Best Moment
Birth of Daughter in June 2000
TAD assignment to NAVAIR PMA-273 (Undergraduate Flight Training Systems) T-45 program. VX-20 allowed me to go TAD to PMA-273 in order to accept a civilian job that I had been hired for but could not fulfil until after I retired from active duty. It was a very gracious move on the part of the command and helped to restore my faith in the CPO brotherhood and Navy family.
Other Memories
This was a job in which I supported the NAVAIR command but was assigned to VX-20 as a P-3 F/E flying flight test projects. The additional NAVAIR experience and education helped me land my first, post-Navy active duty civilian job
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Criteria The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint... The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to the degree that would warrant award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is... The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, under one of the following conditions: During action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States, For a declared national emergency or Under extraordinary circumstances that involve the national interest. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Criteria Service members must be bona fide members of a unit participating in, or be engaged indirect support of, the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations or for 60 non-consecutive days ... Service members must be bona fide members of a unit participating in, or be engaged indirect support of, the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations or for 60 non-consecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of operations or meets one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat, or duty that is equally as hazardous as combat duty, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area of operations; While participating in the operation, regardless of time, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of operations; While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of operations in direct support of the military operations. MoreHide
Criteria Service members must be bona fide members of a unit participating in, or be engaged indirect support of, the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations or for 60 non-consecutive days ... Service members must be bona fide members of a unit participating in, or be engaged indirect support of, the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations or for 60 non-consecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of operations or meets one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat, or duty that is equally as hazardous as combat duty, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area of operations; While participating in the operation, regardless of time, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of operations; While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of operations in direct support of the military operations. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Service Medal provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed... The Armed Forces Service Medal provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed or remotely located support units and individuals is not justification for award of this medal (such performance may be recognized by appropriate unit and/or individual decorations). MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Service Medal provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed... The Armed Forces Service Medal provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed or remotely located support units and individuals is not justification for award of this medal (such performance may be recognized by appropriate unit and/or individual decorations). MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Arctic Service Ribbon is awarded to military personnel the Navy and Marine Corps and to civilian citizens, nationals, or resident aliens of the United States for 28 days of service above the Arcti... The Arctic Service Ribbon is awarded to military personnel the Navy and Marine Corps and to civilian citizens, nationals, or resident aliens of the United States for 28 days of service above the Arctic Circle. For personnel working at remote ice camps and divers working under the ice, each day of duty will count as two days when determining award eligibility. There are no subsequent awards of this ribbon. MoreHide
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Criteria 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 Thirty days continuous or accumulated service in direct support of NATO operations, on land, at sea or in the air spaces of the Former Yugoslavia, Albania, the Former Republic of Macedonia, and the Ad... Thirty days continuous or accumulated service in direct support of NATO operations, on land, at sea or in the air spaces of the Former Yugoslavia, Albania, the Former Republic of Macedonia, and the Adriatic Sea (the theatre of operations) commencing 1 July 1992 and ending 31 December 2002; or Ninety days continuous or accumulated service commencing 1 July 1992 and ending 31 December 2002, in the territories of Italy, Greece, Hungary and Austria, in direct support of the NATO operations in the Former Yugoslavia (the adjacent area). MoreHide
Criteria Thirty days continuous or accumulated service in direct support of NATO operations, on land, at sea or in the air spaces of the Former Yugoslavia, Albania, the Former Republic of Macedonia, and the Ad... Thirty days continuous or accumulated service in direct support of NATO operations, on land, at sea or in the air spaces of the Former Yugoslavia, Albania, the Former Republic of Macedonia, and the Adriatic Sea (the theatre of operations) commencing 1 July 1992 and ending 31 December 2002; or Ninety days continuous or accumulated service commencing 1 July 1992 and ending 31 December 2002, in the territories of Italy, Greece, Hungary and Austria, in direct support of the NATO operations in the Former Yugoslavia (the adjacent area). MoreHide
Criteria Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gu... Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. MoreHide
Criteria The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the B... The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the Beretta 9mm pistol, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M14 and M16 assault rifle variants. The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels, that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon. MoreHide
Best Friends
Johnny Miller / Dave Casbon / Lester (Lima Lima) Lyons / Chris (Dough Head) Doughtery
Best Moment
Flying the Admiral and his staff back to Andrews Airforce Base (AAFB) so that he could attend meetings at the pentagon. The flight crew was on stand-by (liberty) until it was time to return to Italy or wherever the Admiral needed to go next. AAFB was 60 miles away from my home in Pax, so I would return home and visit with the family all while drawing per diem. It was during one of these return visits when my wife and I concieved our daughter Molly.
Worst Moment
Assignment of the new Commander Flag Pilot. We never got along.
Finding out my request for early retirement had been denied... Shortly after arriving at Sig the Navy put out a message requesting folks in certain ratings to retire early. Now I had been hoping to retire early ever since leaving VP-23 but due to either my NEC, Rating, or Paygrade, had never been within the eligibility parameters. FINALLY the latest early retirement message did not exclude me. I immediately submited a request to retire. There was a radioman CPO who lived in the barracks with me who also was a geo-bachelor and he decided to submit a request as well even though his rating was not eligible. He requested a waiver for rating. Wouldn't you know it, his request to retire was approved and mine was denied.
Other Memories
This was a 3 year accompanied duty tour but due to having a home in Pax River, MD, it being what I thought would be my final tour, knowing about the quality of life in Sig, and knowing that I would rarely be at home base, I elected to leave my wife & daughter back at home in the U.S. Consequently It became a 2 year unaccompanied tour.
As I came to the end of my 2 year tour I could either accept orders to go to a VP squadron (with a minimum additional 2 years of duty) or extend for a year in Sig, in order to complete my 3 yr sea duty obligation. I extended but would be leaving sooner than expected.
After a falling out with the Flag Pilot it was determined that him and I could not safely be in the same cockpit together. I was offered the choice of accepting orders to shore duty or remaining at Sig in a administrative capacity until my Sept. 2000 PRD / retirement date. I chose P-3 Flight Engineer orders to PAX which put me back at home in Feb 2000 and in time for my daughters June 2000 birth! Sometimes things just have a way of working out. Thank You Commander!
Other Memories
I accepted orders back to NAMO as there were no open shore duty billets for a P-3 flight engineer. I acceptable the orders against the advice of the CPO mess. I was told it would hurt my chances for promotion. I however was more concerned with my post Navy career and knew that with the right skill set, skills that this job would provide, I could land a job supporting NAVAIR once I left the NAVY. I was at NAMO when it transistioned to NAVAIR. It was there that I met the P-3 detailer at a post retirement party. I approached him about remaining with the AE rating detailer when I became eligible for orders back to sea duty as this would be my final tour in the Navy (I was hoping for a VAW squadron out of Norfolk that would allow me to travel to my home in Pax when I wasn't out to sea). Instead the detailer asked if I would consider accepting orders to Sigonella to fly the CINCUSNAVEUR 4 star admiral around Europe. I stated I might be interested. He arranged an interview with the crew 2 weeks later and 1 week after that I had my orders. I was headed to Jax for refresher training and then to Sig.
Best Moment
The birth of my daughter Megan in February 1993.
Qualifying as a P-3 Flight Engineer
Worst Moment
I initially had orders to VP-10 who were scheduled to come off of deployment and return to Brunwick, ME in November 1991. However, due to a fleet wide shortage of P-3 Flight Engineers, I was re-ordered to VP 23 which was the squadron that relieved VP-10. I was in Sigonella, Sicily by mid-Novemeber 1991 and wouldn't return home until May 1992.
This was the era when tail-hook occurred and the Navy was also drawing down during this time. While on my second deployment to Sigonella, VP-23 received notice that it would be decommissioned upon returning to the U.S. This was about the time I began to become disillusioned with the hypocrisy and B.S.of the Navy. It was beggining to not be fun anymore.
Other Memories
Flying patrols out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We used to take off at daybreak to begin our patrols over the Red sea. One day we had a maintenance issue with the aircraft just as I was about to fuel the aircraft, and decided to delay fueling the aircraft until we were certain the gripe could be fixed. After correcting the issue I was hurring to get the aircraft fueled for the mission as the sun was beginning to rise, but was unable to locate the fuel truck driver. I finally located him.I had to inform the Plane Patrol Commander (PPC) that we were going to be late as the fuel truck driver had his prayer mat spread out underneath of our starboard wing and was conducting his morning prayers.
Best Moment
This was the duty station where I was initiated into the greatest fraternity in the world. I became a United States Navy Chief Petty Officer.
This duty station provided my initial education in aviation logistics and opened my eyes to the myriad of tasks required to ensure the viability of Naval Aviation.
Best Moment
I married my beautiful wife during a training break over the 4th of July weekend. We were married on July 4th, 1991.
I graduated the P-3 Flight Engineer Training program at the end of July 1991, but due to budget issues, the Navy could not afford to transfer me to my permanent duty station until 1 October (new fiscal budget year). Since I was a CPO (and the senior student in the graduating class) I was not re-assigned TAD to support other activities. Instead I mustered by phone Monday-Friday until I transferred on 1 October 1991. The best 'basket leave' I ever received!
Other Memories
-Hours upon hours in the swimming pool. Till this day I still flash back to the 5.5 weeks in this school anytime I smell the chlorine in pool water.
-Getting smacked in the head with a long bamboo pole by the instructors standing pool side anytime they didn't like the quality of your swimstroke or you attempted to hold onto the side of the pool.
-Swimming a mile in a flight suit & boots.
-Panicking the first time I rode the helo dunker. My brain told me there was just something not quite right about being strapped into a seat in full flight gear with three other classmates inside of a huge metal drum and then being dropped and flipped upside down underwater.
-Deep Water Environment Survival Training (DWEST): being dropped off of the back end of a boat, trying to avoid huge jelly fish while waiting for the helo to pick me up, only to have the helo drop me back into the water to avoid the jelly fish again while awaiting pick-up by a 2nd boat.
Other Memories
Living in the 'Mud Flats' as a married E-2. I had one old car and barley earned enough to survive. I had to drive to the base in the morning and then muster and march to class.
Birth of Daughter in June 2000
TAD assignment to NAVAIR PMA-273 (Undergraduate Flight Training Systems) T-45 program. VX-20 allowed me to go TAD to PMA-273 in order to accept a civilian job that I had been hired for but could not fulfil until after I retired from active duty. It was a very gracious move on the part of the command and helped to restore my faith in the CPO brotherhood and Navy family.
This was a job in which I supported the NAVAIR command but was assigned to VX-20 as a P-3 F/E flying flight test projects. The additional NAVAIR experience and education helped me land my first, post-Navy active duty civilian job