Previously Held NEC GSE-4129-FFG-7 Class Gas Turbine Electrical Maintenance Technician
NC-9585-Navy Recruiter Canvasser
GSM-4131-LCAC Craft Engineer/Assistant Operator
GSE-4129-FFG-7 Class Gas Turbine Electrical Maintenance Technician
0167-LCAC Craftmaster
GSE-4123-CG-47 Gas Turbine Electrical Maintenance Technician
I was a GSEC who happened to be an LCAC Craftmaster for the last 6 years of my career. I really enjoyed my job as a hovercraft driver. At times though, I wish I had gone back to a ship, but I was pretty well spoiled in the life of a shipboard passenger and wanted to keep it that way. I officially transferred to the Fleet Reserves on 1Mar09. I've been home with my family in Opelika, Alabama since 13Dec08. I have had three jobs since I retired and none of them really worked for me. I was working on my degree in Human Resource Management, thanks to the VA's VR&E program. In September 2011 I accepted a position with my current employer. It was just too good to pass up. So far, so good with Marinette Marine. Great organization, great people, great benefits. Just wish it wasn't so far away from home and the family.
Other Comments:
Transition from Navy chief to civilian is a difficult one. One that requires a lot of self analysis, discipline and focus. What surprised me more though was how my whole family has had to deal with the transition as well. They miss the lifestyle just as much as I do.
Best Friends Brian Curry, Guillermo Medina, Bill Kennedy, John Bovard, Cam James.
Best Moment Coming home from my first deployment as a married man. What a difference from my single days.
Being able to go to Thailand and Korea for the first time. It's always good to go somewhere new.
Worst Moment Having to leave home on deployment. Going to Sasebo, Japan February 2006 and not having a clue what was ahead of us.
Chain of Command Pretty good. I had a good crew and OIC.
Other Memories We had a scary moment during one of our "thunder valley" patrols. While we were off cushion in the North Arabian Gulf repairing a ruptured hydraulic line,we saw two vessels heading our way. We tried to raise them on bridge-to-bridge, we blew our whistle at them, which also did no good. According to the rules of engagement, the next step was to light off pencil flares, which we were never given. After that it was straight to weapons hot. To make a long story short, they didn't change course until they were about 300 yards away and we had started main engines and were coming back on cushion. It turned out that they were fishing boats, but when you are out there by yourself with no back up, it's pretty scary.
