Best Moment
Chairman of the Ways & Means CPO Club. Our CPO Group bought one of those trailer canteen outfits to sell taco's and drinks out of, during some of our base events. We did montly car-washes/taco sales and also set up at the Naval Air Station Air Shows. The profits went to helping junior enlisted base personnel with higher education for themselves and/or their family members. Our CPO group were a tight nit group for sure.
Other Memories
Member of and working with the Rod & Gun Club group. The fishing was great at the Skippers Pond on the NAS. Even better, was the deer & dove hunting on the NAS and at Naval Air Landing Field Orange Grove Tx.
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
Communications Green "C" -- Command & Control Green "E" -- Battle "E" Ribbon Award.
Other Memories
MARS Radio/Crew Radio-Phone-Patch - Ham Station Supervisor. RadioGear located in CIC Un-attended Elect Equipment Space Above Radio Central.
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
Description UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 19UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 1959, UNITAS has become the premier multinational naval exercise in the Southern Command area of operations.
During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region.
UNITAS supports U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security in its area of responsibility. It is intended to train participating forces in a variety of maritime scenarios to test command and control of forces at sea, while operating as a multinational force to provide the maximum opportunity to improve interoperability.... More
Memories USS Joseph Hewes FF-1078 - UNITAS 1985 deployment all the way around South America. Then onto the WeUSS Joseph Hewes FF-1078 - UNITAS 1985 deployment all the way around South America. Then onto the West African Training Cuise(WATC - 1985). Mostly had training missions with the host countries Navys and Coast Guard Units. Many interesting port visits. I had the midnight to 4am OOD watch at the fantail during one of the nights we were inport "The Gambia" for a port visit. Watched the Comm-O fall out the back window of a bus bringing him and his shipmates back from a party/liberty at the local American Ambassadors home. He was in his dress white uniform. A sight for sore-eyes. I don't think that he was tanked up on Southern Comfort either !!... More
Other Memories
My family and I lived in Queijas Portugal on Rua A Lot 3. I had a large garage, but none of the two cars were housed there. I had a full bore wood shop set up in there. One of my 1st projects was to build our CPO MESS a rather large wood framed CHIEF's Anchor. As a CHIEF would arrive for duty, we would have a new brass plate made with his/her name and date of arrival. When that CHIEF later departed PCS, the plate would be updated with the departure date. Once, the wood framed CHIEF's Anchor outfit vanished from the bulkhead in the Senior Rates Mess. The local Brits told us they had burned it. But, what actually happened was the CPO Mess onboard the HMS Sheffield D-80 had taken it on board their Destroyer. They left port Lisbon with it hanging on their bulkhead. Several months later, the HMS Sheffield made port Lisbon again. Our US Navy wood framed CHIEF's Anchor outfit was found hanging on the bulkhead in good shape. Sheewizz, were we U.S. Navy CHIEF's happy about that. The reason was, later D-80 was hit by an Air to Surface flying tube from an Argie A/Craft. She later sank while being towed back to the UK. I wonder if that wood framed CHIEF's Anchor outfit is still hanging on the bulkhead there in the Oerias Senior Rates Mess or maybe in the MCPOC's office at Staff HQ. If anyone knows about that, please let me know. Thanks CHIEF Mac...
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 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
Other Memories
With the family, lived in a Villa north of Belpasso on Mt Etna. It smoked, rumbled, and expelled lava the whole time there. One pretty strong earth quake in 1978. Was standing in the street, next to my Red/Black Mini Cooper Mark V. The street looked like a series of waves on the ocean. When I made it back to the Villa, my wife was outside shaking like a leaf. Most all was OK except for the kitchen area. Stuff thrown all over. The thing that I was worried about was our wood fired pizza oven in the kitchen. It was ok, so I was happy. No wife damage either.
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
Other Memories
My Parent Command, at NavCommDet Sigonella Sicily, sent me to NavCamsMed Naples for two weeks TAD/Training. Worked in just about every section -- morning only. Then the afternoons were free for me to visit with my wife Brenda at the Naval Hospital. We were expecting our first baby and she was sent up to Naples before the birth of April in March 1979. No car there, but rode the bus lots. My TAD time was up on March 14th 79. I flew back to the NAF at Sigonella. I had to miss April's birth.
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 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
Best Moment
Communications Green "C" -- Command & Control Green "E" -- Battle "E" Ribbon Award.
Worst Moment
During the summer of 1973, our Desron 24 group changed home- ports to Mayport Fla. The house hold goods of each shipmate/ family was moved from Newport RI to Mayport Fla by Mayflower. The 18 wheeler van that, my stuff was on, also had 7 other shipments aboard it. There were two drivers. The truck broke down in NewJersey and they left it on the side of the express-way(a likely story.) When they returned with help, the whole rig was gone along with all the HHGoods. Us 7 found about this when we were along side the pier in Mayport. It took awhile, but the FBI found the brokedown 18 wheeler in the middle of a farmer's corn field in NewYork State. What was left of the shipment (not much) was reloaded into the trailer by some Mayflower employees. That stuff, eventualy arrived in Jacksonville at the Mayflower HHGoods holding facilty. We all had to report to that place one day, pick through, and pick out what was left of our stuff. It was a total disaster for sure. Not sure about the other ship- mates, but I had a good list of my stuff. I was able to pass that off to the Mayflower folks. They eventually paid retail replacement price for what was missing. That was the only good part about the whole matter.
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. 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 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 UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 19UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 1959, UNITAS has become the premier multinational naval exercise in the Southern Command area of operations.
During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region.
UNITAS supports U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security in its area of responsibility. It is intended to train participating forces in a variety of maritime scenarios to test command and control of forces at sea, while operating as a multinational force to provide the maximum opportunity to improve interoperability.... More
Memories
USS Paul DE-1080 - Yankee Station, NGFS, Plane Guard for USS Ranger
Other Memories
Enroute from the Ammo Piers The P.I. to the gun line for xfer to the USS Paul DE-1080. Rode the wire down to The Paul from The Pryo's helo. One heck of a ride. No particular assignment duties on The Pyro while TAD there. Did get access to The Pyro's Radio Central and chat with the RM's on The Paul via Yankee Station Orestes Secure RTTY. That was my only link with The Paul while TAD to The Pyro.
Chain of Command
Come to find out, Alan King AA7ZI RMCS(Ret) was assigned to Mare Island, at the crypto repair school, as the Chief In Charge of the AN/SGA-3(KLB-47, HL-1, & HL-2) repair program. Alan arrived in mid summer of 1972. Alan is a fellow shipmate on the Tin Can Sailors Ham Radio Net also. It's a small world for sure.
Other Memories
Several of us took off one Sat morning early for NAPA County to go "check out the taste of several wine factories." We were in my 1968 Ford XL-500 2dr HT Fastback. By the time three or four wine-makers were visited, we were feeling pretty good. Upon arrival at wine-maker nr-4(Christian Bro's), I locked my keys in the Ford. Didn't even know it, until we all wondered back out to the parking lot. No keys in my pocket. One of my running mates said, "look in the ign." I did, and presto there they were stuck. Now was the problem, to get into the car and leave for the next wine-makers location on our detailed map. Someone came along, who was also in the parking lot. Him and his wife had a coat-hanger in the trunk. After about 10 minutes, I manged to get the pass door unlocked. Presto, we were on our way to the next vino-maker. By the end of the day, we had visited about 10 or so of those places. Not sure why we were never stopped for weaving all over the road. Ha Ha. By the time we hit up the last place(a small family run outfit) anything we drank tasted really really really good. It was so good, I bought 3 bottles for our trip back to the base at Mare Island. By Monday evening, I had those bottles all chilled out. Several of us were shooting pool. I figured we needed some nice chilled vino for the occasion. I had some paper cups from the Master At Arms office's coffee mess. I had my genuine Swiss Army Knife with a cork screw. Un-corked the first bottle and we shared it. That was the worse crap we ever got our taste buds wrapped around. Poured it down the drain and got the second bottle out. Same crap and then the third was the same crap tasting. Well, we/I had no idea what vino-factory we had bought that stuff from, but they must have seen us coming or weaving. Ha Ha. Sold me a bill of goods for sure. Crazy Sailors got the good stuff to taste(at least we thought it was the good stuff at the time.) We only did that once during the stay there at our Crypto Repair School/Class. The nice part about that class was "NO HOMEWORK." Ha Ha..
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 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.
Description The Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, on behalf of all three Major NATO Commanders, gave a presentation on the large-scale exercise "STRONG EXPRESS" which will take place in the autumn of this year. The Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, on behalf of all three Major NATO Commanders, gave a presentation on the large-scale exercise "STRONG EXPRESS" which will take place in the autumn of this year. Eleven NATO countries will contribute forces which will include maritime, amphibious and air units, as well as the Allied Command Europe Mobile Force. The aim will be to test and develop NATO capabilities for rapid reaction and reinforcement to strengthen the Alliance's defensive posture in time of emergency.
NATO held its biggest land, sea, and air exercise in history in September 1972 in and off northern Norway. Code-named "Strong Express", the exercise involved 350 ships, 65,000 men from 12 countries, and 700 aircraft. The high point of the exercise was was a series of amphibious landings on the Norwegian coast. Sensitive to Norwegian memories of World War II, only a few German troops landed.... More
Memories Many USS Paul DE-1080(with and without the LAMPS Helo embarked) Anti-Sub patrols off of the East CoaMany USS Paul DE-1080(with and without the LAMPS Helo embarked) Anti-Sub patrols off of the East Coast of the USA.... More
Worst Moment
There were two Sailors and one Marine in with about 22 Army Pers for this School Assignment. An Army Capt assigned us 2 Sailors and the Marine to the same room in their enlisted barracks. The very first night, there came one hell of a rain storm in the area around Fort Gordon Ga. I woke up in the middle of the night with rain water running in face from the overhead. The others in this room had the same problem. We tried to get moved to a new room, but that US Army Capt was going to leave our ass'es in there - not enough other empty rooms. So, we packed our bags and found a place to rent out in town to live in while going to school. The Marine had his car with him, so he was our ride to and from school every week day. I was headed to NCS Keflavic Iceland from there, so I left my car on jack stands back in Boerne Texas.
Other Memories
Just after arrival, in Aug 1970, Hurricane Celia came ashore in Corpus. Gust of 180mph winds registered at the Naval Weax Service Fac on our base. Most of the "new" base housing units were turned to toothpicks. All of the Navy Dependents were moved, prior to the storm, into the brick barracks. Good thing. Our transmitter site, a remote facility and the receiver site at the main Communications Center lost all the antennas. There was extensive damage done to the roof of the Main Admin Building, where the CommCenter was located. Lots of water into our space and equipment. One of our Chief RM's was friends with a Ham Radio Operator out in town. That Ham loaded us a Swan 250 Xceiver and a wire antenna for emergency comms with CommEight in NewOrleans LA. We strung the antenna between a couple of palm trees left standing close to our CommCenter. I ended up at the NavyMARS Station, in one of the airplane hangers. We also had a radio link with CommEight from there. It was a massive self-help project to clean up the base and rebuild the inside of our CommCenter. A real mess to remember, but in the end, all turned out well. Down town Corpus was a total mess. No road signs, no water, no telephone,and no power - for the longest. I think 13 people were killed in our area, but don't remember any Navy Pers on base getting killed.
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 Moment
Finally passed regular typing on the Royal Mill in night school. Finally passed Teletype typing in night school.
Worst Moment
All was well and good in my classes, except for typing. I flunked regular typing on the Royal Mill and was sent to night-school. The next typing test to flunk was on the Teletype. Had to go back to night school for that also. Both times, I had to sit in a chair with several RM Chiefs around me. They ran me across the coals about my typing. Told me I was going to be chipping paint top-side, if I didn't get my crap all in one sack in front of those typing machines. Ha. Told me, if I made through "A" School, I best find me a typing machine at my first assignment and get up to speed - lots better than "A" School requirements. I did that at NAS Corpus Christi on mid-watches. After a good part of a year's practice, I could jam up a teletype keyboard due to typing so fast. Ha Ha. Very low type-o's also.
Chain of Command
Frank Hickam RMC(Ret) N3RSD & TinCanSailors Ham Radio Net member -- one of my RM "A" School instructors. Also invited me to join this Navy TWServed Web-site. Thanks Frank!!
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 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 Add "Operation CeaseFire" to the list. The best part of the whole Conflict in 1973!! Back to HomePort Add "Operation CeaseFire" to the list. The best part of the whole Conflict in 1973!! Back to HomePort by April 12th 1973 to see the US Navy Band & Dependents on the pier.... More
Memories Chasing Komar-Boats around after the USS Goldsborough DDG-20 was hit by shore battery in Dec 1972 - HeChasing Komar-Boats around after the USS Goldsborough DDG-20 was hit by shore battery in Dec 1972 - Helping Shipmates in distress, was the most important part of our ops.
VC Shore Battery // US Navy NGFS exchange - USS Paul DE-1080, an interesting experience of early 1973..
For the most part - people of today's generation know nothing about that conflict's details. I guess it's a thing of the past. What gets me - is to see a guy on a street corner(maybe 25-35 yrs of age) holding a sign: "VietNam Vet - will work for food." Then seeing someone hand him some money out the car window. Think about how long ago that conflict ended. I guess that I am too picky!!... More
Best Moment
Found out that I was actually blind and the Navy gave me my "very first" set of eye glasses ever. Imagine that !!! Didn't know that I was missing that much around me...
Worst Moment
In the hospital for a week during Christmas 1969. The nurses were pretty though!!! Ha. The Company Yoeman kept my homework and BootCamp assignments flowing to my hospital bed so that I was not set-back. Forget his name - but, thanks a bunch for your efforts. He figured out what the word "Shipmate" was early-on in his Navy Career...
Other Memories
Squad Leader..
I had Battalion Hq's 4am to 8am telephone watch. A LCDR had the SDO watch all day and was to get off the same time as me at 8am. A little history first. When I was a kid and on camping trips or hunting trips with my Dad, my Dad's way to make coffee, in the morning, was to put water in a regular alm coffee pot, pour the grounds right into the water & then put a stick over the top to keep it from boiling over. Well, that's the only way I ever knew how to make coffee. Now back to my duty night. One of my duties was to prepare this 22 cup coffee maker for the SDO, so he could have his fresh coffee in the morning. Everything was there in the coffee-mess. I filled up the coffee pot H2O and dumped the coffee grounds right into the water. I went outside and looked around for a stick in the bushes that would fit across the top of it. I left all the other parts off to the side(what the hell is this stuff) was my question.. Ha.. The coffee was ready by the time the SDO was up, cleaned up, & dressed. He blew a fuse when trying to get his coffee out of that pot. I had to explain my whole procedure from back in my younger days to him. After that, he thought the whole matter was really funny and stopped bashing my ears with a string of not so good words. After he settled down, he called around to find more extra coffee grounds at another location. He watched the phone while I went to fetch those coffee grounds. Then we had a training mission for teaching me how to use this type of coffee pot. I never heard another word about it - not even from my Company CDR. To this day, I now know how to use a 22 cup coffee maker. Ha Ha.
Description UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 19UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 1959, UNITAS has become the premier multinational naval exercise in the Southern Command area of operations.
During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region.
UNITAS supports U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security in its area of responsibility. It is intended to train participating forces in a variety of maritime scenarios to test command and control of forces at sea, while operating as a multinational force to provide the maximum opportunity to improve interoperability.... More
Memories
USS Joseph Hewes FF-1078 ((WATC - West African Training Cruise - 1985))
Chairman of the Ways & Means CPO Club. Our CPO Group bought one of those trailer canteen outfits to sell taco's and drinks out of, during some of our base events. We did montly car-washes/taco sales and also set up at the Naval Air Station Air Shows. The profits went to helping junior enlisted base personnel with higher education for themselves and/or their family members. Our CPO group were a tight nit group for sure.
Member of and working with the Rod & Gun Club group. The fishing was great at the Skippers Pond on the NAS. Even better, was the deer & dove hunting on the NAS and at Naval Air Landing Field Orange Grove Tx.