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Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USN Retired
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Current/Last Rank
Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Current/Last Primary NEC
YN-2514-Flag Officer Writer
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Current/Last Rating/NEC Group
Yeoman
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Primary Unit
1972-1973, YN-2514, Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET)
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Previously Held NEC
SN-0000-Seaman
YN-0000-Yeoman
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Service Years
1950 - 1973
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Other Languages
French
Spanish
Vietnamese
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| Official/Unofficial US Navy Certificates
Great Lakes
Order of the Golden Dragon
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| Voice Edition
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1975, National Association of Uniformed Services (NAUS)
- Assoc. Page
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1985, Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Assoc. Page
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1992, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 8207, South Seminole County Post (Member) (Longwood, Florida)
- Chap. Page
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1992, Uniformed Service Disabled Retirees (USDR)
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2013, American Veterans (AMVETS), Post 1 (Service Officer) (Johnston Island, Hawaii)
- Chap. Page
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2022, Plankowners of the National Museum of the Surface Navy, Plankowners (United States)
- Chap. Page
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What are you doing now:
My wife, Cathy, and I are volunteers aboard my old battleship, USS Missouri (BB-63). I am one of the Volunteer Supervisors. During 2008, I had the privilege of working with "Wounded Warriors" (Marines) back from Afghanistan/Iraq. A group of those warriors volunteered to come aboard and help in the repair and preservation of the ship.
I am frequently called upon to speak to groups visiting the Mighty Mo. I spoke to 57 newly appointed CPO's at the third CPO Legacy Academy held aboard the ship (2008). On 30 Aug 2011, I was guest speaker for the CPO Legacy Academy Class of 43 new CPO's. Command Master Chief of the Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific, Patricia M. Roebuck and 7 Senior Chiefs from local commands were also in attendance. I was asked to speak during the CPO Legacy Classes of 2010, 2011, two classes in 2012, and will be speaking with the two classes of 2013.
I was asked to be the Keynote Speaker at the Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony held aboard the battleship USS Missouri on 11/11/11. More than 250 people attended; including a dozen or so active duty Flag & General Officers. I heard one of the best renditions of our National Anthem, sung by a TSgt Laura Murdzia, USAF. I was completely surprised when, at the conclusion of the Flag ceremony performed by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Old Glory Detail, the ceremonial Flag was presented to me. It was, to say the least, an awesome experience! Please see "Family New" section for some photos.
As a result of an article I submitted to AMVETS Magazine, the Commander of Post #1 in Honolulu, Hawaii contacted me. After a rather lengthy discussion, I was offered the position of Post Legislative Director and Editor of the Post's Newsletter. I agreed, with one proviso; I would be a volunteer.
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Other Comments:
In 1970, I was personally selected by RADM Dean L. Axene to be his Writer and Administrative Assistant. I was later officially assigned the duties as his Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide. I was, at that time, the first and only Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide in the U.S. Navy and I was issued shoulder Aiguillettes signifying that I was a Personal Aide to a Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy.
I also served aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Operations Office (1957/59), a couple shore duty assignments, 10 years with NATO Commands (including NATO HQ Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium) and a tour of duty as a Naval Advisor in Vietnam (1966/67) with MACV/SOG.
I am a member of The Battleship Missouri Association and am a Plank Owner/Crewmember of the "Friends of the Mighty Mo." I am also a member of the USS Missouri Association Legacy Society. I am a member of the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) Association .
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1950-1952, SN-0000, USS Missouri (BB-63)
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1952-1953, YN-0000, Commander, Service Forces, Atlantic Fleet (COMSERVLANT)
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1953-1954, YN-0000, Naval Control of Shipping Office (NCSO)
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1957-1959, YN-0000, USS Forrestal (CV-59)
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1959-1959, YN-0000, Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) 5
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1959-1962, YN-0000, Enlisted Personnel Distribution Office US Atlantic Fleet (EPDOLANT)
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1962-1964, YN-0000, COMSTRIKFLTLANT
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1964-1966, YN-0000, HQ Allied Command Transformation (SACT)
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1966-1966, YN-0000, SERE Training Unit (Cadre), FASOTRAGRULANT (Staff)
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1966-1967, YN-0000, MACV Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), HQ, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV)
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1967-1970, YN-0000, HQ Allied Command Transformation (SACT)
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1970-1972, YN-0000, HQ Allied Command Transformation (SACT)
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1972-1973, YN-2514, Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET)
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Reflections on SCPO Outland's
US Navy Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
My older brother served as Radioman/Side Blister Gunner on a PBY Catalina Patrol Aircraft (Dumbo Squadron) during WWII. His account of his service was intriguing and probably influenced my decision to enlist in the Navy on my 17th birthday. I attended Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois (May 1950 - Aug 1950). In the photo, I am standing next to the Chief (to his right). Several weeks prior to graduation, our Company (106) was merged with Company (107). I became the ACPO for this 120-man Company. I learned much later that the merge was to facilitate assignment of these 120 sailors to the USS Missouri (BB-63), berthed at Norfolk Naval Operating Base and scheduled for immediate combat deployment to Korea.
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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?
I started out as a Fire Control-man "striker" aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63). I reported on board as a Seaman Deuce (Seaman Apprentice) and advanced to 1st Class Seaman within 2 weeks. The Mighty Mo's "pit stop" was the Palace Cafe in Norfolk, VA. I have included a photo of some of the FA Division sailors at the Palace Cafe (that's me, 3rd from left). After almost two years aboard the battleship, I decided to change my career path to a rating which provided more attractive assignments. I put in for Yeoman "A" School and was accepted. I was fortunate to advance in rate fairly rapidly and made Chief and Senior Chief first time up. I retired as a Senior Chief Yeoman. The highlight of my 20-year career was when I was chosen by Rear Admiral Dean L. Axene to be his Personal Aide.
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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?
I reported aboard the battleship Missouri (BB-63) directly from Recruit Training in Great Lakes, IL. We troop-trained to Norfolk, VA and the following morning boarded the ship. Nineteen steaming days later, the ship was bombarding Samchock in N. Korea. I was a Telephone Talker/Ass't Director Operator on the Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun mount located on the fantail, port side. I was qualified on the Mark 51 Director and was qualified to takeover any gun crew position should anyone become incapacitated. Although we encountered numerous "bogies" on our radar screens, no aircraft attacked the ship. We did, however, participate in shore bombardment when the ship anchored close ashore and using the 40mm guns was consider useful. It was the coldest winter in Korea's history and we manned our 40's for many, many hours during that freezing cold. Temperatures dropped to 30 and 40 degrees below zero, with wind-gusts a to as low as 98 degrees below zero. We were issued Artic foul-weather gear, including pressed-wool face masks. Moisture from breathing formed into icycles around the opening in the mask. The Director Operator and I sometimes used the canvas Director cover to ward off the sharp cold wind. Battle Mess was often times our breakfast, lunch and dinner while we manned our battle stations. On one occasion, GQ sounded at about 0330 one morning and I jumped out of my rack, hurried up the ladder to the main deck, opened the scuttle and squeezed out on to the wooden deck. I did the usual double-time to my battle station on the fantail. When I jumped into the Director's Tub, GM1 Miller said, Where the hell are your pants, Outland? I had worked on a working party shifting supplies most of the previous day and was dead tire when I finally fell into my rack. GM1 Miller wrapped the canvas Director cover around me until he received permission for me to make a quick trip to my berthing compartment and get my foul-weather trousers on. Man, was it ever cold! The Missouri participated in 19 bombardment missions during her first combat deployment. Two missions were categorized as major battles. The ship earned 5 battle stars in Korea; 2 during her first deployment and 3 during her second deployment. When the 1st Marine Division had to fallback from the Chosin Resevoir, we provided covering fire for them as they made their way to Hungnam (pursued by Chinese troops). When all personnel had boarded the ship along with serviceable equipment, the demolitions crew destroyed the entire port area. That was a proud occasion for the crew.
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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?
My experience aboard the battleship Missouri was, indeed, an eye-opener. The experience of actual combat conditions will stay with me forever. However, I believe my assignment with MACV/SOG provides me with the most vivid of memories. Most of the operations were conducted in strict secrecy. Much of what SOG accomplished will never be seen in print. There are many accounts by some of SOG's Recon Team members which provide a hint of what SOG accomplished.
As Assistant Classified Material Control Officer, I read every message the command received; read them thoroughly, logged them in the books and routed them to the appropriate Action Officer. All messages were strictly classified - Top Secret SPECAT and were only provided to those individuals who had a clear "need to know." Messages were controlled by copy number of x number of copies, page number by x number of pages and every person who read them had to sign the log to so indicate.
I shall never forget the day the Dieter Dengler Debrief message came in. It was 13 pages in length and was important enough to route to all Department Heads (Maritime Studies Group OP-32, Psychological Studies Group OP-33, Air Studies Group OP-34, and the all important Ground Studies Group OP-35, etc.. Navy LT Dengler was shot down over Laos and captured by enemy forces. His experience in the VC camps and eventual escape was awesome and provideed invaluable info.
In its existance, SOG had only five CO's. Colonel John "Jack" Singlaub was Chief SOG during my tour (1966/67) . When Col Singlaub left the OSS Jedburgh Teams at the end of WWII, he opted to join the Green Berets, a newly formed Special Forces unit. The Colonel's running mate in the OSS (Major William Colby) opted to join the newly formed CIA.
Colonel Arthur D. "Bull" Simons headed up the SOG Ground Studies Group. His Recon Green Berets operated out of three Command & Control FOB's; one in Da Nang, one in Kontum, and One in Ban Me Thuot. I got to know the "Bull" pretty well (he always called me "squid") and this relationship afforded me the opportunity to get into the field once in a while. I made a couple visits to the Kontum FOB and was given permission to be a part of a Recon Patrol during one of those visits. That patrol did not encounter any enemy forces, but it provided me with an unforgetable experience. I still have a photo of myself in combat gear which was taken at Kontum.
It was not until 2004 that SOG was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. On occasions when I am asked to be a guest speaker, I wear my PUC ribbon with great pride.
My hat is doffed for all the One Zero's and their Recon Team members for their tremendous accomplishments while attached to SOG!
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Hands down, it had to be when I was selected by Rear Admiral Dean L. Axene to be his Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide. I was serving as his Writer at SACLANT in Norfolk, VA when he received orders to become Deputy Chief of Naval Education (CNET) in Pensacola, FL. He called me into his office one day and said, 'Take a seat, Chief.' That did not happen too often! He asked me if I would consider accompanying him to Pensacola as his Personal Aide. His new assignment did not allow for an officer Aide, but he decided he needed one. I was flabbergasted at the offer and when I caught my breath, I accepted. The Navy Department gave the Admiral permission and my orders detailed me to be his Aide. I was issued with Aiguillettes which identified me as an Aide to a Two Star Admiral. I later learned that I was the first and only Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide in the Navy at that time. It was, indeed, an honor and a privilege to so serve! I have inserted a Tribute to the Admiral on his Profile Page.
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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?
Of the 19 medals/awards received, I received a personal award from each of my last four assignments prior to retirement. First JSCM (MACV/SOG) Vietnam; first NCM (SACLANTREPEUR) NATO HQ, Paris, France/Brussels, Belgium; Second JSCM (SACLANT) NATO HQ, Norfol, VA; Second NCM (CNET) Pensacola, FL. The most meaningful award had to be the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) which I received for serving with Military Assistance Command/ Studies & Observations Group (MACV/SOG). I was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), with a recommendation of approval by then Chief of SOG, Colonel John Singlaub, USA. Back in those days, MSM's were strictly for officers. SOG, formerly known as Special Operations Group was a covert, clandestine joint service group conducting operations in Cambodia, Laos & N. Vietnam. It was the most demanding, exciting and interesting assignment of my entire Navy career! The team members of the Mobile Recon Teams (RT's) were the bravest, most professional military men I have ever known. I am extremely proud to have been a part of SOG's accomplishments. I have a coffee table made from the hatch cover of one of the old Liberty Ships. I routed out space in the wood to display some items from my tour in Vietnam. There are a couple of hand grenades, some photos, my dog-tags, and a knife which was hand-made by some Montagnards (Recon Team members) and given to certain individuals as a departing commemorative gift. I shall always cherish this knife. SOG Recon Teams were normally made up of 3 U.S. and 4 to 6 Montagnards or Nungs. The Nungs were of Chinese descent and the Montagnards were mountain people of French descent. You could never mix the two, but they worked pretty well with their own kind.
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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?
Navy pilots, LT James Hernandez Scott and LT Wynn L. Foster, were also assistants to the Operations Officer (Commander John H. Irrabino) aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) during my tour on board that ship (1957/59). Those two young officers were directly responsible for putting me on the right track regarding leadership capabilities. I am certain that under their tutelage, I became a better leader of those enlisted for whom I had responsibility for the rest of my career in the Navy. They both went on to fly missions in Vietnam. LT Foster's aircraft took a SAM hit which blew off his canopy and one of his arms. How he got his plane back to the carrier for ditching and rescue is a mystery to everyone! I was Yeoman-in-Charge of two administrative crews manning the Operations Office 24 hours a day (while at sea). It was a rewarding experience. Our motto was, "We never close!"
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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 retired as a Senior Chief Yeoman in November 1973. I was offered a position in Civil Service at the GS-9 level as a Military Manpower Analyst. I worked at that job for almost three years, resigning my position as GS-11 due to physical problems. I became a one-man grass-roots supporter for disabled veterans' benefits in 1989. I served as one of four 100% disabled veterans who were partners in crlegislation.com and then Vetspac (a veterans' political action committee). I am still a partner in Vetspac (Washington, D.C.). I am presently volunteering as a Supervisor of volunteer groups who help in the maintenance and preservation of the USS Missouri (BB-63) in Pearl Harbor, HI. I am occasionally asked to speak to groups visiting the ship regarding my life on board the ship back in the 50's. At age 78, I'm still in the Navy (wishful thinking).
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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 believe that service in the Navy made a man out of me, and quicker than I could have imagined. I guess participating in combat operations in Korea had quite a bit to do with that transformation! I learned fairly early in my career that without discipline, proper training, and good leadership the Navy would be hard-pressed to accomplish its mission. The Navy gave me the opportunity to hone the tools required to cope with post-military life.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
My advice for first enlistment people, is that this is decision time. Look long & hard at making military service your 20/30 year career! Unless you can find a civilian job that provides as much as you can achieve ($'s too) as E-9 with all the health care coverage available and the same benefits as a retired E-9, I'd advise them to suck it up and stay the course. It's worth it, in my view. If you stay in, be certain to fully document any service connected injuries/diseases and make copies of your health record as you go. You may need it at post-service time and copies will serve you well. Take advantage of all educational opportunities and constantly work towards MCPOC/MCPON status. I told a batch of 57 new CPO's during a CPO Legacy Academy aboard the Mighty Mo that Discipline, Proper Training & Good Leadership are the backbone of the Navy and the Top Three enlisted pay grades exemplify and provide all three. Go for it!
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Togetherweserved.com is an opportunity to let former shipmates know where you are and what you are doing. I only wish that this service had been available years ago. At my age (78), the chances of finding and maintaining a bond with those I served is very difficult, if even possible. However, I hope that many military men and woman will take advantage of this site to help them maintain their contact with their comrades in arms. Published in TWS "Voices" March 25, 2011. DB 7/21/2016
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