My Navy career started with Boot Camp June 1959 at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, IL from their I received orders to NAVCOMTRACEN Imperial Beach, CA for training as a CT "R". School was difficult as I had a hard time learning the international morse code.

After school I received orders to TUSLOG Det 28, Karamursel, Turkey it was isolated and most of my tour was spent on base with just a few trips to the "Bul" (Istanbul).

Then came NavFac Nicosia, where else in 1962 could a sailor wear civvies and live in a hotel for his whole tour?

Reality of the Navy set in when I reported aboard the USS Intrepid and changed rates to Radioman.

After Intrepid it was off to NAF Naha Det Tango, Tainan, Taiwan for 3 years of duty as Leading Radioman. I came aboard as RM3 and left RM1.

Instructor duty was next at RM "A" School Bainbridge, MD.

Back to sea I received orders to USS Cascade, home port Naples, IT, where again I was leading RM after ComServForSixthflt staff departed. When Cascade was slated for decommissioning I transferred to her relief, USS Piedmont, flew to Long Beach, CA and rode her back to Naples. Training those WESTPAC sailors how to communicate in the Med!

Shore duty was next and why not stay in Naples, NAVCAMSMED. My first exposure to computers and data base management for NAVCOMPARS. Also put on the "khakis" October 16, 1976.

When it was time for sea duty a billet with COMIDEASTFOR Staff, aboard the USS LaSalle "The Great White Ghost of the Arabian Coast" where else could you go and get two for one sea duty? This was a very interesting tour as I enjoyed the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean ports of call.

From the Persian Gulf to the middle of the USA and Naval Air Station Dallas, TX.

One more tour, NAVCAMSMED Det Sigonella, IT and the tour that put me to retirement after 26 years with no regrets.