Rank
Petty Officer Third Class
Enlisted Rating
Aviation Machinist's Mate
Where were you or your family stationed?
I began my adventure in company 127 at RTC Orlando. Went to A school in Millington (NATTC Memphis) to learn/earn rate of ADJ. Onward to VA42 Framp (NAS Oceana) to get acquanted with A-6E's and KA6D's and then ultimately to VA-85. I experienced the Line division for awhile and eventually transferred to the PowerPlants shop. Although mainly based at NAS Oceana, our squadron deployed aboard USS Forrestal (CV-59) as required.
I consider myself fortunate to have participated in flight operations and exercises conducted in Puerto Rico and Cuba. I've also had the opportunity to serve aboard USS FORRESTAL during numerous deployments from 1976 through 1979. Obviously, the Tall Ships (OPNAVSAIL '76) and the '78 Med Cruise were most memorable; Harry Chapin, the Haiti Experience, Palma, Naples, Marseille, Torremolinos, Valencia, Capri, and a few cold ones with our former XO, "Zap" (Admiral, USN Retired) to name a few. But one experience I'll never forget, was that cat shot to Sigenella field for attack exercises against the FID. Awesome!
So dust off that cruise book or photo album and travel down memory lane every now and then. It's all good.
Current Status with the US Navy
Honorably Discharged
Start date of your service
October 20, 1975
Comments
And thank *you* Al for all you do organizing reunions and events for us, and providing a space to share memories, learn our history, reflect. I'm reading everyone's stories, photos! A million thanks to those who have contacted me. I'll post more soon. Anyone 1961-65 may recognize themselves. Handsome and fearless, all of you, despite apparent sleep-deprivation. Go Navy!
Unfortunately, due to all the medical expenses over the past year we will not be able to attend. I hope you all have a great time. From what I have seen on facebook, the A-6 on board USS Yorktown is being restored and repainted. That will be a plus as you visit Charleston.
Hey Al, hope life has been good to you. I am doing good. Just the getting old thing, you know the aches and pains. I don't bend like I did when I was younger. I now have a hard time climbing into my dirt track stinger. Enough about me, were are you living and what are you doing. I am retired and living in Florida.
Hello Al. Yes I was Night Shift Supervisor on the Line. Great duty.
Hi Al, I can't wait , do you a date for the next reunion?
Al thanks for the invite hope all is well with you and your family I'm not in jail and I don't think the cops are chasing me. Good to see some names from a long time back.
Hey Al,
Thanks for reaching out to me. I do remember meeting you a few times. I was at VA-42 Framp while the ship was on the 78 Med Cruise. I hooked up with the AO shop when they got back. Then started all the work ups and detachments along with doing the 79-80 Med Cruise.
I have been in contact with fellow AO buddy Damon Tyree. He told me of the site and the reunion later this year. I still have to work on the date, but I will know soon.
Al
Noticed you asked about an eye exam....Just had one and ordered glasses about ten days ago.
When you sign up, you will need your DD214 and they will ask you some money questions to see if and what you qualify for. In some cases you get travel monies (I don't), I think the only thing we can't qualify for as Cold War is dental...depending...you might be up for that also....Ask all the questions you can think about....
Al
I was reading comments from you and others on Cold War Vets about the VA. I served
1959-1963 and had personal insurance under myself and then my wife until I was
69. I then signed up for Va benefits at that time and have been treated well with a
heart problem, diebetes, etc etc. ha My heart work is done at the Va Hospital in Memphis, but the other is done at a clinic mearer to my home. The clinic was where
I sighed up and it took about 30 minutes for approval. If possible, I would try to sign
up at a clinic rather than going through the long line at a Va hospital Hope this helps...
Thanks Al... was in Material Control from 1988-1991 and would like whatever info you have for a reunion.