Baird, Malcolm, LT

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
I was in my third semester at the University of New Hampshire in the fall of 1967 planning to major in Marine Microbiology, but my time was split between working to pay the tuition and study. My grades suffered, and I landed on academic probation and subject to the draft. My father had served in the Navy during WWII as a Boatswains Mate and ship's diver in Destroyer Escorts on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. One of his ships was torpedoed and sunk. I also had a summer job at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during high school, and I was most impressed by the professionalism of the submarine sailors and the technology on the submarines in overhaul. It probably didn't hurt that I once dated the daughter of the Engineer Officer of USS Albacore, an experimental diesel submarine.

The problem in 1968 was the Navy had a six-month waiting list due to the Vietnam draft. Fortunately, my recruiter was dating a draft board secretary upstairs in the Portsmouth Federal Building and she would warn him if anyone on his waiting list was having their draft notice mailed out on Fridays. So, he calls me on a Friday to see if I still want Navy and drives me up to Portland, Maine Saturday morning for my induction. My draft notice for the Army arrived Monday. I scored very high on the ASVAB, so I immediately obligated for six years to get advanced electronics training and volunteered for submarine duty. After Boot Camp at Great Lakes, IL, it was straight to the US Naval Guided Missile School at Dam Neck, VA for "A" and "C" School.

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 enjoyed Polaris Electronics Class A School and MK 80 Fire Control Class C School at Dam Neck, VA, graduating in November of 1969. I was looking forward to Submarine School at Groton, CT, but USS Thomas A. Edison (SSBN 610) experienced an unexpected loss during the off crew period. A senior instructor at Dam Neck convinced me that my performance in school indicated that I didn't need Sub School, so I reported to the TAE Blue Crew and departed for Rota, Spain two days after Christmas. This would have been no big deal had I not just gotten married in August.

My wife, Barbara, after a one-week semi honey moon (I was still attending classes at "C" School), departed for her junior year at UNH. Barbara and I are still happily married, and we often recall the 17 semi honeymoons (following at least three months of separation) we experienced during "our" 20 year Navy career. We first met during my freshman year at Keene State College in Keene, NH in September of 1966.

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?
While I never experienced actual hostilities during my career, every Polaris and Poseidon patrol during the Cold War was undertaken as a potential war patrol. It was exciting to track the activities of the other corporation that was constantly searching for us. My six Polaris deterrent patrols on USS Thomas A. Edison were in the Mediterranean Sea, operating out of Rota, Spain. My three Poseidon patrols on USS Tecumseh after completing a shipyard overhaul were in the Greenland - Iceland - UK Gap, operating out of Holy Loch, Scotland. My shortest patrol was 62 days, and the longest was 87 days continually submerged.

I would have to say that my collective Navy career was a life changing event. Most people never learn what they are capable of, while the Navy provides that opportunity almost daily. Looking back, I can honestly say I have never failed at anything in my life, the impossible just takes longer. I would never have imagined that I could become a technical expert in computers, electronics, missile guidance, not to mention the workings of that 8000-ton Swiss watch they call a nuclear submarine. I don't think I achieved my full potential until I became a Submarine Officer.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
After six Polaris Patrols on USS Thomas A. Edison Blue, submarine qualified and standing watch as Missile Control Center Supervisor, I transferred to USS Proteus (AS-19) in October of 1972. Proteus had just completed a shipyard overhaul at Mare Island NSY in Vallejo, CA and was immediately deployed to Guam. As an FTB2(SS), I was assigned to Fire Control Shop. We transited first to Pearl Harbor for ORSE and NWAI, then to Sidney for a week of really good liberty, then on to Guam. I received my Golden Shellback designation on the way to Sidney. Proteus arrived in Apra Harbor, Guam in January 1973 to relieve the other tender. Barbara joined me on Guam a few weeks later, and we rented a Quonset hut out in town for about six months while we waited for Navy Housing to become available.

In 1973 there was a surplus in the ET/FTB/MT ratings due to the pending transition from Polaris to Poseidon. The bad news was everyone was PNA'ing the advancement exam for a few years. The good news is I got to be a ski boat driver for a few months at Trader Andy's Hut Recreation Area on Polaris Point. The rest of the time I was PO in Charge of the Alteration Planning Group and working in the FC Shop on Proteus. I attended classes at the University of Guam at night, and Barb and I purchased a 28-foot trimaran sloop which provided a perfect platform for scuba diving around the island. I would add that there was some really good surfing at the entrance to the boat basin at Agana and on the other side of the island at Talafofo Bay. Proteus was on tropical hours (0600 - 1200) most of the time which provided lots of opportunity to enjoy the island.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I was Engineer Officer on USS Grayback (SS-574) 1981 -1982 and OPS/NAV 1983 home ported at Subic Bay, RP. It was a challenge to keep the old boat running as most of the systems no longer had a manufacturer supporting them. My department did an incredible job getting equipment rebuilt from scratch at the SRF and cannibalizing other boats being decommissioned. Built in 1954, Grayback was starting to show her age in 1981 - 1983.

Following a refit at SRF, Subic, we transited out to the local OP Area for a standard test depth dive to re-certify some sea water systems. While at test depth, the 18-inch diameter main induction pipe that carries air from the snorkel outboard the pressure hull to the engine room imploded due to undetected internal corrosion causing the hull valve to unseat. Fortunately, it reseated with sea pressure after a few seconds, but not soon enough to prevent about four feet of water from flooding the lower level engine room and number three diesel generator. I was in maneuvering at the time and immediately entered the engine room as flooding alarm was sounded and everyone's training kicked in. The source of flooding was not immediately apparent or if the flooding had stopped or if we were going to get to the surface, but thank goodness for reserve buoyancy.

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?
My only significant awards were three Navy Achievement Medals and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. This is not to say that my two enlisted Good Conduct Medal awards were not meaningful.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
This one goes to my wife, Barbara, without question. Without her support, I never would have stayed in the Navy beyond my first enlistment. I guess she enjoyed the 17 honeymoons, anytime we got back together after more than 3 months of separation. All the other relationships I made during my 20-year career helped me to sustain my altitude and range, but Barbara is responsible for me achieving it. So, if there is a message here for the Navy, it is extremely important that the needs of the spouse are being met if you want to retain your investment.

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?
Early during my first patrol as a FTB3 on Thomas A Edison, I was awakened early for the watch by the Missile Compartment Roving Patrol. My bunk was in the upper-level missile compartment, port side outboard the missile tubes. The watch told me that I had been selected to go topside with a small group to retrieve our mail from the mail buoy. I never attended Submarine School, so no one ever told me about mail buoys, sea bats, relative bearing grease, etc. A few days earlier and two weeks into patrol, my LPO handed me a letter from my wife that came aboard just as we were getting underway from the tender that he forgot to deliver. When I inquired where it came from, he said the mail buoy, and I accepted his answer. I arrived in Missile Control Center about 2230 and was told to report to my Division Chief who was standing watch in Control as Diving Officer.

I walked into Control an announced that I had been assigned to the Mail Buoy Watch. No one cracked a smile. I was subsequently sent to Launcher to get the equipment I would need, life jacket, foul weather gear, harness, deck traveler, boat hook, life ring, etc. and return to Control. Not once did anyone seem surprised. In fact, several people gripped that I was getting unearned privileges. Back in Control, Sonar was now providing bearing and range to the transducer on the Mail Buoy and the entire ship was involved. Finally, around 2315, the CO came to Control, looked around, looked at me and left. A few minutes later Sonar reported that based on their interrogation of the Mail Buoy transducer, there was no mail for our ship. My watch was secured, and I was very disappointed. I was still in denial for several hours as my shipmates tried to convince me it had all been a joke.

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?
My first employer, Computer Sciences Raytheon, recruited me as a manager two weeks after my retirement ceremony in August 1988 and before I was even looking for a job. I stayed at CSR for seven years on various assignments. In 1995, I was recruited by Merrill Lynch as an investment adviser, and I have been there ever since. I realized about a decade ago that all three, the Navy, CSR and Merrill Lynch were seeing me with a common skill set, that being leadership. My definition of leadership is inspiring others to accept your destination situation as their dream, and then effectively coaching them in achieving their dream.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Currently, I am on the Board of Directors of the Levering Smith Chapter of the Naval Submarine League, and I am a member of the USSVI Snug Harbor Base.

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 start each day as if I am still reliving the OOD in accordance with chapter five of the Watch Officer's Guide.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Avoid complacency! Everything bad in life is usually the result of complacency, not paying attention, lax procedural compliance, distraction, etc. Never assume anything. If you don't know the answer, ask or find out. If you screw up, own it. Do not keep secrets. Lead by example. Constructive criticism is an oxymoron. Be loyal both up and down the chain of command. Always use the chain of command. Memorize and follow the Navy Leadership Competency Model.

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

DS 7/20/17