Where were you or your family stationed?
Started out with a trip to RTC Orlando..God I loved it there....Moved on to Virginia Beach: NAS Oceana; where I was attached to VA-85 the Black Falcons (Go Buckeyes) an EA6 and EA6B Intruder Squadron who were part of Carrier Air Wing 1 and deployed aboard USS America (CV-66) the Sixth Fleet Flag Ship at that time. We served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and whilst the area was Still in Combat Zone status returned for another deployment only 4 months after returning initially in order to return ship rotations back to normal. And then in between attachments went to "A" School at NAS Meridian, MS for Aviaiton Storekeeper, after that got Choice orders to NAS Pensacola, FL and fell in love with that area and the people there. Transferred from there with a year left on my enlistment and moved to NAS Cecil Field. where I was attached to VS-30 the Diamondcutters a S-3 Viking Squadron who were part of Carrier Air Wing 7 and deployed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) "The Big E". While at NAS Cecil Field I worked TAD at Base Supply in the R-pool section. I know what you are thinking, most of the places and units I mentioned are gone...how do you think I feel. And after almost 8 years of service I elected to move on into the civilian sector where for a while things were better, but I very much wish now I had stayed in and retired..never thought I would miss it this much.
Veteran of Foreign War
Desert Storm, Desert Shield
Current Status with the US Navy
Honorably Discharged
Start date of your service
March 15, 1989
Comments
Interesting Naval career you've acquired. You, no doubt have had your share of adventure! As most of us pass that point in life where we come to realize that we could've retired had we stuck it out, we still "charge on" and continue to pursue our passions and hopefully capture our dreams. Unfortunately, we're not always succesful. However, it's comforting to know that you're not alone and that you have experienced things that others can only dream about. Something to be proud of.
As a fellow Black Falcon, I encourage you to join the VA-85 command and spread the word about NavyVets.com. You may want to also visit IntruderAssociation.org and Military.com.
Maybe we'll have enough interested members to come together for a reunion someday. -Al
I'm Bill Karr. My son Doug created this site and I help him out a bit.