Aquino, Robledo, EMC

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.

Sangley Point

Like any typical Filipino home-grown in the province, graduating from high school was a major step toward independence and employment. As the oldest of three children in the family of a lumber yard truck-driver and knowing that my parents could not afford to send me to college, I had to look elsewhere for survival. Besides farming and fishing, I also ventured to work in sea salt production. Still, I have not forgotten working under the blazing sun for hours waiting for the salt water to evaporate to produce salt crystals. Then I tried my luck to enlist in the U.S. Navy at Sangley Point - - - determined to help my struggling family. Had my luck gone south I would have joined the Philippine Navy instead. And here I am now on TWS writing my reflections or memoirs. Very poignant I would say.

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, I made a beeline for the Steward's A School (not by choice) then to USS Winston (AKA-94) where I experienced firsthand shipboard life. In the span of 22 years, my life in the Navy had taken me to various hypes and hooplas, and many other challenges I

CPO Pinning

would not have had experienced had I opted not to stay. It had taken me to places I had never been but I had to earn my keeps. So I worked hard but played hard as well --- resolute to make somebody of myself. Yes, I had taken it all with grit, poise, and resilience.

On board USS Anchorage (LSD-36) I was able to change rate from TN to FN, and eventually, strike for Electrician's Mate. With no formal schooling but through countless hours of on-the-job training and hard work I took the exam and was promoted to E-4. In due time I was advanced to E-5 and then E-6. The goal to make E-7 was rather elusive at the outset, and it stalled me but I was not desperate. I finally made Chief in 1983 onboard USS ACADIA (AD-42). It was the culmination of my Naval career.

Although it was never smooth sailing throughout my twenty-two years stint in the Navy, the journey itself paved the way for me to carve a niche that my parents could be proud of, have a family in the process, a second career after retirement and a lifetime of memories to boot. As you can see I never left the Navy I retired.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?

USS Deliver (ARS-23)

Without blinking an eye, USS DELIVER (ARS-23) was my best command. As an EM1, I was assigned as Electrical Division Officer with 13 other personnel under me. Such a huge responsibility. I stood both EOOW and EDO watches. I learned fast, struggled a few times but I performed my best in meeting all command goals and milestones. Overall I survived the challenge. This command shaped me who I am today. I was proud then and even prouder now just thinking about it.

Least favorite: None.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Crossing the equator four times had impacted me significantly during my 22-year Naval service. First, while on board USS Winston (AKA-94) en route to Singapore from Danang, Vietnam. Secondly, on board USS Anchorage (LSD-36) from San Diego to Sydney, Australia. Thirdly, while I was on board USS Deliver

Crossing the Equator

(ARS-23) from Manila Bay en route to Bali, Indonesia. And lastly, while en route to Diego Garcia from Subic Bay on board USS Acadia (AD-42).

Because this once-in-a-lifetime experience (four times, in my case) gave us respite to carry on and be inspired despite a long period of absence away from home amidst the rough seas. Behind the pomp and grandeur of this event, there were some unavoidable embarrassments and minor indignities to be endured - - - a symbolism for inclusion and acceptance to the brotherhood of seagoing men. You have to be there to see and experience it. Although each ceremony had its own distinct qualities and nuances, overall it was fun, enjoyable and memorable at best. So much so that it leaves a lasting impression on me up to this day. I don't know what it would be like to cross this imaginary line one more time on a cruise liner maybe just to relive the bygone days of my youth as a salty sailor.

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?
Although the Navy Achievement Medal is higher in precedence, receiving the Combat Action Ribbon was the most meaningful to me. After Quang Tri City in the Northern part of South Vietnam was captured by the North Vietnamese Forces on 1 May 1972, President Nixon on 9 May 1972 authorized the

Combat Action Ribbon

bombing of North Vietnam up to the 18th parallel. He also ordered the mining of North Vietnam's ports and rivers along the Haiphong harbor and opened a sustained air offensive against North Vietnam. The intensified bombing on roads, bridges, and oil facilities damaged North Vietnam's ability to supply their troops engaged in the Eastern offensive---finally recapturing Quang Tri-City by the South Vietnamese troops on 16 September 1972.

In the middle of all these, USS Anchorage (LSD-36) was in the Vietnamese water conducting wet-well lifts to Vang Tau, How-An, and Danang---where she took part in Exercise "Song Thanh 6-72" on 24 May 1972. We were on modified GQ the whole time during the exercise which started around 2 am. At 10 am we were bombarded by mortar shells from the beach hitting the water close to 50 yards from where our boat was. While this was happening the US was conducting their airstrikes against North Vietnam inland. We went to full GQ right away. As an EM3 I was manning the after emergency diesel generator on the Port Wing Wall below the waterline portside---on standby should we lose ship's power. Of course, everybody was shaken. We remained in our GQ stations until 2 pm that day until everything subsided.

Although the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) was awarded on 24 May 1972, it was a compilation of various operations conducted by ANCHORAGE transporting troops and supplies to and from shore with smaller crafts at Danang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi from February 1970 to July 1972; and also into inland waterway of Qui Nhon Bay during June 1970 to January 1972.

Throughout ANCHORAGE 34-year history and numerous campaigns she participated...and with all the medals, awards and ribbons she received...she was awarded only one Combat Action Ribbon (CAR), and I am proud to have been aboard when it happened. Likewise, my Navy Achievement Medal for recognizing my performance as Electrical and Crane Division Officer in USS ARCO (AFDM-5) from February 1986 to June 1988 without downgrading the various LOA's and LOC's or "Attaboys" I also received.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?

Department of the Navy

There were many but two individuals stood out. They were LCDR Shannon, the CO of USS DELIVER (ARS-23) and CW04 David Logan, the Ship's Engineer and Department Head. Because of their guidance, leadership and pro-active managerial style, nothing is impossible. Never overbearing but magnanimous, they inspired teamwork and camaraderie. Regardless of the tasks on hand, I was able to adapt and perform well because of their positive influences and commanding presence. They helped me to prepare and be a better CPO, and leader of men. They epitomized and possessed that deck plate-leadership qualities required in running a taut ship.

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?
If you had been to Subic or San Miguel in PI. you could probably relate to the following story. In February 1966 at Sangley Point while I was being processed for enlistment a PN3 had asked me, "Aquino, how many years are you signing up for?" "I thought this was

Humor

a no-brainer. So I proudly said," Twenty years, sir!" Then I heard everybody started laughing. "No man, I mean 4 or 6 years?" But seriously I kept my word because I stayed for more than twenty years. So I think I had the last laugh.

By the same token, on June 30, 1988, aboard USS ARCO (ARDM-5) at Ballast Point, Point Loma after my retirement ceremony was over, the CO asked me to say a few words to the crew. I said, "Yes, Sir!" I went to the podium, grabbed the microphone and blurted out unabashedly, "Liberty call, Liberty call for All Hands except the Duty Section!" The CO was laughing and clapping along with the ship's crew. Then I proceeded to shake the hands of everybody to bid farewell rather amused. Suddenly I heard the sound of the ship's bell, "Ding-ding, Ding-ding!" followed by this announcement on the IMC, "CHIEF PETTY OFFICER AQUINO, PLANKOWNER, RETIRING!" I was taken aback momentarily. But levity aside I was a bit emotional and overwhelmed when I heard the bells and my name was being announced. My last "hurrah" was rather cheesy I know and I never intended to pre-empt and overshadow the CO. But it was my last day and I had a blast doing it. It makes me smile each time I rehash this story.

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?
After retirement, I did various odd jobs for NAVSEA and Public Works. Tried school for a while at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. Finally landing a job with General Dynamics - NASSCO as an Electrician. Staying put there from 1989 thru 2010.

Now I am enjoying my full-time retirement with my family.

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?

Have a Great Navy Day!

It gives me a sense of pride, directions and a meaningful life. It made me a better person. I learned the value of teamwork in any given workplace, and the importance of friendship and camaraderie. I thank God that in my lifetime I partly contributed to preserve the freedom we hold dear in this country. Freedom never was, is and never will be free. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE NAVY?
Take every assignment as a challenge and a learning experience. Take advantage of the countless opportunities before you not accorded to many. Learn not only the proper protocol in every given situation but also the necessary social skills to get it done. Yes, the military not only provides skills but it also builds character that eventually shapes your future. To hang on and stay the course. You are serving with the Navy's finest men and women in the world today.

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

Vietnam Veteran

It's hard not to feel nostalgic every time I open TWS. As a lifetime member, I can look at my shipmate's profile to see where they are now and how they are doing especially my "homeboys" from the Engineering Department.

DS 6/14/18