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Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USN Retired
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Current/Last Rank
Petty Officer First Class
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Current/Last Primary NEC
MA-9575-Correctional Custody Specialist Ashore
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Current/Last Rating/NEC Group
Master-At-Arms
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Primary Unit
1988-1990, BM-0000, USS New Jersey (BB-62)
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Previously Held NEC
SN-0000-Seaman
SN-9700-Seaman - Infantry, Gun Crews, and Seamanship Specialists
LI-0000-Lithographer
BM-0000-Boatswain's Mate
BM-9571-Safety Technician
MS-3527-Culinary Specialist
MS-3533-Galley/Pantry Watch Captain
CS-3525-Private Dining Facility
MS-0000-Mess Management Specialist
9512-3-M System Coordinator
CS-3530-Enlisted Aide Specialist
CS-9588-Career Information Program Advisor
CS-9502-Instructor
CS-9575-Correctional Custody Specialist Ashore
CS-3538-Billeting Manager and Superviser
CS-3529-Galley and Wardroom Superviser
MA-0000-Master-At-Arms
MA-9501-Anti-Terrorism Training Supervisor Instructor
MA-2008-Afloat Corrections Specialist
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Service Years
1984 - 2007
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Other Languages
Japanese
Polish
Spanish
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Official/Unofficial US Navy Certificates
Cold War
Decommissioning
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Order of the Antarctic Circle
Order of the Bear
Order of the Rock
Order of the Magellan
Order of the Golden Dragon
Order of the Horned Shellback
Persian Excursion
Plank Owner
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1986-1988, SN-0000, USS New Jersey (BB-62)
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1987-1987, SN-9700, Naval Station (NAVSTA) Subic Bay, PI
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1988-1988, LI-0000, USS New Jersey (BB-62)
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1988-1990, BM-0000, USS New Jersey (BB-62)
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1990-1991, BM-9571, Naval Station (NAVSTA) Sandpoint, WA
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1992-1992, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP)
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1992-1992, MS-3533, USS Merrimack (AO-179)
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1992-1992, MS-3527, USS Underwood (FFG-36)
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1992-1994, CS-3525, USS Richmond K. Turner (CG-20)
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1993-1993, MS-0000, USS Shenandoah (AD-44)
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1994-1995, 9512, USS Richmond K. Turner (CG-20)
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1995-1995, CS-3530, Naval Support Activity Charleston, SC
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1996-1998, CS-9588, USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
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1998-1998, CS-9502, Auxiliary Security Force (ASF) Training, NAVWEPSTA Charleston
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1998-2000, CS-9575, Naval Education and Training Center Newport (Staff)
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2000-2000, CS-3538, Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport, RI
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2000-2001, CS-3529, USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)
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2001-2002, MA-0000, USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)
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2002-2003, MA-9501, USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)
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2003-2004, MA-2008, USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)
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2005-2007, MA-9575, Naval Hospital Great Lakes, IL
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Reflections on PO1 Kerofsky's
US Navy Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
Several things. One was the fact that my grandfather, Francis W. Inch, was a sailor during WWII and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Two is I really did not have a set career path out of high school, so I thought the Navy would be a good start. And finally, I love the ships and the sea and knew the Navy would be a good way to travel.
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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?
Started out as a Deck Seaman on the Battleship New Jersey BB-62 where I advanced to Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (BM3). I advanced to BM2 at Cargo Handling Battalion Unit 5 at Sand Point Washington. I then crossed rated to Cook and worked as a Pantry Cook on the USS Richmond K. Turner CG-20. Then as a Wardroom Supervisor on the USS John C. Stennis CVN-74, worked on the security team in Newport RI, advanced to First Class Cook (CS1) on the USS Belleau Wood LHA-3. There I became an honorary Master at Arms (MA1) while working for the Brig Staff and Security Team. From there I retired at Great Lakes IL after getting injured.
After retiring and finally completing rehab, I went to Sea Cadet Officer Training where I advanced to Lieutenant and became a Training Officer for a unit in Great Lakes. Now I do volunteer work.
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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 served in combat operations in the Lebanon era in which we fired over 276 rounds at the shore. I also served in Operation Praying Mantis and the Philippine Coup Attempt in 1989. Additionally, I served in several counter-drug operations in the Caribbean Sea, Operation Provide Freedom and Deny Flight Bosnia in 1993. I did training operations in Africa in 2002 and served in the War on Terrorism in 2004. My favorite of all though was in early 1992 when I went to Antarctica for 16 days working with researchers and scientists as I wrote the depths and measurements down as they drilled for ice. Where I earned the Antarctic Service Medal.
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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 have the fondest memories of the Battleship New Jersey BB-62. I loved serving on her. She was one of the greatest Battleships the Navy ever had. President Ronald Reagan envisioned a 600 ship fleet. He got close to it. The duty onboard the Battleship was work, but at the same time was honorable. I came on-board the Battleship on December 31. 1985 and left her on April 18, 1990. I was in awe when I saw the big 16 inch guns and the CH-46 Helo on deck when I was assigned to 3rd division - deck.
I worked my way up from a Seaman Recruit, Seaman Apprentice, to Seaman. I learned quickly. I was assigned as the Lower Powder Door Operator for the Left Gun of Turret Three during General Quarters. I stood looking out watches up in the "Crows Nest", watches in-port, and became part of the In Port Emergency Party.
Later after making 3rd Class Boatswain's Mate, I became the supervisor of the Aviation Passageway Team, the leader of the Tug Team, and the Hose Three Firefighting Team Leader for the Flight Deck Aft. I trained as a Boat Coxswain, learned the assault craft, and steered the Ship after becoming a master Helmsman. Yes, I accomplished a lot in Deck. Though I was supposed to become a printer - a Lithographer 3rd Class (LI3), I became a Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (BM3) instead. I did On the Job Training in the print shop, I enjoyed and really wanted to be a printer, but had some trouble during my OJT. I took it in stride and worked my way up in Deck. Yes, the Battleship was the greatest ship. I truly miss her!
My least favorite command was the dreaded USS Belleau Wood LHA-3! I would not wish my worst enemy to go through what I went through on that ship. I was a Senior Sailor, a combat veteran, yet got no respect what-so-ever. I was mistreated by the "Filipino Mafia", picked on, stepped on, and brought down like I was below a Seaman. I had to go over their head to finally get promoted. It was also the ship that I was injured on. Now I have a lifetime of ailments I have to deal with.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I would have to say the entire time I served on the Battleship New Jersey. There was never another command like it in my career, never had the friends I had, and I never had the West Pac deployments I had. It was my best command overall.
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WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
Hmm. I was proud of many achievements. Proud to have served on the greatest ship the Navy ever had; the Battleship New Jersey BB-62 (1985-1990). Proud to have been a combat veteran who served in five combat zones - Lebanon (87), Philippine Coup (89), Gulf (90), Bosnia (94), and Iraq (04); defending our country of tyranny and terror. Proud to have been a sailor in the worlds greatest Navy (1984 - 2007). Proud to finally make First Class Petty Officer (2004) after the turmoil and strife I went through on the Belleau Wood. Proud to have made Sea Cadet Lieutenant (2013) and be a member of several organizations; USS New Jersey Veterans, Inc. and the Naval Maritime Academy.
But my greatest achievements are in two particular awards I earned; the Navy Achievement Medal, which I earned working outside my rate as a Damage Controlman EDC1 Work-center Supervisor and the repairs of the deck drain I did while stationed on the USS Richmond K. Turner CG-20 (1992 - 1995). And the Navy Silver Lifesaving Medal for a rescue mission I was on while on the USS Underwood FFG-36 (1992) during a Counter Drug Operation outside Cartagena Colombia in which we saved these children being trafficked as slaves.
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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?
The Navy Achievement Medal, because I earned it for working outside my rating in working as the Engineering Damage Control team #1 (EDC1) supervisor, while stationed on the USS Richmond K. Turner CG-20. Shipmates thought I was a DC2, but I was an MS2.
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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?
Admiral DJ Katz, because he was the Captain of the Battleship New Jersey before he made Admiral. I admired him as the Captain because he would uplift us with his humor. He would come over the 1MC and say "I am going to put you all up to speed on what is going on" or "It just doesn't get any better than this." He was a great Captain. As an Admiral, he came on board the USS Belleau Wood LHA-3 and I was the Supervisor in charge of the buffet. He remembered me in person. He will have a lasting impression in my career.
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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?
Burrito day on the Battleship in which we had "fart contests" in the berthing. This still makes me laugh how something so childish brought us together.
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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 was following a security profession, but the injuries I acquired while in kept me from doing that for too long. I taught karate for awhile, but the pain slows me down. So I am pursuing a career in the arts as an art teacher. This is what I always wanted to do, anyway.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
USS New Jersey Veterans, INC. It benefits me, just being part of the greatest ship in the Navy and belonging to the organization.
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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?
In some ways yes and in some ways no. Yes in the fact that the military taught me team work, respect, and how to get along with others. No in the fact that I would not be disciplined like the military in teaching an art class, children need to be themselves and create.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Hang in there no matter how tough it gets. When it is a tough look to the bible and pray you will overcome when it is not tough to have fun with your buddies and cherish the moments together.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
| TWS and the US Navy |
It helped me display my ribbons and my career in which my friends and family can see. DS 9/1/17
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