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SERVICE REFLECTIONS
OF A Navy VETERAN
Dec 2017

Balangon, Sixto BTC

Status Service Years
USN Retired 1967 - 1988
NEC
BT-4512-Automatic Combustion Control (Hagen) Maintenanceman
Primary Unit
1986-1988, BT-4512, USS Ranger (CV-61)

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Service Reflections is an easy-to-complete self-interview, located on your TWS Profile Page, which enables you to remember key people and events from your military service and the impact they made on your life.

 
 

Please describe who or what influenced your decision to join the Navy?

 
RTC San Diego

I was barely 18-years old when my father passed away. So with just my mother and six other siblings I had to stay focused. I worked odd jobs practically doing anything gaining experience along the way. I even joined the Philippine Constabulary (now PNP) but I quit after two weeks. Their hazing initiation was too harsh for me. I also worked as a security guard. It did not pan out as well. I also tried working in government service as a storeroom clerk. And in between these employment gigs, I went to school part-time.

Somehow I managed to complete a two-year course in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Got a job as a repair-technician in one private AC plant but it was not prolific either. You might say I tried everything. Strike everywhere so to speak. In the end, I decided my luck joining the Navy. I finally enlisted at Sangley Point on January 13, 1967, after passing its rigorous test. Our group was the first recruits who were flown from NAS Cubi Point instead of Clark Air Base to Barbers Point, Midway Island and Alameda en route to Naval Training Center, San Diego, our final destination. A few years later, Sangley Point was closed.

 

Whether you were in the service for several years or as a career, please describe the direction or path you took. What was your reason for leaving?

 
"BZ" from Denver's Engineering Officer for completion repair of the ship's Main Feed Pump

My tour of duty had taken me to many places I had never been. It was really an eye-opener. instinctively and culturally. So after changing rate from TN to FN, and finally getting my qualifications done as a BT, my shipboard life became routine in the "B" Division. I was continually being transferred from one ship to another for more than seven-year interrupted only by a two-year shore tour and sporadic school assignments. Altogether I served on nine ships and two shore stations in the span of twenty-one years.

I spent five WestPac deployments, crossed the International Date Line umpteenth times, and also the equator four times. I especially enjoyed the equatorial ceremony or rituals associated with the shellback's initiation. At one time we transited and crossed the Panama Canal on our way to San Diego from Norfolk, Va. Just to think that today people travel and spend lots of money to experience what we did for free.

But after retirement, some of us do travel these days to retrace our past journeys when we were in the military. But this time we are traveling leisurely without the pressure of shipboard routine. Keeping our memories alive, so to speak. The benefits of going on liberty to different places - that we often hear only on TV, see on movies, or probably read in history books and newspapers - far outweigh the week or month's sacrifice at sea. It is an education beyond measure in itself while getting paid I might add. Of course, it was not always easy being away from the family but we learned how to adjust after awhile.

Of course, I enjoyed all of my duty stations. I have had the best times of my life being with my friends and shipmates - doing what we loved best as BT's. The challenges we faced day-to-day in keeping the ship operational and providing her crew with the amenities typical in a home-life setting was paramount in the eyes of a true "snipe." I am proud to be one of them, and I salute their dedication and service.

Like my cousins, before me, I enlisted in the Navy with the intentions of staying for twenty years. I would have stayed longer had it not for my growing family whom I neglected for so long. So on February 29, 1988, I retired and swapped my Chief's hat with a civilian cap instead. I just wish I had been assigned to the East Coast even once. I would have loved to see that other side of the world. Now I would have to pay to see and experience it. What a bummer!

My Navy life was nothing spectacular, nonetheless, it was eventful and strikingly memorable. I would not trade it for any other life stories. Like what my buddy used to say, " It was mine and I live to tell it all. "

 

From your entire service, including combat, describe the personal memories which have impacted you most?

 
Uss Providence (CLG-6)

Although I never saw actual combat, there were personal memories during my time that impacted me to this day. Early in my career, I was already exposed to what it was like to be aboard a fighting ship. I was a lowly TN in the wardroom. In July 1967, after less than a month aboard ship, the USS Providence provided gunfire support for amphibious operations in Vietnam. She also bombarded enemy storage areas south of Da Nang on 10 October 1967. In February 1968, during the enemy's Tet offensive, gunfire from PROVIDENCE effected an important breach in the wall of an enemy stronghold at Hue. During the rest of 1969, she continued to operate and to be part of the First Fleet off the west coast.

When the USS Pueblo (AGER-2), a specialized Navy spy ship was intercepted on 23 January 1968 and later seized by a North Korean submarine chaser and three patrol boats during one of her routine surveillance of the North Korean coast, I remember the Providence being in Vietnam heading for Subic Bay for our regular R&R. Our liberty and leave period (for some) was canceled, instead, we proceeded to Cubi Point. The ship anchored out to load ammunitions being delivered by barges. Then the Providence left in a hurry for the sea of Japan near the North Korean coast toward Wonsan awaiting further orders to rescue the PUEBLO. President Johnson was under heavy pressure then to take action. But because of the Tet Offensive raging 2000 miles to the south in Vietnam at the time, he did not order direct retaliation. Instead, LBJ responded with a massive buildup of American military power in and around the Sea of Japan, dispatching more than 350 warplanes and 25 warships led by the carrier USS Enterprise (CVAN-65). The Providence was on high alert just waiting for the President's order.

As a footnote, USS Providence then was a Flagship of COMSEVENTHFLT under VADM Bringle. Eventually, LBJ's advisers recommended to stand down, US cannot afford another war with North Korea. So carrier Enterprise and her battle group were ordered to withdraw from the position she had taken near the North Korean port of Wonson averting a possible showdown with North Korea. Negotiation was rather slow but in the end, a peaceful resolution was reached, and the Pueblo crewmen were eventually released.

I was asked once where my GQ station was aboard ship. I remember being assigned as one of the stretcher bearers. Our instruction was to follow the Chaplain and to do whatever he would tell us. I was relieved after the whole scenario was over because our stretchers were never used.

And let me say this with candor- to all the Gold Star families whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice- may you find peace and consolation in the solemn words of Winston Churchill as I paraphrase them: "Never have so many owed so much to so few."

 

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations and qualification badges you received, or any other memorabilia, please describe those which are the most meaningful to you and why?

 
CPO (Ret)

Of course, making BTC is very memorable and gratifying because it tells your shipmates that you possess the necessary leadership skills to become a Chief Petty Officer. Above all, I was proud to be called a "snipe" on all the ships I had been on. Yes, we worked in an extremely uncomfortable environment, where temperatures often exceeded 110 degrees F but we managed and survived the ordeal.

Let me give you a glimpse of what a Boiler Technician like me did during my time. Aboard the Tripoli, for instance, the BTs worked tirelessly to produce the source of ship's energy 1200PSI Steam, the lifeblood of the ship, necessary not only for propulsion but also the production of power to operate the generators, evaporators, and auxiliary equipment throughout the ship. Yes, it was the STEAM(then) that generated electricity and driven the ship through its mission, to and from ports. It was the BTs or snipes that provided the ship not only electricity but also heating and cooling, refrigeration and of course the ability to get underway.

Another important mission of the BTs, routine for us but easily taken for granted by many, was the almost endless production of hundreds of thousands of gallons of fresh water daily. Don't forget your laundry and galley too - all essential in keeping the ship operational and habitable. While deployed with the TRIPOLI we maintained and operated 1200PSI Combustion Engineering boilers, the ship's gauge calibration equipment and essential maintenance testing of the Automatic Boiler Control System. We also received, tested and transferred over a million plus gallons of fuel.

Then there are the rest of the snipes, besides the BT's, and I am proud to call them my sea-buddies: EN's, MM's, MR's, EM's, IC's and HT's. And I would like to use this forum to pay my respects to everyone whom I have had the privilege of working with during my tenure in the Navy, both afloat and ashore. For the memories we created and now sharing - as we recall our heydays - will live on forever. Whether you need 100 rpm's on the screw, a faulty light fixture repaired, a movie for the First Class Mess, or Class Bravo Fire fought, the men of Engineering could fill the bill.

As the ship's modernization continues to evolve for the better, so does the re-structuring of new Navy rating system. Lately, on 1 October 1996, the BT rating had been discontinued and merged instead into the MM rating, And now, the creation of the Gas Turbine System Technician (GS)/GSE/GSM. And there will be more changes I am sure as technology improves.

In summary, my selection to CPO was the highlight of my career. It was my most important qualification and achievement more than any other medals - therefore very meaningful to me. Of course, the LOC from the CTF76, 7th Fleet (Amphibious), LOC from Denver CO, two Good Conduct Medals, and other Campaign Medals/Ribbons made it more fulfilling and rewarding.

 

Which individual(s) from your time in the military stand out as having the most positive impact on you and why?

 
Honor, Courage and Commitment

There were many but three stood out that have a positive impact on me. They were all from the same ship, USS Providence (CLG-6). The first one was BT2 Marcelo, who unselfishly taught me the ins and outs of a Boiler Technician. In essence, he inspired me to be one.

The second one was CDR Jerred Rockwood - the ship's XO - who approved my request to change rate from TN to FN. In fact when I took the test and I only missed 14 of 150 questions. That's how motivated I was. And I might add the XO even sent me to BT school to ensure my conversion was successful. The third one was SDC (retired MSCM) Bumbasi who proudly approved my chit to transfer from S-5 to B-Division. Of course with the Engineering Officer and XO's blessings.

These individuals helped me jumpstart my career in the Navy. And I am equally grateful to each one of them for the opportunity. Of course, I had to prove my worth, and 21 years later I retired as a BTC. Wherever they are now - their leadership, mentorship and magnanimity made a lasting impression on this young sailor in 1969. So it goes without saying that it's not your background that dictates who we are, rather it's our actions or inactions that will define who we become.

 

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?

 
USS Denver (LPD-9)

For a guy who is never at a loss for words, this question stumped me. I am the type that can take jokes in stride but never be the one to dish it out, let alone initiate it. I remember being aboard on one of the ships I was on, and on this particular day our CO was going to make an inspection tour of the engineering spaces. It was a common knowledge that this CO was a coffee drinker, and he would stop religiously at all coffee messes just to sample their coffee. The BTFN on duty was tasked to make a fresh pot of coffee. Without telling anybody, even the Duty Chief, this young BTFN pulled a prank and decided to use seawater instead of fresh water. Of course, the taste was flat and salty, and the ensuing events were pre-destined to happen. The CO was furiously mad and we failed his inspection. It was not funny then but now I begin to appreciate the humor. Mind you, this is my version of that story.

From time to time onboard the DENVER, the snipes would make red wine from powdered grape juice that was finagled from the mess decks. They would leave the bottle inside the boiler stack for two weeks at a time to ferment, and we just waited. It was not the best of wine but after 2-3 months deployment away from your homeport, its taste became acceptable and it made you forget your loneliness even for a short while.

 

What profession did you follow after your military service and what are you doing now? 

 
USPS

I worked for the Post Office after retirement. You could picture me doing my mail delivery under all weather conditions - rain or shine? Here I was able to apply what I have learned from the military. Patience under adversity is one them. Ingrained to be goal-oriented, I was able to focus on the mission statement of my employer when the circumstances warranted it. When the job seemed too dreary and monotonous at times I tried to draw strength from my past experiences in the Navy, then I found myself smiling again. It is not unusual nor kinky. Think about it. It is probably happening to you now.

You could also imagine seeing me during break time while sorting out mail - swapping sea stories no less - with my old-time service buddies. Just like being in the Navy once again. As you know many retirees, like me, find refuge in the Post Office for their post-retirement employment.

Now it's home, church and VA hospital for me. My family is still grieving the loss of our eldest son. We now rely on the beautiful memories he indelibly left behind much like the Navy. So you see my life begins and ends with the Navy as its central theme. It was a fruitful experience, self-absorbing at times but very fulfilling. What more can I say?

 

What military associations are you a member of, if any? What specific benefits do you derive from your memberships?

 

I am a lifetime member of DAV and the USS DIXIE (AD-14) Association.

 

In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your life and your career?

 
Navy Veteran

The Navy has been good to me. I would not be able to meet the love of my life in U.S if I had not joined the service. I was gainfully employed after retirement while receiving a second income from the military which allowed me to send my children to college. How can you beat that? Now I am receiving another retainer's pay from the Post Office. But the ultimate reward of being granted full U.S. Citizenship tops them all. I am proud to be in America - the greatest nation on earth!

Of course, the Navy influences me a great deal in the way I make decisions, set priorities and handle pressure. I am who I am today because of what I have learned and accomplished from the Navy.

 

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to those who have recently joined the Navy?

 

Honestly, I would tell them to be a sponge and try to absorb everything but be selective. Know your weak points early on and strive to capitalize on your strong qualities.Try to do your best in every job assignment. Never be complacent or satisfied with just plain mediocre performance. Above all be a team player. Learn and acquire an employable skill that you enjoy doing while in the service. Do all these and the Navy will be smooth sailing for you.

 

In what ways has TogetherWeServed.com helped you remember your military service and the friends you served with.

 
TWS and the US Navy

TWS brings back a lot of memories. Like a magnet, it keeps me attracted to peruse - again and again -the many profiles of my old buddies whom I communed with 24 hours a day, sometimes months-on-end during extensive deployments. Shipmates like "band of brothers" on a mission. Yes, TWS keeps my bygone days alive in the back of my mind - like a tape recorder - ready to be turned on and played back at any given time. And yes, we can travel memory lane anytime by opening TWS.

It is well-maintained and so far the safest portal available today to preserve our service memoirs for posterity.

 
 
 

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