I began my Naval career in June, 1955. My first VP tour was with VP-31 San Diego, CA as a student Radioman in the P5M Marlin. Next came VP-47, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. We made a deployment to NS Sangley Point, Philippines 1964 - 1965. This was truly an exciting tour. Remember Marie "T"s, Sonny's and San Miguel beer. I was sidetracked for 1965-1968 by Instructor Duty with NAMTRAGRU Det 1015 NAS Lemoore, California. I was one of the original new rate "AW"s changing from ATC to AWC in 1968. Soon after I received orders to VP-19 NAS Moffett Field, California. This was the beginning of a very colorful and rewarding career. I served in VP-19 from 1968-1975 with deployments to NAS Adak, Alaska; NAS Iwakuni, Japan; NAS Cubi Point, Philippines; Naha, Okinawa; NAS Cubi Point, Philippines again with detachments to NSF Diego Garcia and Utapao, Thailand. VP-30 NAS Jacksonville, Florida 1975-1978; VP-8 NAS Brunswick, Maine 1978-1981; FASOTRAGRULANT Det. NAS Brunswick, Maine 1981-1984, rounded out my Navy career. I retired in 1984 and returned to my home state of LA. Great career, too many unforgetable Shipmates to mention and a lifetime of great memories I wouldn't trade for anything..."
