Flores, Carlos, RMCS

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
An Uncle that served in the NAVY during WWII; three cousins and two brothers also enlisted in the Navy within five years prior to my enlistment.

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?
After boot camp at San Diego (SN), I went to Radioman A school followed by International Morse Code Operator school. My first duty assignment was NavCommSta Harold E Holt, RMSN/RM3; then NavCommSta Japan RM3/RM2. I started sea tours aboard: USS Jouett (CG-29), RM2; PCO Duncan (FFG-10), RM1, with Teletype Maintenance school at Naval Training Center San Diego, CA, then transferred to the USS Sides (FFG-14), "Plank Owner" RM1; USNS Mohawk (T-ATF 70), RM1 with the Military Detachment (MILDET); USNS NEPTUNE (T-ARC 2), RM1 MILDET; Naval Recruiting District Louisville, RM1/RMC; USNS Albert J Myers (T-ARC 6), CPOIC MILDET. My final sea tour was aboard the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20), RMC/RMCS. My request to transfer to the Fleet Reserves was approved on my birthday by Commander Undersea Surveillance U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, HI.

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 was not called out for combat operations. For those that have gone into combat "I salute you". Although I consider myself fortunate, I will never know my performance under fire; nor will I ever know that stress. I could only hope that I would have performed well enough that I would finish the mission and cover those who were in my company.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
PERSONAL: I met my wife aboard the USS Jouett (CG-29) while she was visiting her brother. My wife, and I, celebrated 34years of marriage this December; our 13th grandchild, was born on Veterans Day in November 2010. My wife, Deborah Cecelia (Meffert) Flores, passed away on March 5, 2013. Debbie was devoted to our kids and grandkids. She deserves all the credit for raising our children. While I was away at sea, sometimes on isolated sea tours, she managed to run the household on little more than E5 pay. She received many Blue Ribbons and other rewards for cooking, canning and cake decorating from the Kentucky State Fair, throughout the years. These skills she passed on to our granddaughters who also competed, and earned Blue Ribbons and more,in the state fair. She was a devoted Navy Spouse, and a Kentucky Colonel; but, most importantly she was my "Admiral Debbie" and was laid to rest at the Lebanon National Cemetery, in Lebanon, KY, on March 8, 2013. She was the hub to my family. My heart aches as I dearly miss her and will always love her. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Admiral Debbie - Love Flip. MILITARY: I received Five (5) letters and the Silver Centurion award from Admiral James D. Watkins, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) while serving at Navy Recruiting District Louisville, KY for presenting over 500 Sea Power presentations.

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 received this award for continued performance that was deemed well done by Admiral James D. Watkins, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO).

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
All those I have served with had some type of impact. I would have to tilt my hat to then RM1 McNalley, NCS Harold E. Holt (1975). A very fair individual, especially as my LPO. As an RM3, one time I was late for watch and instead of writing me up, he sent someone out to pick me up. Upon arrival he lectured me, gave me an all night field day. Another time when I had taken it upon myself to "correct" an RM1 via the orderwire (I was still an RM3). He kept that other RM1 from "firing" on me; then, RM1 McNalley let me know the error of my ways and let me know that although he agreed with me, at the time, I should have taken that to him. As the LPO it was his responsibility, not mine.

These two incidents let me know that you do not write someone up for every little infraction. I was truly in the wrong in both situations that were correctable. I was never late, again, for watch, nor any other military function. The only person I ever wrote up eventually stood trial, on other charges that were crimes against other sailor's and their dependents, and was sent to prison.

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 stationed aboard the USS Jouett (CG-29) and we made a port visit to San Francisco, CA. We were on a trolley when I seen an RM1 call a civilian over to him. This civilian was apparently a "Flower Child" who had a really different look to her. When she approached the RM1, he leaned over and said "Damn, your mother sure dresses you funny!!!"

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 have retired from the United States Navy and I recently retired from General Electric; but, I haven't retired from my family. Now, I am doing my best to help my daughters and grandchildren. Because my wife was there for me, and our family, I am trying to do the best I can to fill the void she has left.

I am "Pappy" and I run the "Pappy Mobile"; I pick up and drop off my grandkids, when their parents cannot. I encourage my grandchildren in all their endeavors: education, sports, music, jobs and other events. Our home is still the focal point for family get-togethers such as for the Holidays, large evening dinners, "Hawaiian Rummy" card games, or simply for those who just drop by. I baby sit, "FaceTime" with my youngest grandchildren, help coordinate family outings right down to coordinated t-shirts; and, I always try to be there for my daughters for discussions, lunches, visits, hugs or to help them with anything I can. I am "Pappy" and that's what I do !!!

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am not a member of any military association.

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 know that I am able to push myself through problems; no matter how severe they seem to be at the time. Sometimes you have to turn off work when you're away and sometimes you have to turn off personal problems while at work. Generally, keep job and personal life separate as much as possible and always look for something good to come out of all situations.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
If you feel you need to leave the service; because, you believe you can do better for you and your family, then get out. Do not let the "possibility" of doing better, outside of the Navy, become a burden on yourself because you never actually never tried. Know your options for returning to service and be aware of what is available for you as a veteran.

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

TWS and the US Navy

Shortly after having registered with NTWS, I was contacted by "Radar" who I was in boot camp with (RTC/NTC San Diego, Company 902, 1973); some 30 years after. The "Also There" is a great tool in finding former shipmates.

*J*