Dan In The Navy

  
9-11

Like most young men I graduated from high school and within a couple months was sent my draft papers.  I was drafted into the Army but wanted to follow in my brother's footsteps, so I enlisted in the Navy in April of 1969.  Was sent to do my Boot Camp at RTC (Recruit Training Center), Great Lakes, Ill.  This was time when it seems like everyone was in, it was just natural; you graduated and then got your draft papers.  But I like my brother and so many young men were PROUD to serve our country!!!

So, after boot, I went to NGMS, Damneck, VA and became an MT3 (MissileTech) and I served as such at Polaris Missile Facility in Silverdale, WA. Not being real satisfied, I became a Yeoman (YN3) instead. As such, I got myself transferred to COMPHIBOPSUBPAC in Coronado, CA in late '72. In mid '73, I then got transferred to the U.S.S. New Orleans (LPH-11) where I enjoyed myself the most while in the Navy and I became a YN2 within a few months. The next part is then more about my time on ship.......

Traveling on my ship was awesome. Loving Space and Sci-Fi as much as I do, ship travel was the best I could do. There is nothing like a clear night out to sea. I saw most every constellation, the Andromeda Galaxy, various nebula and other space objects, and even the comet Kohotek on Xmas day in '73 as bright and beautiful as it ever could be (AMAZING.......). In addition, I got to participate in the recovery of the astronauts from Skylab twice. My radio headset station was right by the opening of the Hanger Deck ramp where they set the spacecraft!!! I personally called to the rest of the crew the first sighting, the moment by moment bringing down to, and last but not least the putting of the capsule down on the ramp!!!! The comradery of my shipmates was a highlight of my ship time, too. Needless to say, again, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the U.S.S. New Orleans!!!!!!!

(4/69-4/75 - Vietnam Vet) (updated 5/19/02)
National POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 20, 2002

Please remember all our men....We must never forget them.......
including My Adopted MIA >>>>>>>