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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Navy Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
SCPO Brooks Outland US Navy (Ret) (1950-1973)
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
 My older brother served as Radioman/Side Blister Gunner on a PBY Catalina Patrol Aircraft (Dumbo Squadron) during WWII. His account of his service was intriguing and probably influenced my decision to enlist in the Navy on my 17th birthday.
I attended Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois (May 1950 - Aug 1950).
In the photo, I am standing next to the Chief (to his right). Several weeks prior to graduation, our Company (106) was merged with Company (107). I became the ACPO for this 120-man Company. I learned much later that the merge was to facilitate assignment of these 120 sailors to the USS Missouri (BB-63), berthed at Norfolk Naval Operating Base and scheduled for immediate combat deployment to Korea.
BRIEFLY, WHAT WAS YOUR SERVICE CAREER PATH?
 I started out as a Fire Control-man "striker" aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63). I reported on board as a Seaman Deuce (Seaman Apprentice) and advanced to 1st Class Seaman within 2 weeks.
The Mighty Mo's "pit stop" was the Palace Cafe in Norfolk, VA. I have included a photo of some of the FA Division sailors at the Palace Cafe (that's me, 3rd from left).
After almost two years aboard the battleship, I decided to change my career path to a rating which provided more attractive assignments. I put in for Yeoman "A" School and was accepted.
I was fortunate to advance in rate fairly rapidly and made Chief and Senior Chief first time up. I retired as a Senior Chief Yeoman.
DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN COMBAT OPERATIONS? IF SO, COULD YOU DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE SIGNIFICANT TO YOU?
I reported aboard the battleship Missouri (BB-63) directly from Recruit Training in Great Lakes, IL. We troop-trained to Norfolk, VA and the following morning boarded the ship. Nineteen steaming days later, the ship was bombarding Samchock in N. Korea.
I was a Telephone Talker/Ass't Director Operator on the Bofors 40mm a nti-aircraft gun mount located on the fantail, port side. I was qualified on the Mark 51 Director and was qualified to takeover any gun crew position should anyone become incapacitated. Although we encountered numerous "bogies" on our radar screens, no aircraft attacked the ship. We did, however, participate in shore bombardment when the ship anchored close ashore and using the 40mm guns was consider useful.
It was the coldest winter in Korea's history and we manned our 40's for many, many hours during that freezing cold. Battle Mess was our breakfast, lunch and dinner while we manned our battle stations.
The Missouri participated in 19 bombardment missions during her first combat deployment. Two missions were categorized as major battles. The ship earned 5 battle stars in Korea; 2 during her first deployment and 3 during her second deployment.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE CAREER WHAT PARTICULAR MEMORY STANDS OUT?
Hands down, it had to be when I was selected by Rear Admiral Dean L. Axene to be his Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide. I was serving as his Writer at SACLANT in Norfolk, VA when he received orders to become Deputy Chief of Naval Education (CNET) in Pensacola, FL.
He called me into his office one day and said, 'Take a seat, Chief.' That did not happen too often! He asked me if I would consider accompanying him to Pensacola as his Personal Aide. His new assignment did not allow for an officer Aide, but he decided he needed one.
I was flabbergasted at the offer and when I caught my breath, I accepted. The Navy Department gave the Admiral permission and my orders detailed me to be his Aide. I was issued with Aiguillettes which identified me as an Aide to a Two Star Admiral.
I later learned that I was the first and only Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide in the Navy at that time. It was, indeed, an honor and a privilege to so serve!
OF THE MEDALS, AWARDS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
The most meaningful award had to be the Joint Service Commendation Medal which I received for serving with Military Assistance Command/ Studies & Observations Group (MACV/SOG). I was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), with a recommendation of approval by then Chief of SOG, Colonel John Singlaub, USA.  Back in those days, MSM's were strictly for officers.
SOG, formerly known as Special Operations Group was a covert, clandestine joint service group conducting operations in Cambodia, Laos & N. Vietnam. It was the most demanding, exciting and interesting assignment of my entire Navy career! The team members of the Mobile Recon Teams (RT's) were the bravest, most professional military men I have ever known. I am extremely proud to have been a part of SOG's accomplishments.
I have a coffee table made from the hatch cover of one of the old Liberty Ships. I routed out space in the wood to display some items from my tour in Vietnam. There are a couple of hand grenades, some photos, my dog-tags, and a knife which was hand-made by some Montagnards (Recon Team members) and given to certain individuals as a departing commemorative gift. I shall always cherish this knife.
SOG Recon Teams were normally made up of 3 U.S. and 4 to 6 Montagnards or Nungs. The Nungs were of Chinese descent and the Montagnards were mountain people of French descent. You could never mix the two, but they worked pretty well with their own kind.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL PERSON FROM YOUR SERVICE STANDS OUT AS THE ONE WHO HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
 Navy pilots, LT James Hernandez Scott and LT Wynn L. Foster, were also assistants to the Operations Officer (Commander John H. Irrabino) aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) during my tour on board that ship (1957/58).
Those two young officers were directly responsible for putting me on the right track regarding leadership capabilities. I am certain that under their tutelage, I became a better leader of those enlisted for whom I had responsibility for the rest of my career in the Navy. They both went on to fly missions in Vietnam. LT Foster's aircraft took a SAM hit which blew off his canopy and one of his arms. How he got his plane back to the carrier for ditching and rescue is a mystery to everyone!
I was Yeoman-in-Charge of two administrative crews manning the Operations Office 24 hours a day (while at sea). It was a rewarding experience. Our motto was, "We never close!"
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER THE SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB?
 I retired as a Senior Chief Yeoman in November 1973. I was offered a position in Civil Service at the GS-9 level as a Military Manpower Analyst. I worked at that job for almost three years, resigning my position as GS-11 due to physical problems.
I became a one-man grass-roots supporter for disabled veterans' benefits in 1989. I served as one of four 100% disabled veterans who were partners in crlegislation.com and then Vetspac (a veterans' political action committee). I am still a partner in Vetspac (Washington, D.C.).
I am presently volunteering as a Supervisor of volunteer groups who help in the maintenance and preservation of the USS Missouri (BB-63) in Pearl Harbor, HI. I am occasionally asked to speak to groups visiting the ship regarding my life on board the ship back in the 50's.
At age 77, I'm still in the Navy (wishful thinking).
HOW HAS MILITARY SERVICE INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
I believe that service in the Navy made a man out of me, and quicker than I could have imagined. I guess participating in combat operations in Korea had quite a bit to do with that transformation! I learned fairly early in my career that without discipline, proper training, and good leadership the Navy would be hard-pressed to accomplish its mission. The Navy gave me the opportunity to hone the tools required to cope with post-military life.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR THOSE THAT ARE STILL SERVING?
 My advice for first enlistment people, is that this is decision time. Look long & hard at making military service your 20/30 year career! Unless you can find a civilian job that provides as much as you can achieve ($'s too) as E-9 with all the health care coverage available and the same benefits as a retired E-9, I'd advise them to suck it up and stay the course. It's worth it, in my view.
If you stay in, be certain to fully document any service connected injuries/diseases and make copies of your health record as you go. You may need it at post-service time and copies will serve you well.
Take advantage of all educational opportunities and constantly work towards MCPOC/MCPON status.
I told a batch of 57 new CPO's during a CPO Legacy Academy aboard the Mighty Mo that Discipline, Proper Training & Good Leadership are the backbone of the Navy and the Top Three enlisted pay grades exemplify and provide all three. Go for it!
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU MAINTAIN A BOND WITH YOUR SERVICE AND THOSE YOU SERVED WITH?
Togetherweserved.com is an opportunity to let former shipmates know where you are and what you are doing. I only wish that this service had been available years ago. At my age (77), the chances of finding and maintaining a bond with those I served is very difficult, if even possible.
However, I hope that many military men and woman will take advantage of this site to help them maintain their contact with their comrades in arms.
(This edition of Voices was completed with the assistance of TWS Living History Team Member CPO Brett Thrailkill.)
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TWS VOICES
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My older brother served as Radioman/Side Blister Gunner on a PBY Catalina Patrol Aircraft (Dumbo Squadron) during WWII. His account of his service was intriguing and probably influenced my decision to enlist in the Navy on my 17th birthday.
I started out as a Fire Control-man "striker" aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63). I reported on board as a Seaman Deuce (Seaman Apprentice) and advanced to 1st Class Seaman within 2 weeks.
nti-aircraft gun mount located on the fantail, port side. I was qualified on the Mark 51 Director and was qualified to takeover any gun crew position should anyone become incapacitated. Although we encountered numerous "bogies" on our radar screens, no aircraft attacked the ship. We did, however, participate in shore bombardment when the ship anchored close ashore and using the 40mm guns was consider useful.
Back in those days, MSM's were strictly for officers.
Navy pilots, LT James Hernandez Scott and LT Wynn L. Foster, were also assistants to the Operations Officer (Commander John H. Irrabino) aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) during my tour on board that ship (1957/58).
I retired as a Senior Chief Yeoman in November 1973. I was offered a position in Civil Service at the GS-9 level as a Military Manpower Analyst. I worked at that job for almost three years, resigning my position as GS-11 due to physical problems.
My advice for first enlistment people, is that this is decision time. Look long & hard at making military service your 20/30 year career! Unless you can find a civilian job that provides as much as you can achieve ($'s too) as E-9 with all the health care coverage available and the same benefits as a retired E-9, I'd advise them to suck it up and stay the course. It's worth it, in my view.
