| Aviation Warfare Systems Operator |
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Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USNR Retired
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Current/Last Rank
Petty Officer First Class
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Current/Last Primary NEC
AW-7851-P3B Non-Acoustic Operator
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Current/Last Rating/NEC Group
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator
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Primary Unit
1989-1994, AW-7851, VP-93 Executioners
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Previously Held NEC
AW-0000-Aviation Warfare Systems Operator
AW-7872-SH3H Multi-Sensor Operator
AW-9585-Navy Recruiter Canvasser
AW-0000-Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Operator
AW-7861-P3C Non-Acoustic Operator
8202-Naval Aircrewman (Special Assignment)
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Service Years
1975 - 1996
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| Official/Unofficial US Navy Certificates
Cold War
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| Voice Edition
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What are you doing now:
RETIRED FROM USCBP on 29 April, 2017, after 20 Years and 2 Days with US CUSTOMS/ USCBP. I DONT MISS IT! With my time at the VA, and the ative Navy years I bought back I retired with 36 years of credited Civil service.
I am now now a certified Baseball and Softball Umpire, graduating on 4-18-2017. I'm a Member of the Western New York Umpires Association.Â
Still married since 1976 to wife number one, and we're living in the Buffalo suburb of Kenmore, New York. We have three grown children, and three grandkids.
I worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Buffalo from 93-97. I was hired by the US Customs Service, at the Port of Buffalo-Niagara Falls, New York as an Inspector in 1997. The agency merged into the new Department Of Homeland Security, as the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection (C&BP) in 2004. My last assignment was at our Buffalo International Airport office, located at the Prior Aviation Services (FBO) facility. In September of 2011 I completed a two week course at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia for "Honor Guard" Training. I was proud to  be part of the local CBP Honor Guard Team, available for funerals, parades and Color Guard presentaions. I always looked forward to those proud assignments.
I'm the former President of the Buffalo Postcard Club. My collection of US Navy ship,military aircraft and baseball park postcards is huge. Im also an avid baseball fan, following the Cleveland Indians and my hometown Buffalo Bisons.
I am a longtime Outdoor Sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. I am an active member of the 3F Club ( Fin, Feather, Fur Conservastion Society) in Lewiston, New York. The group is dedicated to all phases of outdoor preservation, conservation and safe & ethical hunting and fishing activity.Â
I've been an avid Photographer since I was a kid, with a special interest in taking photos of historic sights and natural scenic beauty, airshows, baseball games and wildlife. Rarely do my photos include people, unless they are part of the "action" in a particular event or scene.
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Other Comments:
I was an ice hockey official for the local USA Hockey chapter from 1984 to 1998. I really enjoyed reffing, and it helped me stay in great shape for many years. The socializing with fellow officials after games, Refs Softball team, and group events were also fun. The new job with US Customs, and some long term nagging injuries finally forced me to give up reffing. Sometimes I really miss it.
And in October of 2007 I finally followed up on  my one of my lifelong ambitions by earning my NAUI certification as a SCUBA diver. It's something I've always wanted to do, and should have done many years ago. Now I'm trying to make up for lost time with as many dives as I can get in.   Hoping to add another "skydive" or two to my list of accomplisments as well. Don't ever give up on your dreams, and dont stop having fun!
I lost a pal in my Dad on 4-27-2012 at 0800. Cpl Frank Mottern USAAF (1943-1946) peacefully feathered his engines and "went west' He is loved and missed. He was given an nice sendoff with the Honor Guard from Niagara Falls Air Force Base, rendering "Military Honors'.Â
I have built an AF-TWS profile for him and became a "Family Member" at that side as well. Please look in on my Dads profile, if you are able as a "guest". its a work in progress as I try to dig up long buried info on Dads USAAF service.
I have recently assumed the "Administrator" role for the USS COD Unit Page here at NTWS. I have a long associoation history of visiting this decorated sub at Cleveland, Ohio. I hope to be able to update an decorate the page with photos. Please visit the CODS page as well as the other profiles Ive built for some special buddies and some Major League Baseball players.
I have enjoyed building 13 NTWS Profiles for WW2 era Major League Baseball Players.
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1975-1976, AW-0000, Naval Air Station (NAS) Millington, TN
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1976-1976, AW-0000, HS-1
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1976-1979, AW-7872, Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville FL
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1976-1979, AW-7872, HS-15 Red Lions
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1977-1978, AW-7872, USS America (CV-66)
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1977-1979, AW-0000, Commander Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6), Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT)
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1978-1979, AW-7872, USS Independence (CV-62)
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1979-1979, AW-7872, HS-1
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1979-1979, AW-7851, VP-30 Pro's Nest
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1979-1981, AW-7851, VP-8 Fighting Tigers
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1979-1981, AW-7851, Naval Air Station (NAS) Brunswick, ME
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1982-1985, AW-9585, Navy Recruiting District Buffalo, NY, Commander Naval Recruiting Command (CNRC)
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1985-1987, AW-0000, VP-93 Executioners
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1985-1994, AW-7851, Naval Air Facilities (NAF) Detroit
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1987-1989, AW-0000, Navy Recruiting District Buffalo, NY, Commander Naval Recruiting Command (CNRC)
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1989-1994, AW-7851, VP-93 Executioners
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1994-1996, AW-7861, VP-64 Condors
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1994-1996, AW-7861, Naval Air Station (NAS) JRB Willow Grove, PA
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1996-Present, 8202, USS Cod (SS-224)
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- Cappello, James, PO3, (1950-1954)
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Reflections on PO1 Mottern's
US Navy Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
I had heard about flying from my dad who was a WWII era B-24 Crewman in the US Army Air Force. My godfather was also a Naval Air-crewman having flown in PB4Y's with VPB-101, so hearing the stories from both led me to believe from a very early age that I was also interested in pursuing a chance to fly in one of the services. Early in my senior year of high school, I hitchhiked to the Tonawanda, New York Recruiting Office. I walked in and when asked by AZ2 Randy Wulf, "Can I help you?" I replied, "'I'd like to join the Navy." Wulf was stunned. No sales pitch or pressure needed. Must have been quite a surprise. I wanted to join as a "Photographer's Mate," but was told the rate was very much "CLOSED." I picked AW instead and ended up enjoying the job tremendously. After we were done with some paperwork Randy dropped me off at home. I walked in and was asked by my mother, "Where were you?" I replied, "I was at the Recruiters, I'm joining the Navy." My mother was less than convinced. She brought up that I had quit the Boy Scouts after having two Troops fold, and Civil Air Patrol when that organization had disappointed me by not living up to its billing. A few minutes later my Dad arrived home from work. My mother thought she'd drop a bombshell on my Dad with, "Guess what, your son just joined the Navy." Unflinching Dad replied, "Good for him! If I was twenty years younger I'd go with him!" Sort of let the wind out of Mom's sails. ( :->) In August 2004 my Dad and I flew together on the B-24 "Diamond Lil." It was 59 years after he had last been on a B-24. Dad passed away peacefully on April 27, 2012. The Honor Guard from Niagara Falls Air Force Base did a great Flag presentation ceremony to my mom at the funeral. I'm sure he would have appreciated it.
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WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
-Signed up for the Delayed Entry Program in on 22 Dec 1974, at the old Federal Office Building in Buffalo, NY. - Basic Training at Great Lakes, 9-75 to 11-75. - AW A School at NATTC Memphis 11-75 to 3-76. Tough, struggled. - HS-1 SAR and Aircrew Training, 3-76 through 11-76. Even tougher, I was a poor swimmer who had to learn at each step of SAR training. - Assigned to HS-15 (The Red Lions) sailing aboard USS AMERICA and USS INDEPENDENCE from 11-76 thru 6-79. - A Hardship TDY assignment to HS-1, as a Non-Instructor Crewman 6-79 to 8-79. - VP-30 for P-3B (SS-3) Aircrew Training 9-79 to 12-79. - VP-8 (SS-3 on CAC-1 from 1-80 to 11-81. - Recruiting Duty at NRD Buffalo, NY from 1-82 to 5-85, separated from Active Duty on 5 May 85. -Affiliated with VP-93 in the Navy Reserves in May of 1985. -Took a TEMAC Recall to Recruiting Duty in August of 87. (BIG Mistake). -Returned to VP-93 in June of 1989. Stayed with the unit until it was being drawn down. -Transferred to VP-64 in March 1994 when VP-93 was releasing personnel to other paid reserve billets. -Served in VP-64 from March 94 to Feb 96. The fun had run out. Passed over for AWC for the umpteenth time. I had had enough, it was time to go. -Transferred to the "Inactive-Retired" List in February of 1996 as an AW1. I miss the good times and the camaraderie of the Navy and my reserve time. I wish I had most of it to do over again.
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IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
Being a classic "Cold War Sailor" I was not involved in any actual combat operations. But I did actively participate in monitoring Soviet subs and ships, the "War on Drugs" and Blockade Operations of Haiti, and the former Yugoslavia during the early 90's conflict in the Balkans, called "Operation Sharp Guard".
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DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY SITUATION DURING YOUR MILITARY SERVICE WHEN YOU BELIEVED THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY YOU MIGHT NOT SURVIVE? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME.
No, fortunately. I had seen emergencies in flight, loss of engines or engine fires, but nothing equal to "a close call".
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OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I look back fondest to my early navy years as a Helicopter Crewman with HS-1 and HS-15 and my squadron's time aboard USS AMERICA. I was young and it was all so new to me. I was also given responsibility and trust and enjoyed the flying tremendously. When AMERICA sailed into Rio de Janeiro in June of 77, I was living a moment from the Geography and Social Studies books I'd studied in school. Later I drilled as a Reservist with VP-93. That collection of characters, where I fit right in, became much like an extended family. I was saddened when the unit was decommissioned. I miss those times.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
My experiences as being part of the aircrew on SH-3 Helicopters and P-3 Orion Patrol Aircraft are the best memories of my Navy career. I think of those great times, EVERY Day!
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WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
Earning my Naval Air Crewman's Wings and "SAR Rescue Swimmer" certification.
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OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
.Earning my "SAR Rescue Swimmer" Certificate and later my "Naval Air Crewman" wings in the SH-3 Helicopter in 1976 were some of the proudest moments of my life. My second and third "Navy Achievement Medal" also stand out. I was recognized for my work in Aircrew Training by both VP-93 and later VP-64. By contrast, my first Navy Achievement Medal was "earned" in Recruiting for a "production quota." I was ashamed to talk about it. When told that the CO would present it in a big ceremony I told them "NO." The NRD reconsidered and had the Division Officer present it in private instead. It meant NOTHING to me. The photo shows me checking the oil on a VP-93 aircraft at NAF Detroit, in the late '80s.
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WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
My first AW Division Chief in HS-15 was AWC Ken Muller. He not only taught me the proper aircrew skills I'd need, but he also took an interest in me personally. He was a mentor who in time became a close friend. We have stayed in touch long after we  | | AWC Ken Muller |
retired from the Navy. I was also very impressed with my first CO of USS AMERICA while I was aboard with HS-15. That, of course, was Captain Robert B. "By" Fuller. I was newly aboard and made mention within earshot of one of my pilots that "the Captain looks pretty old." His response after a few seconds of dead silence and a death stare was soft but polite, "You may look a bit worse for wear after seven years in the Hanoi Hilton as a POW." I was at that point impressed with the Captain's quiet and polite demeanor. He would often be seen walking the ship without his Marine orderly, talking to the crew, and checking up on things. Years later I made contact with now-retired Admiral Fuller for a writing project. We finally met at the USS AMERICA reunion in Jacksonville in 2008. He could not have been a more humble and interesting man to talk to. He talked to our HS-15 gang like we were long lost pals, instead of young sailors who had once served under him. The result of that encounter and our developed friendship has resulted in the NTWS profile I have built for Admiral Fuller. He was a real true hero and a great American. Admiral Fuller "Went West" in November of 2019 at the age of 93.
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LIST THE NAMES OF OLD FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH, AT WHICH LOCATIONS, AND RECOUNT WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT THEM. INDICATE THOSE YOU ARE ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH AND THOSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH.
 | | HS-15 Bruddahs |
My friend Thomas Hayes served with me in HS-15, VP-93 and VP-64. one and I had a totally unplanned reunion with our HS-15 friend "Big Donnie" Lepper at the April 2019 SAR Swimmers Reunion in Pensacola, FL. Tom and I had been looking for Don without success for years. Tom pulled his truck into the SAR school parking lot before a scheduled tour. Tom picked a parking spot, and there stood BIG don, leaning against his 2006 jaguar. Was we got out of the truck, Don looked at us and uttered..."Well look at you two F'in guys"....What were the chances.
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CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
There are so many, but one sticks out. I was a young AWAN in HS-15. I was not yet qualified to fly as a single crewman. One day on USS AMERICA a schedule change took place and I had to man a helicopter turning and ready for takeoff. I arrived and strapped in and the pilot (LCDR Ted Cash) asked "Ready Mottern?" Replying 'Yes Sir! But Ralph's (Worthington) not here." The Pilot replied "'Too late"' and immediately took off from the ship. Looking back I saw Ralph running across the flight deck. I gave him a "palms up" gesture as if to say "What can I do?" Cash then asked, "Ever land on an LST?" Replying "No Sir!" He explained the procedures, and the landing on the rolling deck was no problem. We picked up passengers, mail, and some "Secret" cargo. We then flew into NAS Norfolk, dropped our passengers and mail, and "Secrets" to an armed Officer. NO PROBLEMS, so far. After discharging our passengers and cargo we shut down the bird for refueling. Mr. Cash said that he and the Co-Pilot (LTJG Roger Fox) 'would go in for a burger while I refueled. Being '"safety contentious" I wanted to ensure all was RIGHT. I put in the landing gear and Flare Launcher pins with no problem. But the pin for the "MAD reeling machine assembly" was another story. It was sort of a "clenched hand" fingered pin with several prongs. 'Maybe if I wiggle this lever, it will go in easier,' I thought. I did so and all the world seemed to change to slow motion as the "MAD Jettison Sequence" played itself out. I watched in horror as the entire assembly fell out of the sponsor and smashed on the hard concrete ramp. Sheepishly I went into the snack bar and told Mr. Cash my dilemma. Walking back to the bird Cash saw the jumbled mess and picked it up and threw it into the cargo door with a "LET'S GO!' The two-hour transit back to the ship gave me plenty of time to think my days as an Air-crewman were over. Back on the ship I completed the MAF form with "MAD assembly accidentally jettison while attempting to Safety Pin the mechanism." AX2 John Waldron looked at me with disdain, and yelled: "I ought to make you fix the f####g thing." What could I say at that point? The estimated cost of repairs? $50,000. For the next few weeks, my name became "MADMAN." I can look back now and laugh. It was a lesson learned to NOT try things I was not 100% sure of how to do.
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WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I had some rough times job-wise after I separated from active duty. I did extra Navy Reserve drills and officiated ice hockey to help ends meet, all while working in a series of lousy dead-end jobs. I did however finally catch a break in 1993 when an opportunity at Federal Employment opened for me at the local VA Hospital. I worked as both a Food Service Worker and Supply Specialist. I owe my break to a man who was my boss who later became a friend, the late SGT John Walkowiak, USMC. We became hunting buddies and shared many a laugh. He is buried in Arlington cemetery, not far from the USMC hero of The Pacific GySgt John Basilone. After four years of working at the VA, I was hired by the U.S. Customs Service as an Inspector. The Service was absorbed into the new "Homeland Security" Department in 2004. I continue to work for U.S. Customs & Border Protection as a uniformed officer, assigned to the Port of Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY. My duties have involved both commercial cargo and passenger processing, as well as private and commercial aircraft arrivals. I am also a member of the Port of Buffalos "Honor Guard," completing training at Harper's Ferry WV in September of 2011. I plan to retire at age 60 in 2017. I also have my job due to my "Veterans" status, as well as a guaranteed VA Home loan. In a few years, I will have both a Military and a Civil Service retirement check coming in. Not a bad set of returns on my Navy service. Still married since 1976 to wife number one, and we're living in the Buffalo suburb of Kenmore, New York. We have three grown children and three grandkids. And in October of 2007, I finally followed up on one of my lifelong ambitions by earning my NAUI certification as a SCUBA diver. It's something I've always wanted to do and should have done many years ago. Now I'm trying to make up for lost time with as many dives as I can get in. Hoping to add another "skydive" or two to my list of accomplishments as well.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a "Life Member" of and on the Board Of Directors for the USS AMERICA Carrier Veterans Association. I am also a member of the VP-93 Alumni Association.
I also have a registered profile at US Navy LOG.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
I look at every day as "Veterans Day." I am always looking to help and recognize my brother Veterans of all services. My Navy years are also counting towards my Federal Civil Service pension. At age 60 I started to collect my Navy Reserve pension. I had my Federal Civil Service job and gained a VA home loan because of my status as a "Veteran." Good returns on my Navy service I'd say. I retired from US Customs & Border Protection on 4-29-2017, credited with 36 Years of Government Service.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Have fun and try to enjoy the good times, and try to minimize and forget the bad. I wish I could go back and do most of my Navy time, all over again.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
One cannot imagine how much I've enjoyed my NTWS membership. I look forward to logging in every day and sharing my own Navy experiences, as well as viewing the profiles of so many dedicated fellow Navy folks. Thank you all for your service! I have reconnected with and kept in contact with many good friends with whom I had lost contact. I also enjoy the chance to share my experiences and photos. As I look back I realize they weren't always the best of times, but I would not have traded the best of my US Navy time for any experience in the world. KC 11.19.20
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