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USS Bristol County (LST 1198) in Sydney Harbor Australia, circa 1974
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USS Manitowoc (LST 1180), my first ship when I went on active duty. I picked up this ship in Philidelphia and brought it through the Panama Canal to Long Beach California, it also transported my personal auto. I made 4 voyages on this ship.
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Loading Marines and their equipment onto the USS Manitowoc (LST 1180), at Da Nang Viet Nam, circa 1971. This was part of the gradual pullout of US Forces. |
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Shore Duty
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| The Naval Submarine Base at Bangor Washington. This was my first shore duty and it was nice to unwind from two tours at sea. I was part of the precommisioning staff, when I arrived they had not yet begun construction. There was also no Commanding Officer when I reported, I had arrived before him, so I checked in at the nearby Torpedo Base at Keyport and worked out of there for a few months. When the Captain finally reported we got to work, for almost a year it was just him, me and his yeoman. Mu duties were varied, but there was little to do in the way navigation work so I sat with civial engineers and architects who were designing the facilties, I gave them input as user from the Fleet. I also scetched out some building designs and turned them over to the architects to finish. I escorted visiting dignataries around the construction site. I entertained Admirals and Politicians in my home, I lead them on fishing and hunting excursions. I ordered tons of supplies and furniture for the future base and arranged warehousing. I was here for two years and the base was still not in commision when I went back to sea. Alex, my son was the first baby born to a sailor stationed here and has a plaque presented to him by the Captain. My duty here was instrumental in my next promotion, this was a big promotion the one to Chief Petty Officr.
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After two short years, back to sea
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The USS Bradley was by far the favorite ship I serverd aboard. I spent 6 years aboard her and could have done more, but they Navy insisted I go ashore. I made 4 long voyages on this ship and numerous shorter ones, not to mention a full overhaul.
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USS Bradley moored to a bouy in Hong Kong harbor
You can see that the helicopter hanger door is open
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| After 6 years of sea duty it is back ashore for a change. |
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| Final Duty Station |
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Admiral Kihune presiding over my retirement ceremony
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My shipmates man the rail as I walk off to my future
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