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Service Details |
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Personal Details
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Home State
Virginia | |
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Year of Birth
1943 |
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This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Thomas, Bersley H., Jr. (Tom), SMCS USN(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
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Contact Info
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Home Town
Savannah, Ga. |
Last Address
Roanoke, Virginia
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Date of Passing
Jan 27, 2022 |
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Last Known Activity:
The Golden years
Retirement: The pressure to perform is intense!
Retirement:
Losing my hair,
Over weight
Need glasses to see,
Have Glacoma and Cateracs
Lost all of my permenent teeth
Have COPD
Have PAD
Have authoritis in my hip and knees
Have Type 2 Diebedies and
Have Cronic Depression (PTSD)
Ain't Life Fun
U.S.S. Elmer Montgomery (FF-1082) 16 June 1978
'I'll keep my freedom, my guns, and my money.
you can keep THE CHANGE
 Retireing, fighting my current addiction to NTWS. Feeling sorry for myself for ever being USN Retired. Following my favorite baseball team "ATLANTA BRAVES". I have a chemistry background and one of the things I enjoy the most is turning beer, vodka and wine into urine. Watching my belly and my butt getting bigger and bigger with every passing year.
    
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Other Comments:
Civilians and civilian life SUCK!!!! 
 I love Bass fishing, playing with my HO guage modal train layout. 
And my dog .
I hate mowing grass,  watching TV, unless its a good movie on DVD, or a ball game
and doing anything that requires physical or mental strain.
I enjoy discussing politics, money I don't have and sex. Remenicing and telling sea stories about when I was in the Navy. 
A good laugh, at a joke, along with my coffee, in the morning, makes me feel good all day.
 
WELCOME,
While you are checking out my profile, please check to see if I listed you as a shipmate. My only criterria to be my shipmate is that we have something in common, so if we do, it goes both ways so please select me back and add me to your shipmates.
Feel free to look at anything on my profile. I appreciate any messages I get but don't feel that you are obligated to leave one. At my age stalkers are welcome. All I ask is that you put everything back were you found it. Have a nice day and come back anytime.
"I WAS A SAILOR ONCE & THE
MEMORIES NEVER GO AWAY,
OLD SAILORS NEVER DIE -
THEY JUST FADE AWAY!"
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1960-1961, USS Robinson (DD-562)
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1960-1961, SN-9700, Commander Navy Reserve Forces Command (COMNAVRESFORCOM)
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1961-1961, USS Sennet (SS-408)
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1962-1966, SM-0000, USS Douglas H. Fox (DD-779)
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1966-1966, SM-0000, USS Vulcan (AR-5)
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1966-1967, SM-0000, USS Neosho (AO-143)
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1966-1967, SM-0000, USS Truckee (AO-147)
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1966-1968, SM-0000, Commander, Service Squadron (COMSERVRON) 4, Commander, Service Forces, Atlantic Fleet (COMSERVLANT)
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1967-1967, SM-0000, USS Waccamaw (AO-109)
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1967-1967, SM-0000, USS Amphion (AR-13)
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1968-1968, 9502, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) (Staff)
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1968-1968, NC-9589, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) (Staff)
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1968-1968, DC-9502, CNO - OPNAV
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1968-1971, SM-0000, USS Canisteo (AO-99)
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1971-1974, MA-2002, Naval Air Station (NAS) Glynco, GA
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1971-1974, MA-2002, NLSO Det Jacksonville FL, NLSO Southeast
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1974-1975, SM-0000, USS La Salle (LPD-3)
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1974-1975, SM-0000, Commander, Middle East Force (COMIDEASTFOR)
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1974-1975, SM-0000, COMTHIRDFLT
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1975-1979, SM-0000, USS Elmer Montgomery (FF-1082)
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1978-1979, SM-0000, COMSIXTHFLT
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1979-1979, SM-0000, CNO - OPNAV
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1979-1979, SM-9585, Commander Naval Recruiting Command (CNRC)
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1979-1982, SM-9585, Navy Recruiting District Richmond, VA, Commander Naval Recruiting Command (CNRC)
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1979-1984, NC-2186, Commander Naval Recruiting Command (CNRC)
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1982-1984, NC-2186, Navy Recruiting District Richmond, VA, Commander Naval Recruiting Command (CNRC)
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Reflections on SCPO Thomas's
US Navy Service
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TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY?
Preordained, The Navy Is a long, unbroken, family tradition. One hundred sixty two years of continuous service. I have two sons that have kept the tradition alive, OSC Shaun and FTC Scott, who have both retired. Both have made me extremely proud. Unfortunately I believe that the continuous line will end with my sons.
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TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
Enlisted USNR at Navrescenter, Savannah, Ga. 14 Mar 1960 as member NavResCrew USS Robinson (DD-562).
Reported to RTC Great Lakes for 2 weeks ACDUTRA. Jul 1960. Volunteered for Submarine Duty.
Transferred to Navrescenter, Jacksonville.Fla. Aug 1960, as member NavResCrew
USS Sennet (SS-408).
Reported for Recruit Training RTC Great Lakes 14 Jun 1961
Graduated from Recruit Training - Aug 1961 RTC Great Lakes. Attended "ET" A School, SSC Great Lakes, Non-Dis Dropped (color blindness) 3 Mar 1962.
Reported as non-designated Seaman, deck force, USS Douglas H.Fox (DD-779)
12 Mar 1962 at NOB Norfolk, Va.
Transferred from Deck Force to Signal bridge, to strike for SM rating Oct 1964; Promoted to SM3 Apr 1965.
Transferred and Reported to Staff Comservron 4 on Flagship USS Amphion (AR-13) NOB Norfolk Va. Jan 1966; Promoted to SM2 Apr 1967
Transferred and Reported to Pre-com detail USS Canisteo (AO-99) at NOB Norfolk, Va. Feb 1968; Promoted to SM1 Apr 1968
Commissioned USS Canisteo AO-99 Sep 1968 as LSM.
Transferred and Reported to Regional JAG office NAS Jacksonville, FL. Jan 1971.
Transferred (Perm TAD) NIS Glynco NAS Brunswick, Ga. Jan 1971.
Transferred and Reported to USS Lasalle AGF-3 Navsta Bahrain 1 Jan 1974
Transferred and Reported to USS Elmer Montgomery FF-1082 Mar 1975; Promoted and initiated to Chief Petty Officer SMC 16 Jun 1976.
Transferred and Reported to Navy Recruiting Indoc and Training School Orlando FL Feb 1979.
Transferred and Reported to NRD Richmond, Va. FFA NRS Roanoke, Va. May 1979; Promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer SMCS Jun 1979.
Assigned as Zone Supervisor (Western Zone) NRD Richmond, Va. Sep 1980
Selected for promotion to Master Chief Petty Officer NCCM, Jun 1982. Refused Obligated Service Extension.
Transferred to Fleet Reserve 31 Aug 1984.
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IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
Vietnam was my war, though I did not actively participate in any combat operations. Cuban Missile Crises Oct 1962: Participated in the Cuban blockade while on Board the USS Douglas H. Fox (DD-779), for which we were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
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FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
During my tour of duty at NAS Glynco, Georgia (Feb 1971- Dec 1973) my duties included, NIS crime investigations, on base security patrols and Main Gate Security, AWOL apprehension and transport, Investigation of traffic accidents involving military personnel. Attending traffic court, city of Brunswick (weekly), County General District Court Glynn (bimonthly) and State Supreme Court (monthly) as military representative for Navy personnel. Except for the days that I attended court, every day was different and every morning was a surprise. As a result, this tour of duty was the most rewarding and educational of my 24 year career.
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OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
The awards that have given me the greatest sense of accomplishment are the 6 good conduct awards that I earned. The easiest thing for any sailor to do is to get into trouble. you really have to work at behaving yourself and doing your duty.
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IF KNOWN, PLEASE LIST ANY INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM HIS/HER TIME IN THE MILITARY WHO STOOD OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEM AND WHY?
Capt. James Anderson, USN. Chief Staff Officer Comservron 4 1966-1968. Commanding Officer USS Canisteo AO-99 1968-69. Capt Anderson was my CO for four years and the only person that I can compare him to is "Bobby Cox" manager of the "Atlanta Braves" baseball team. I didn't spend much time in direct contact with Capt. Anderson while he was Chief Staff Officer because I was mostly TAD to one of the 22 squadron ships who were short handed Signalman for various deployments. I really wasn't aware that he even knew that I existed until about 3 weeks before my tour was up. At that time I was in receipt of orders to the USS Nimble MSO-459, a tour of duty which I had no interest in and had been trying to get out of by what ever means possible. Capt Anderson was in receipt of orders as CO of the USS Canisteo and at this time was going thru indoctrination as PCO. On this particular day Lt Russel the Bupers rep for communications personnel had come aboard to discuss manning levels with the staff Comm officer. As soon as the LT walked in I asked him if he had had any luck getting my orders changed? His response was NO and I would have to go to the Nimble, that he was unable to find a replacement for me. (at that time The VRB for SM was 5 at all pay-grades and was one of the top 5 critical ratings). Unexpectedly Capt. Anderson entered from the adjoining space, where he had been receiving his supply briefing, and said "Lt I want Thomas on the Canisteo as my leading signalman". The Lts' response was that there was already an SMC ordered in for the Canisteo, to which Capt Anderson responded "I don't care, change those orders and issue orders for Thomas to the Canisteo. Within a week I had Orders to the Precom detail for the Canisteo. During my 18 month tour with Capt. Anderson as my CO on the Canisteo, in addition to being leading SM, Capt. Anderson appointed me as one of the first Command Career Counselors in the Navy. This happened shortly after Admiral Zumwalt (CNO) began relieving COs for their Commands retention stats. The faith he showed in me, inspired me to do the best possible job I could to cover his back. 1968=42% and 1969=39% at that time the fleet average was less than 20%.
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ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
During my 24 year career there were numerous incidents that were funny to others but not so funny to me then. Unfortunately they all involved me being drunk and ranged from falling down the hundred marble steps of Emperor Haile Selassie's palace, in Ethiopia, to falling into the shit river in Oolongapo Ctiy, Philippine Islands.
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IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
After retiring from the Navy I became general manager of a private security company that employed an average of about 60 to 70 personnel. A position I held for 22 years until I retired in 2006.
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IF KNOWN, WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS WAS HE OR SHE A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS THEY DERIVED FROM THEIR MEMBERSHIPS?
U.S. Naval Institute: Keeps me informed as to the advancements in naval sea power as well as naval history. I have replaced all of my unofficial certificates. Tin Can Sailors Association: keeps me up to date on reunions as well as a source of collectibles and ships historical information. Fleet Reserve Association: Social Club for Navy personnel Located in all major naval ports. Sponsors tours, day trips and provides a place for sailors to socialize. Naval Historical Society: Subscription to Naval History Magazine. Access to Navy history books and periodicals. Destroyer Escort Sailors Association. Information about reunions and ships history.
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IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?
I have spent more then a third of my life on active naval service, so needless to say the navy has been the greatest single influence in my life. My military bearing and my work ethic have been the most noticeable and mentioned influences. I still check my gig-line every time I dress and have always been available to my employer regardless of the hours I have to put in.
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IF THEY WERE HERE TODAY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK HE OR SHE WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS AND RECENTLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE?
Stay in as long as you possibly can. Get as much training and experience in as wide a range of fields as possible. Never be afraid to volunteer or to be indispensable.
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HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?
NTWS has kept me up to date on navy benefits and changes in the navy. I have reestablished contact with shipmates that I had never thought I would ever have contact again. I have been able to salute fallen shipmates as well as lost family members and Idols that I grew up admiring. DB 6/13/2016
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