Vietnamese instructors. This was every morning for five weeks. Then it was off to Language Training. This lasted for five weeks and followed the morning session on culture. When I graduated, I had a vocabulary of some two thousand plus words of so called proper (Saigon dialect) Vietnamese plus a couple of special Vietnamese Dictionaries with special military terms. I never thought that I would be able to learn a foreign language, let alone do it, in five weeks. The question in my mind, how much will I really use it?
Other Memories
SPECIAL OPERATIONS, COUNTER ENSURGENCY TRAINING, Camp Pendleton, California. I joined the Navy, I thought, now all of a sudden I am with a large group of sailors in the middle of a Marine Corps weapon training facility. This was to be five weeks of training. During this time I learned how to use everything from a 45 cal. pistol, to a 50 cal. machine gun, Light Attack Weapons (LAW) Rockets, claymore mines, hand grenades and every type of booby trap they could think of that we might run into in Vietnam. I spent nights-playing war games, and not the ones of game boy or T.V., trying not to get caught. I learned how to make the radio I was carrying on my back and myself virtually disappear in a small ditch when a flare was shot into the air.
Best Moment
The morning they ran up the Stars and Stripes and we were finished with the training.
Worst Moment
The Water Board experience
Other Memories
SURVIVAL, EVASION, RESISTANCE, AND EXCAPE TRAINING, Warner Springs, California
What am I made of? How far can I push myself? How much will I be able to tolerate? Can I take it? Can I evade the enemy and stay hidden and stay alive if I am required to do so? All this and more was brought to my attention during the training on a San Diego beach and at Warner Springs in the desert. Escape and evasion was taught in Warner Springs. We were told, we would learn just how much control our instructors would have over our lives for the next three days. We were placed in the desert and told to evade the "enemy" as long as we could, and when we were caught we were interrogated, were asked where our comrades were and then placed in a prison camp scenario. Had I managed to get to ?freedom village,? I would have been rewarded with an orange. I did not make it. We were to attempt escapes of opportunity if we could. This training lasted seventy-two hours, the longest seventy-two hours in my life. On the morning of the third day when the real Stars and Strips went up, not the fake flag they had us salute every day in its place, I can assure you, there was not a dry eye in the place. One does not realize how much our flag means until you go through something like that. This was only a training period of three days, but you were into it so far you began to believe that you were a real prisoner. This was followed, after a rest and recoup day, with at trip to Camp Pendleton as previously mentioned.
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
CTF 115 OPEN THE PHOTO BELOW AND READ THE CITATION
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
Description
CTF 115 STAFF OPEN THE PICTURE BELOW AND READ THE CITATION.
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
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
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
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
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 TF 115 was responsible for the harbor defense and surveillance units in the ports of Vung Tau, Cam Ranh Bay, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, and Vung Ro, Inshore Undersea Warfare Groups (IUWG) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,TF 115 was responsible for the harbor defense and surveillance units in the ports of Vung Tau, Cam Ranh Bay, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, and Vung Ro, Inshore Undersea Warfare Groups (IUWG) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, operated a total of 16 large personnel landing craft, 25 Boston Whalers, and 8 picket boats in Operation Stable Door. The 45-foot picket boats, which began to reach Vietnam in June 1967, carried a crew of one officer and five men and two .50-caliber machine guns, twin-mounted. In each port the units constructed harbor entrance control posts and equipped them with radios and surface search radars.
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
THE BLUE COLORED TEXT IN THE HISTORY OF TOWHEE WAS THE TIME I WAS ON BOARD.
Best Moment
Reenlistment Time! In order to get off the USS Towhee, AND NOT GO TO ANOTHER SHIP, I re-enlisted for four more years, with the promise of four years of shore duty somewhere on the West Coast.
Worst Moment
I knew something was wrong when I reported aboard. We had a most unusual crew. Nearly all of them had been in some kind of trouble of sorts. The Executive Officer was showing an officer how to dress properly in uniform when I reported to him for duty. As the year progressed the only Chief Petty Officer we had went absent without leave (AWOL). Then there was one man who tried to sink the ship, twice. We sent him off to the brig. I really began to worry about the ship, when one day, while the ship was approaching an anchorage to drop anchor, the order was given to "let go the anchor," and when the Boatswain hit the pelican hook with the hammer, instead of the anchor chain running out from the anchor chain locker, the anchor fell off the end of the chain and went to the bottom. We over shot the anchorage and ran aground. We had to be pulled off by a tug. They even let us deploy, read on.
Bermuda January and February 1965.
While in the Caribbean doing a survey job, we spent much time in the so-called dreaded Bermuda triangle. During a storm one time, we took a sixty-degree roll and recovered from it with out a problem. The ship was designed to take only a forty-five degree roll without capsizing. ?Why did we not capsize?? you ask, because we were hit with another wave from the other side and it took us back upright. We spent a lot of time pitching and rolling because the ship was very small; kind of like putting a paper cup into a bathtub with a large paint mixer running. The cup had little chance of surviving. I cannot remember a single time we went to sea that there weren?t three to six inches of seawater sloshing around in our sleeping compartment. My locker was the bottom of three and was actually on the deck level, and I always had to have uniforms replaced when we returned; always did have the newest uniforms aboard. Mary, my girlfriend, used to send me bottles of Elmer's glue, as a kind of a joke, to use to help hold the ship together.
Mayport Florida May 1965.
As the story goes the Towhee bird, for which the ship was named, is known to fly thousands of mile in the wrong direction when migrating. Well, we were ordered to Jacksonville, Florida to ride out a storm. We ended up in Mayport instead. I truly wondered about the officers we had on that ship.
Nassau, Bahama Island May 1965.
Nassau, what can I say about Nassau? We, the Towhee, had been at sea for two weeks doing our surveying job and getting beat up pretty good due to rough seas. We pulled in to Nassau and were allowed shore leave. We were in a bar having a few when some Destroyer sailors (from a much larger ship) were talking about how rough it had been for them to make their three day trip from their home port to Nassau. Well the Towhee sailors figured we had had it a lot rougher than they had and told them so. One thing led to another and I ended up under the table ducking beer bottles. The shore patrol came and took all of us back to the ship. We were ordered out of port and back to sea, so much for Nassau! On our way back to Norfolk (home port) we ran out of fresh water. Not a good thing for a diesel-electric powered ship. We lost power and had to be towed into port. We were in tow for two days. Not the greatest way to return home.
By now I had had enough of shipboard duty; I was being asked to extend my active duty long enough to go to yet another ship. WHAT TO DO???
Chain of Command
LCDR R. S. MASON LTJD RUSSELL J. WATERFIELD PN3 ROGER BROOKS
Other Memories
LCDR MASON WAS TOUGH CO. HE WAS A MUSTANG AND HAD COME FROM THE SMALL BOAT UNIT AT THE NAVAL ACADEMY.
Best Moment
RESCUE AT SEA: On May 3, 1964 the USS GEORGETOWN came across ten men, two women and two children, ages ten and eight, in two small boats. They were trying to escape from Cuba and were willing to try anything. < Pictured are Cubans rescued from boats at sea. Their boats were sunk because they were navigation hazard. After being at sea for eighteen hours, they were brought safely aboard the GEORGETOWN and later taken to Key West, Florida
Worst Moment
Equator, "Shell Back", August 4, 1964. Crossing the equator is a big deal in the Navy. One does not let anything and I mean anything get in the way of the proper initiation to be promoted from pollywog to Shell Back. The Navy has set times and dates that advancement exams are given. These exams are protected with the highest security and accountability. Nothing prevents these exams from being given on the appropriate time and date?except war and crossing the equator. Yes, the exams were postponed two days so that the pollywogs could be properly and dully initiated into the realm of the Shell Backs. Being the ship?s photographer, I was put through the process of becoming a Shell Back first so I could take pictures for the ship?s cruise book.
Chain of Command
I WAS THE ONLY PERSONNELMAN ON BOARD SO ALL THE ENLISTED SERVICE RECORDS WERE FOR ME TO TAKE CARE OF. YN1 B.A.GUPTON LPO ENS T.F. PROCTOR JR, USNR DO LCDR ALLAN W. ROBBINS XO CDR WESLEY A. GLEASON CO
Other Memories
This was where I say my Navy career really got started. This was the time of the so-called "Cold War Era". We were constantly practicing for the possibility of Atomic, Biological, and Chemical Warfare. While I was assigned to the USS Georgetown, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 23, 1963, and those of us who were on shore leave or liberty were called back to the ship; she got underway because there was a fear of attack on the Norfolk Naval Base. We stayed underway a few days and then returned to port.
Best Moment
PRE-COMMISSIONING DETAIL NEWPORT NEWS VA. PLANK OWNER ON RECOMMISSIONING I was assigned to the USS Georgetown AG-165 recommissioning detail as a PN3. This was where I say my Navy career really got started. This was the time of the so-called "Cold War Era". We were constantly practicing for the possibility of Atomic, Biological, and Chemical Warfare. While I was assigned to the USS Georgetown, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 23, 1963, and those of us who were on shore leave or liberty were called back to the ship; she got underway because there was a fear of attack on the Norfolk Naval Base. We stayed underway a few days and then returned to port.
Chain of Command
COMMANDER WESLEY A. GLEASON COMMANDING OFFICER
LCDR ALLAN W. ROBBINS EXECUTIVE OFFICER
R.H. BLASS, LCDR, USN OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
ENS T.F. PROCTOR, JR. USNR DIVISION OFFICER
B.A. GUPTON YN1 LEADING PETTY OFFICER
Other Memories
After USS Georgetown was re-commissioned, she had to go for Shake Down Guantanamo Bay Cuba (January 1964). Known to the Navy as just plain "Gitmo"; this base is the fleet training center for the Atlantic Fleet. Here ships from the Atlantic Fleet and the Caribbean Fleet came every two years for training in fire fighting, damage control, high line transfer, replenishment and refueling at sea, tactical exercises and any other situation with which a ship might come to grips. The USS GEORGETOWN was no exception.
Best Friends
One does not acquire too many close friends while in the service. You never seem to stay in one place long enough to really make that kind of friend. Now the exception was with a fellow sailor by the name of Sam Mc Kay SN1C this was very different, this was a real true friend and buddy. He too was assigned to compartment cleaning, but in a different part of the ship, and when we met we became close friends. He was from Kernersville, North Carolina, and we would hitch hike to his home on the weekends. His home literally became my home away from home. I developed a warm and lasting relationship with the Mc Kay family and to this day consider them all part of my family. While serving in the Amphion, one of my more adventurous times was when I purchased an Indian Motor Cycle. I road it to and from North Carolina several times; and made a couple of trips to Washington, DC. On the first of the trips to Washington I managed to get lost three times and all three times I stopped the same motorcycle policeman for directions. On the third time he said follow me and lead me to a point, from which he said, ?Norfolk is that way go home.? I also rode it to Jamestown, Virginia. I sold it for $50 bucks, and thought I was getting a good price for it. I am sure now that it was worth a lot more.
Best Moment
Being Assigned to the Personnel Office to learn the job of personnelman
Worst Moment
In the one year that I was onboard the USS Amphion, she only got under way three times. Once for a dependent cruise where the families could come onboard and the ship went to sea for part of a day and returned that same evening. While we were on the dependents cruise, I was crazy enough to volunteer to do the high line transfer demonstration. This is a method by which a person is transferred from one ship to another while underway. As the ships rolled towards each other, I would come very close to the water. I did not get dunked though.
Other Memories
Upon reporting for duty in USS Amphion, I was assigned to "X" Division and was issued a footlocker and a half size sea bag to use when going ashore on liberty. We slept in a hammock and had a locker that measured two feet by two feet by two feet, hence the footlocker and half sea bag. It was here that I first met Personnelmen Chief Petty Officer Wayland. He turned out to be my mentor for the career I was about to embark on. I went into his personnel office and told him I wanted to work in his office and learn how to be a personnelman too. He said to me, ?in due time, maybe!? ?First there was the matter of my three months assignment to mess cooking (KP), kitchen duty or compartment cleaning, my choice?. I chose the compartment cleaner job and ended up as the compartment cleaner for the Chief Petty Officers' Mess (dining room) and sleeping area. I learned it was easy to get things done early in the day, and then I would have ?open gangway? liberty. I could come and go, to and from the ship on liberty, as I wanted. The USS Amphion was a repair ship and spent most of its time in port in Norfolk, Virginia, where I could have gone ashore daily. Instead I chose to go to the personnel office and asked to be allowed to practice my typing and started learning the job of being a personnelman. By the time I finished my compartment cleaning duties (three months), I was ready to go to work. Chief Wayland gave me that opportunity, and when advancement exam time came I took the exam for Personnelman Third Class and made it the first try. My career in the Navy was now laid out before me. I knew what I wanted to be and that was to make Chief Personnelman just like Chief Wayland.
Worst Moment
MARCHING ACROSS THE BRIDGE IN BROKEN CADENCE SO IT WOULD NOT COLLAPSE THEN PULLING DOWN THE CONDEMNED SIGN AND MOVING INTO THE BARRACKS
Chain of Command
CAPTAIN DONALD I. THOMAS COMMANDER, U.S. NAVAL TRAINING CENTER
CAPTAIN O. WILLIAM GOEPHNER, USN COMMANDING OFFICER RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND
COMMANDER VINCENT R. DAHLEN, USN EXECUTIVE OFFICER RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND
A. H. R. WILDERMUTH, CHBOSN BATTALION COMMANDER
F. R. APPLEGATE CHIEF FIRE CONTROL TECHNICIAN COMPANY COMMANDER
GEORGE WEBSTER RECRUIT CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
Other Memories
LEARNING THE HARD WAY WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS WHEN HAVING YOUR PIECE ISSUED TO YOU AND HAVE TO STAND WITH IT EXTENDED AT ARMS LENGTH UNTIL THE INSTRUCTOR SAYS YOU CAN LOWER IT.
Best Moment
After I graduated from High School in 1961, I wanted to take a trip to California to see my high school friend John Owens. I convinced my Dad to let me go alone. When he said yes, I was on my way by bus to Los Angels. I spent two weeks with John, his brother and mother. This was my first trip away from home on my own. We spent the days at the beach or riding around on the Good Humor Truck that John drove selling ice cream to kids. This was different in that I traveled half way across the country to see my friend, and I liked the idea of being on my own. I had turned eighteen in January just before graduating from high school.
After I returned from California, I went back to work at the grain elevator in Alliance. I could see no future in what I was doing. Can you imagine standing in front of a stoner machine, over which beans poured from a bin, watching for a black bean or two mixed among the white beans pouring across the machine, taking the black ones and placing them in a jar? Ugh!
There was nowhere to go but the Navy. This begs the question WHY the Navy? I could not afford to go to college so I went looking for the Navy Recruiter. My Dad had been in the Navy and so had a couple of his brothers. I thought that sounded pretty good, and I had gotten a taste of some travel away from home, which appealed to me. Now, the Navy Recruiter came to town only about once every two weeks or so. Once I found out when he would be in town next, I sat myself down by the parking meter in front of the Post Office where he would park his car that served as his office, when he arrived. I told the recruiter that "I wanted to get out of town as soon as I could. I explained I needed only a few weeks to get my affairs in order and I would be ready to go," this was in October 1961. The Recruiter asked "if the 4th of January 1962 would work, I said "yes;" we completed the necessary forms, I signed them and that was that. Well, almost! I went to the store where mom worked and walked up the stirs to her office. She took one look at me and asked, "When do you leave?" I could never pull anything over on her. She always seemed to know what I had done or was going to do. The next thing was to tell my father what I had done. This was without a doubt the toughest thing I ever had to tell him. When I did he said, "What are you going to do if I won't let you join?" The fact that I was eighteen made it a mute point, and after a short discussion he decided that because I had made the decision all on my own he would stand behind me. During the next couple of months I had two dates with Mary and told her what I had done. I told her that we had only known each other a very short while and that I was not going to ask her to wait for me. I gave her class ring back to her so I would not loose it; she kept mine. This started a four year courtship that ended in marriage in September 1966. That is a story for later. On the fourth of January I said good-bye to my family, boarded a bus and was taken to Denver where I was processed and enlisted in the United States Navy for what I planned at the time to be just a four-year enlistment. Go figure!!
Best Moment
After completing boot camp, I took the bus from San Diego, California, to Los Angels, California, to visit an Aunt and Uncle that lived there. They had come to see my graduation from basic training. From Los Angels I flew to Denver, Colorado, and then took another bus to Alliance, Nebraska, to see my folks and my girl friend Mary. After a short ten-day visit, my folks drove me from Alliance, Nebraska, to Sidney, Nebraska, in order to catch a train, which would take me to Norfolk, Virginia, for my school. Mary was allowed to accompany us to the train depot. I spent three days on the train. It was necessary to go to Chicago, Illinois, and there I had to change trains in order to continue my trip. In Chicago an Aunt and two cousins met me in a Volkswagen. They took my sea bag and me across town and dropped me off at the other train station to catch my next train. When I arrived at the train station in Norfolk, Virginia, I had absolutely no idea where the base was let alone how to get there. There was a Chief Petty Officer that saved me from being forever lost in Norfolk, Virginia. He took me with him to the Naval Base and helped me get checked in.
Worst Moment
When Me and the Mores Code parted ways. Never wanted to be a radioman any way.
Other Memories
While waiting for those orders to my next assignment, I was assigned as a messenger to the base OOD (Officer of the Day). It was while doing this job I had my first run in (literally) with a Navy Rear Admiral. As I went into the Fifth Naval District Head Quarters building to deliver a message, I was probably not paying as close attention as I should have, and I rounded a corner and collided with a man wearing so much gold I knew I was headed for the brig. He gathered up his papers and I stood at attention scared to death; all he said was "carry on sailor" and disappeared from sight. When my heart quit racing and my breathing slowed I too went on my way.
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 The blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on CubaThe blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on Cuba were capable of hitting Washington, D.C. or anywhere in the southeastern portion of the country, the Panama Canal, Mexico City or “as far north as Hudson Bay, Canada, and as far south as Lima, Peru.” A military confrontation appeared imminent when Kennedy told his audience that he ordered the evacuation of the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and put military units on standby. Boldly, he stated, “one path we shall never choose is the path of surrender or submission.”
Khrushchev responded by sending additional ships—possibly carrying military cargo—toward Cuba and by allowing construction at the missile sites to continue. Over the following six days, the Cuban Missile Crisis, as it is now known, brought the world to the brink of global nuclear war while the two leaders engaged in tense negotiations via telegram and letter.
Fortunately by October 28, Kennedy and Khrushchev had reached a settlement and people on both sides of the conflict breathed a collective but wary sigh of relief. The Cuban missile sites were dismantled and, in return, Kennedy agreed to close U.S. missile sites in Turkey.... More
People You Remember
CUBIN BLOCKADE/CUBIN MISSILE CRISES
Memories
64 DAYS AT SEA STEAMING IN A FIGURE EIGHT OUT SIDE HAVANA HARBOR
Description The blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on CubaThe blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on Cuba were capable of hitting Washington, D.C. or anywhere in the southeastern portion of the country, the Panama Canal, Mexico City or “as far north as Hudson Bay, Canada, and as far south as Lima, Peru.” A military confrontation appeared imminent when Kennedy told his audience that he ordered the evacuation of the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and put military units on standby. Boldly, he stated, “one path we shall never choose is the path of surrender or submission.”
Khrushchev responded by sending additional ships—possibly carrying military cargo—toward Cuba and by allowing construction at the missile sites to continue. Over the following six days, the Cuban Missile Crisis, as it is now known, brought the world to the brink of global nuclear war while the two leaders engaged in tense negotiations via telegram and letter.
Fortunately by October 28, Kennedy and Khrushchev had reached a settlement and people on both sides of the conflict breathed a collective but wary sigh of relief. The Cuban missile sites were dismantled and, in return, Kennedy agreed to close U.S. missile sites in Turkey.... More
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