Gender
Male
Columbus
Age:
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Gender
Male
Location
Columbus
Birthday:
May 2
Age:
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.
Veteran of Foreign War
None, The Cold War
Current Status with the US Navy
Honorably Discharged
Start date of your service
October 20, 1975
End date of your service
October 19, 1979
Comments
Thanks Al, I was in VA-85 from April 84 to August 87,deployed on the Kennedy and Saratoga.Looking for more details about the reunion, Va Beach would work out great.I look forward to hearing details.
I couldn't get back in! I had to make another. Probably kicked me out after not being in there for a while.
Use to be close to Melvin Gregory (AO shop). Have not heard from anyone else. Add me to the 2014 reunion list.
Thanks Al, I would be interested in the Reunion or at least getting all the info I can on it. How do I go about getting on the roster?
Thanks Al. I was in the AQ shaop from March 1987-June 1991.
Thanks Al, I really hated to see the Tomcat retired!
Ok thanks for the info.
Al, I had to create another account becasue I could not remember my pass word and plus I changed my email address. So when I log onto NavyVets with my new email address I had to log on as a new user. So I had to do my profile all over again.
Al, I appreciate the invite to the site & the reunion. I'm really interested in knowing if any of the guys I served with are VA-85 members...apparently, none of the on-line members are as I don't recognize any of the names. Thought there might be a chance to re-connect, but realize now that was a real long shot. Mike ( sorry for taking so long to reply, I don't use social media & do not navigate the site very well )
Hi Al:
I would like to be placed on the roster and to receive one. I was in the VA-85 AQ shop for 1972-1975, making two Med cruises and a crossing. I didn't know this site existed until I reconnected with an old buddy, Mark Thanghe but I am enjoying it and would definitely try to make any reunion that is put together. Thanks - Steve