Craynon, Brian, ST3

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE NAVY.
Over the years of my childhood, I used to sit and listen to the stories from my Uncle Bill about serving in the Navy during WWII. This influenced my choice on the branch of service.

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?
Many times I look back at those years and wish that I had not allowed outside influences affect me the way they did. To TM1 Thomas, I learned a lot from you. SCPO Magoon, you were a big influence on me. Morty and Kenny, both of you tried your best to correct. I thank you for all of it. Sad times that I am no longer in. I miss the sea and the Navy.

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?
The lessons learned from the mentors I had. As I removed those outside influences, I was able to grow from them.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I loved serving on the USS COok. It was my first sea command and I learned a lot of lessons. My least favorite was the USS Chandler. This was due to the problems I allowed to influence my actions on board.