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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
RM-2319-Communications System Technical Control Supervisor
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Current/Last Rating/NEC Group
Radioman
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Primary Unit
1991-1994, RM-2319, USS Truxtun (CGN-35)
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Previously Held NEC
00E-Unknown NEC/Rate
RM-0000-Radioman
RM-2318-Communications System Technical Control Operator
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Service Years
1975 - 1995
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Official/Unofficial US Navy Certificates
Cold War
Plank Owner
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1976-1976, 00E, HQ, RTC (Cadre/Faculty Staff) San Diego, CA
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1976-1976, HQ, Service School Command (Staff) San Diego, CA
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1976-1979, RM-0000, Commander Oceanographic Systems Pacific (COSP)
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1976-1979, RM-0000, COMTHIRDFLT
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1978-1978, RM-0000, USS Sea Dragon (SS-194)
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1980-1981, RM-0000, COMSECONDFLT
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1981-1981, RM-2318, USS Piedmont (AD-17)
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1981-1981, RM-2318, USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20)
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1981-1983, RM-2318, NAVCAMS WESTPAC, Guam
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1983-1985, RM-2319, Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMSTA) Stockton CA
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1985-1988, RM-2319, USS Camden (AOE-2)
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1988-1991, RM-2319, Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Puget Sound, WA
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1991-1994, RM-2319, USS Truxtun (CGN-35)
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Reflections on PO1 Wallace's
US Navy Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
My father had the most influence, but he was regular Army. There was no way I was going to join the Army, my real love was the SEA! During summer breaks throughout my high school years I did various jobs, one of those was a crew on a commercial fishing boat. This is where I got my first taste of the salt, I loved it from the very minute I landed my feet on the deck of that boat. During my summers I worked both at a Phillips 66 gas station and when the Boat went out to fish I was on it. To fill some of my other spare time I also worked on charter boats as a deck hand. I loved the sea, I was hooked. It was the NAVY or bust.
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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've always liked the eye of technology; I really liked the Communications part, being able to talk around the world. When my recruiter told me about RM I decided then; "that is it". Well it all really looked good on paper, on what the Radiomen did.
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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?
Various Combat Operations, mostly none I can (or think I can) nor want to talk about. Some things are best just left quiet.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Among many there are two things that stick out. That time spent on Guam. Until you have done it, one could never completely understand the phrase "Work hard & Play hard". I remember days when I would go to work, get a cup of coffee, get the scoop on what is going on and 8 hours later I would get a chance to drink that cup of coffee as I gave the status to the oncoming watch. And those parties, well they weren't called parties back then, they were called Fiestas. Some lasted for 2 to 3 days. And the "After the last eve watch bowling league" was another way to burn off some of that tension that you accumulated. The time spent on your 80 with friends held everything together just enough to go another string of watches in hopes that it would be a slow week. The USS CAMDEN was another Command that really sticks out. Those that read this and have served on the ship know. Thank you for the experience and the honor to lead. On This Ship, I've seen just about everything, I saw kids report on board and leave as men, proud men with their heads held high.
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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 U.S. Navy Honorable discharge and Retired Pin for 20 years of faithful and honorable service. There couldn't be any award given that could possible equal the satisfaction that one has. Knowing what all they have sacrificed, all for their country.
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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?
Bob, for giving me a chance to launch the Solar Flares out of the Penthouse door. Then there was Donald "Zig". Who just couldn't stop sending me to supply for stuff. Buckets of Steam, Chow Line, I remember the Bartender at the Club on Ford Island would always ask "What did he send you after this time?".
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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?
Teaching how to disassemble and reassemble the standard AN/BALL POINT PEN 1 each, during ITS.
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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?
During my last years in the Navy I was able to really learn and go to classes for the equipment and protocols used on the internet. The U.S. Navy sent me to some very good schools hosted by AT&T (Unix) and Cisco (routers and Protocols). Just prior to transferring to the Fleet reserve I received two offerings both in the "Internet" field. The first, I would have to travel to Oklahoma and the second, was that the Local library, where they needed a Network and Unix Systems administrator. And it's been an honor to work here at the Kitsap Regional library since my transfer to the Fleet Reserve and to the Retired list.
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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?
First, there are three ways that you can solve any problem. The right way, the Navy way and my way. The moral, "Make a decision, it doesn't matter if it's wrong or right, just make one". Then stand behind it 100%, people will respect you by doing it.
Second, fix it and do it quickly, figure out why or who broke it later.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Never forget those that served before you. Think ahead and think of the outcome. If I did this, who/what could be effected. If I did this how would it affect me. Make friends and don't lose contact with those friends. Sometimes you will find that they needed you during their life after you lost contact, sometimes you find out how much difference and a role model you played in their life. The feeling when you find out is awesome.
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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 |
This has been a new experience for me. I've spent the last 20 some years living behind those walls that I created around the 20 years I spent in the Navy. In a way just being able to talk to a few of the old "Ship mates" have broken down a little bit of that wall. DS 10/6/16
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