Kendall, David, TM2

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
I always wanted to be in the Navy. My family is from North Carolina on my father's side and when we would go to Wilmington to visit, I was always pestering the parents to take me to the USS NORTH CAROLINA BB 55. When I was a junior in high school I did a book report on Torpedo-man's Mates. Who would have ever thought I would have been one. I often wish I would have remained in and completed my career. I would have been a good TMC.

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 in the reserves while I was still in high school and did a reserve cruise on the USS HENRY W. TUCKER-DD875 as a Snipe. I was headed into the BT rating and decided when I was old enough to enlist on my own, I would reenlist into the regular navy and change to white stripes. I served aboard the USS SILVERSIDES SSN679, and eventually in surface duty as a Torpedo-man's Mate and went from red to white stripes to TM2 in those 5 years.

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?
Although I served during the Vietnam War, I was not there. I was aboard the USS YOSEMITE AD19 in the Med during the Cyprus Conflict. There was not enough conflict to award any mentions to us. I also served during the Cold War.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Being 1500 feet underwater.

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?
Being promoted to TM2. My willingness to excel was noticed by my test scores and by the people who I am proud to have served under. I was made bench Petty Officer for the mark 44 torpedo while serving aboard the Yosemite. Knowing that the highest rank I could achieve was E-5 and by doing so, made me proud to be a Second Class.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
TMCM Hall, definitely a father figure and a mentor. Smoked a corn cob pipe, had a crew-cut, and one hell of an eastern accent that I could hardly understand. Even so he got his message across loud and clear. He never let a subordinate forget who the Chief is, and at the same time knew how to communicate with all of his crew. Hand salute to TMCM Hall.

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?
Off loading live torpedo while at sea and hoping we didn't blow ourselves up in the process. I had to laugh at the shop PO as he was leaning out over the water trying to keep the fish from banging off the side of the ship.

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?
Being from a long line of railroad heritage, I followed in the footsteps of my great grandfather, grandfather, father, uncles, and a brother who were and are still railroading. I have two sons that are also rails. One of my sons was an SK3. He too is now a rail and supervisor. I am still railroading and plan to retire in 2 and 1/2 years.

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?
The same motivation I expressed in the Navy is the motivation I have now. I very often think of all of my mentors while I served and use the judgment they used with me, when I train a new rail. I am still in contact with some of these great people. They helped make me do a good job and also have helped me with new hires. They might not know it. Hand salute to all of the good people I served with.

Two of my mentors are pictured here. TM1 Ed Crocker and TM1 Lorin "Skip" Elder. Ed retired as Master Chief and Skip retired as Chief.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Stand tall and serve to the best of your abilities. Listen to those ahead of you who have been there a while longer and learn from their experiences. It very well could save your lives. Mentors are put ahead of us for good reason. Excel and praise good people who work for you. Take time with those that need extra attention. We are all serving the most powerful nation on earth. It takes the service of all to keep this country strong.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Word can't describe. This is the best of the best. People that have created this site are dedicated to helping the veteran to not be forgotten. An overwhelming amount of work has gone into this site by all involved. The VPA's are outstanding. Diane Ruth and Rob Mundy leap to mind. They are very dedicated people who served proudly. This site depends on them doing the great job they do to help all those come aboard and have a great time and remembrance. HAND SALUTE!

DS 4/5/17