Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
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
Clifford (Bob) Coffey and his lovely and talented wife, Annette Brigsted. BMC Andrew J. Banovski, YTB-793 PIQUA Tugmaster.
Best Moment
Checking in at Margaret's B&B
Worst Moment
Leaving Sandbank by Dunoon for our next posting, COMBALTAP DK
Chain of Command
COS Ops Capt. David Middleton (my direct boss)
Other Memories
Missile crane losing brakes & dropping missile back into tender nest! Big fiasco, lots of screaming and shouting. Marine detachment on the ball. Area secured within seconds. Civilians onboard for work lost it, tho. Can't blame them, not at all. I sent the Bent Spear, or was it a Broken Arrow? I've forgotten! Skipper fired by Admiral Rickover less than an hour later! I took the Red Phone call in Sqdn Ops, passed it to the Commodore and listened in. Exciting few minutes, for sure....
Best Moment
Captain Middleton calling to inform me that I had been selected for Senior Chief!
Chain of Command
CO NSG Detachment - Captain Chas F. Noll
Other Memories
Genuine Las Vegas Style Slot Machines at the club! Â
Graduated from the NSG Det. CMS Custodian course of study on 14 March 1980. A necessary requirement prior to my assuming duty as the Squadron 14 CMS custodian.  Later, I was also sworn in as the Squadron 14 SSO. That assignment provided me the most job satisfaction of any previous posting.  Â
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
TSEC/KG-30 Family Depot Level (I was the 1st and the last Navy student to attend this course). Drank lots of PBR. Shot water snakes from the patio of a nearby bar with the Walther PPKS I carried everywhere. Everyone carried in GA, it seemed. Bust my britches!
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
Other Memories
After completing 3 crypto scols, I was transferred to USS Alexander. Hamilton SSBN-617, in Yards at NNEWS, as �??the Gold Crew had ZERO Crypto techs onboard.
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
Comments
Third Award. Capt. Kirk Miller, CO, NCS San Francisco
Best Moment
6/71 - SEAL team finished diving for mines from our fantail - XO asked Doc to get them each a 'Medicinal' brandy. Oops. Sorry, XO. Doc and I drank them. All of them. We were gonna re-fill the bottles in Hong Kong. Honest!
Worst Moment
XO had to share his private bottle of Hennessy *** with the SEAL team.
Chain of Command
My first skipper was LT. Lester K. Springstead
My second skipper was LCDR Jerome T. Murphy. CDR Murphy gave me a birthday gift of 30 days in Yoko, awaiting transportation, to NCS Stockton. Time awaiting Yokota flight to Travis wasn't counted as leave. When I finally arrived at Travis, I was worn out and broke. Did I mention that the skipper also handed me a check for 3 months advanced pay? LOL ...
Other Memories
Remember 'Liberty (NMN) Hound?'
Dry Dock Subic Bay - port side holed from concussion grenades tossed over side to discourage swimmer/sappers, while checking fishing boats for contraband, VC, deserters?
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 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
Chain of Command
I was TDY from CNFV Saigon. NCS CRB needed a TTY repairman. After the TET festivities, I wanted out of Saigon. I also wanted 2342 pro-pay. CNFV, as a staff puke job, didn't warrant a 2342. Performed in-country TDY visits requiring TTY repair. Nha Trang, Vung Tau, other locations; I've forgotten the names. A busy time.
Where's ET1 Tony Henning?
Where's RM1 Jimmie C. Patton?
Where's RM1 Danny R. Major?
Other Memories
Visiting Xmtr site, stumbled upon a conex box full of brand new reperfs. Forgotten and left behind by some contractor? My repair guys never bothered to fix another reperf again. We tossed the broke one's, and grabbed a brand new one... BTT!
I traded several 4X8 sheets of 1/4" clear acrylic plastic to an Army Signals guy (The Army guys, having desks, wanted a plastic sheet desk-top as a sign of importance?) in return for a brand new 6X Diesel Truck Tool box, which I traded to the CRB Seabees for a line truck. The seabees stole an Air Force line truck from the flight line, painted it haze gray. I donated the truck to the CPO mess when I left.
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
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
Best Moment
Chief of Staff Officer, Captain George Duncan, called a friend in 'DC' & requested my PCS transfer to Staff, CNFV, Saigon. Hmmm? Can a Captain do that? Yessir! A Captain, who is a WWII 'ACE,' can do anything!Â
Thank you, Captain Duncan!
Worst Moment
Leaving the Staff for SERE Scol. Little did I know.... Â
Chain of Command
Vice Admiral Thomas (Top Gun Tom) Connolly, COMNAVAIRPAC
Capt. George Duncan, Chief of Staff
CDR L.E. Mensch, Staff Communicator (my immediate boss).
Commander Mensch assigned CO USS J W Weeks (DD-701) 4 Dec 1968 through 12 Aug 1970.
Interestingly enough, the Weeks was soon thereafter, sunk as a target off VACAPES Oparea, 19 Nov 1970.
Lt. David C. Gill, his relief (Captain, Ret. deceased).Â
Other Memories
Bartender at Acey-Ducey Club for a time. Interesting duty; especially when a bird farm returned from WPac!
Best Moment
While completing my North Island PCS checkout, a YN handling my orders congratulated me for making First Class, first â??increment. Huh? A BIG surprise! I departed CNAP Staff a second, went to SERE Scol, a first! Thank god for the 'Seven Seas" on Broadway... A new set of dress whites, and dress blues, on credit, in less than an hour!
Worst Moment
Waterboard sessions
Other Memories
Lost 12 Lbs. I was POW No.126. Smuggled beef jerky into problem. Told instructor I was making tea from tree bark. Kudos for imagination. LOL..
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 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 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
RM1 Thomas Ferstl
RM2 Wm (Bill) Rigney
RM2 Arthur Curinga (SP?)
RM3 Neil (Red) Rangen (your sofa WAS appreciated!)
RM3 Philip Jurgelon (Your toothbrush & MY Zippo!)
Best Moment
Supporting our Marines with NGF Support! Awesome!
Worst Moment
Leaving for shore duty (CNAP Staff)
Chain of Command
RMC Lester Benafield
Other Memories
Chief Benafield sending me TDY to SSC San Diego for Teletype Maintenance Scol
Best Moment
Receiving my "Doctor of Teletype Therapeutics" award, at graduation.
Worst Moment
During lunch, curious, I removed the keyboard cover from my machine (UGC-6). Oops! All of the keys flopped around; how in the hell was I ever gonna align them up, to replace the cover? I was a tad upset that I'd catch hell for it, too! Our instructor surprised me by jerking the keytops off, and tossing them into my lap.
Huh? So easy, but for a time, I was worried sick... Replaced them all, class began, and the sun once more did shine on my position.
Other Memories
The class picture, below, finds me in the back row, third in from the right...
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
Best Moment
PCS orders to USS Hull DD-945 @ San Diego
Worst Moment
Reporting onboard to learn that I was the new LPO! Huh? I just came from a bird farm, 112 RM's, Speed Key operator for 3 years... KWR-37's, what's that?
Chain of Command
CO CDR W.H. Wettlaufer
Other Memories
Station Ship Hong Kong - Extended to 60 days! Owed my soul to the division 'slush fund.' China Fleet Club! Mary's Girls! Star Ferry! Tiger Balm Gardens!
RMSN - Donnie L. Sarvis - I found Donnies Obit back in 2012, or so. His headstone reflected RMCS! RIP Donnie, I am proud of you!
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
Comments
After 1963, additional awards for every 4 years of qualifying service, were subsequently awarded.
Best Friends
My final (third one) Med cruise, ports visited, and new friends met & made, was so memorable, that I can still recall the time, often in 3-D, and followed by a tear or two.
Best Moment
Making phone patches with RMC Sandy Sanderson. W4HME/MM! Great shakes! Chief Sandersoin taught me the civilian code way.
Worst Moment
27 April 1961 - Collision at sea. USS Diamond Head ammo replenishment went awry. Indy suffered a dent in a gun sponson, the Diamond Head suffered worse hull damage, but no personnel casualties. This happened after the BOP fiasco. I was scheduled to go ashore with a PRC-25 and then, the Prez called it off! No mail for six weeks!
Other Memories
RTP 27 Aug 1962. Discharged due to completion of my 'Kiddy Cruise' enlistment. During my onboard discharge physical, the dentist checking my teeth surprised me, telling me that after looking over my dental record, he happily claimed to have checked my teeth at Glakes, boot camp, as well!
A very nice coincidence, I thought. He checked me in and checked me out!
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 Navy Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Navy personnel who have landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition or who have operated under circumstances deemed to mer... The Navy Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Navy personnel who have landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition or who have operated under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition and for which no campaign medal has been awarded. MoreHide
Other Memories
I was the Company Guideon. I spent my Service Week minding the CPO quarters. Used their washer and dryer for my clothes. Filled their frig with goodies each morning. Watched TV. Super cushy job. All because I told the CC that my Dad was a retired Chief Watertender.
Clifford (Bob) Coffey and his lovely and talented wife, Annette Brigsted. BMC Andrew J. Banovski, YTB-793 PIQUA Tugmaster.
Checking in at Margaret's B&B
Leaving Sandbank by Dunoon for our next posting, COMBALTAP DK
COS Ops Capt. David Middleton (my direct boss)
Missile crane losing brakes & dropping missile back into tender nest! Big fiasco, lots of screaming and shouting. Marine detachment on the ball. Area secured within seconds. Civilians onboard for work lost it, tho. Can't blame them, not at all. I sent the Bent Spear, or was it a Broken Arrow? I've forgotten! Skipper fired by Admiral Rickover less than an hour later! I took the Red Phone call in Sqdn Ops, passed it to the Commodore and listened in. Exciting few minutes, for sure....