Diez, R., MM1

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
I was attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana for about a year when I realized I wanted to do something with adventure and travel! After some thought and talking with my dad, I decided to go into the Military. One day I went to the recruiting station in Lafayette and looked through the windows of the Air Force and Navy. I saw the Air Force recruiter sitting up straight and rigid. Next door, the Navy recruiter was sitting in a reclined position with his feet on the desk, relaxing/chilling. I made my decision to serve our country in the United States Navy!

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 after boot camp going to Submarine School in Connecticut and to Torpedoman School in Orlando. After several months of Naval Schools preparing me for my job, I went to my first boat in Charleston, South Carolina (Fast Attack: USS Grayling (SSN 646). I went to as many Naval Schools as I could get my hands on during my career. My job rating was later renamed "Machinist's Mate" but the job description stayed the same. I was assigned to the Weapons Department at all of my sea-going commands. I always took on new and different collateral duties to expand my knowledge and expertise in various areas of Submarining and Weaponry. My primary function was to maintain Missile and Torpedo Launching Systems as well as the weapons themselves in full operational readiness condition. As my career wrapped up I couldn't think of a more appropriate final command than the Submarine's "Mother-ship" as I call it, the Submarine Tender (USS Frank Cable AS-40 Surface Auxiliary). I have no regrets about the paths I chose. I learned a little about a lot of things.

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?
Fortunately, as a Submariner I never had to do combat. However, we had many missions which I will never be able to talk about. It gives an additional meaning to "Silent Service." There was one event where the Commanding Officer brought all of the Weapons Department together and told us in such a way that we would soon be doing the job we'd been training to do, only not as a drill. That was an exciting time for us that words cannot describe.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
The Fast Attack Submarine USS Flasher (SSN 613) because this was where I initially earned my Submarine Warfare Dolphin Pin. It was an incredible "high" that I had during my tour on board Flasher. I stayed on the "hot-runners list" the entire time building up to receiving my Dolphins. The entire crew had so much faith and confidence in me and I proved them right. My spirits were always high as I received more than my share of encouragement there. What fond memories! Thanks to TM's Osborne, Brooks, Swaims, and Corbin, I will never forget your push for me to achieve the "prize."

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
My retirement ceremony. I was not planning on it being an emotional event, but after the first 30 seconds of my final farewell speech, my 20 years hit me like a ton of bricks. I had tears flowing down my face and had to take several breaks during my farewell to the Navy. Those who organized the ceremony did an amazing job! A Special Thanks to Senior Chief Hayes.

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?
There was one I remember while assigned to the USS Florida (SSBN-728) Blue Crew and one of my collateral duties was Weight Test Officer for the Command. I had been helping out at the weight test shop on SubBase Bangor, WA during my off-crew time. I was the sole Torpedoman who helped the handful of DOD Contractors at that shop. I set a new standard for Trident (Fleet Ballistic Missile) Submarines in the Weight Test Program. I was extremely meticulous especially when it came to something as crucial as weight testing of cables, pulleys, torpedo, and missile handling equipment. I received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for it.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
What a tough question because I had so many who mentored me! I owe recognition to Senior Chief Hayes, Chief Eurell, Chief McNeil, Senior Chief Boyles, Chief White, Lieutenant Chad Teasley, Lt Commander Paul Hasley, and many others.

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?
I was on the stage, during my retirement ceremony while the Commanding Officer was giving the final speech. My children, Noah(5) and Sophia (3) were inching on the floor towards me. Just when he announced for the family to join me on the stage, the kids were already there!

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?
Law Enforcement; I'm a Deputy Sheriff with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in Tampa, Florida.
Update: I am officially retired
from HCSO as of May 26, 2023, after spending last year there being a Crossing Guard
for 2 schools.
Now searching for my next part-time venture!

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
American Legion, as they have so much information at your fingertips for retirees. They also have been around for a long time and their reputation is solid.

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?
This is a powerhouse question! I will add more to this later but, I must say my perseverance and initiative have never been stronger than now. I have a much stronger character due to my service as well. I approach everything in my life with a positive outlook and attitude.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
I wish I was still there with you all in the Fleet, but I am still with you in spirit. Hang in there and remember you are serving the greatest country on earth for our freedoms and liberties. Never Give Up!!!

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US Navy

I can stay connected with all my former shipmates and see what they are up to. This is like my "Military Facebook." This site is priceless.

DS 4/24/17 *