Previously Held NEC AM-8305-E2/C2 System Organizational Maintenance Technician
AM-7232-Structural Repair IMA Technician
8331-A-6 System Organization Maintenance Technician
8276-P-3 Orion Second Mechanic (Assistant Flight Engineer)
8279-C-2 Aircraft Loadmaster
AM-9502-Instructor
AMS-8278-Loadmaster
8241-C-12/ C 26 Air Transport Crewman
I took an early retirement under TERA in 1997 (19 yrs), after which I worked as a government aircraft maintenance contractor. I hold FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) with Inspection Authorization (IA) certificates, in addition to an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator's License (GROL) (w/ Radar Endorsment). I also hold a FAA Commercial Pilot's certificate with Instrument and Single/Multi Engine ratings.
We moved around almost as much as we did when I was on active duty; we lived/worked in: RAF Mildenhall, UK, NAF El Centro, CA, Kirtland AFB, NM, NAS North Island, CA, Imperial, CA, Sierra Vista, AZ, Webster Field, MD, JB Andrews, MD, and MCAS Yuma, AZ. I retired in 2022 after 43+ years in aviation.
Gabrielle got out of the Navy in 1991 as a YN2 and worked for the US Government (GS). In 2022 she retired as a GS-13 with 30+ years of military/federal service.
We have settled in Yuma, AZ for the moment. Who knows where we'll end up in retirement?
Best Moment Meeting my wife, making 1st Class, seeing all of Europe with her, dets to Souda Bay. Unbelievable parties at my house. Just living in Sicily for three years!
Worst Moment Trying to break up with my Italian girlfriend; she wouldnt leave me or my friends alone.
Chain of Command AMSC Gardner, ADCS Shaw, and ATCS Johnson.
Other Memories C-2A Loadmaster (LM) and In-Flight Plane Captain (IFPC). Ground job was Airframes and QA. Hands down, the best tour I had in the Navy.