My life in the navy:

Job:   Gas Turbine System Technician (Electrical)
        (Surface Warrior) Petty Officer Second Class

My job was to conduct scheduled maitenance on (2) LM2500 gas turbine engines,  the same engines they use on DC10's and other large aircraft, 3 Allison gas turbine engines (used as a motor for a generator set), 4 Detroit Deisel Generator sets, and all their associated support equipment and control consoles.  Other responsibilities were to troubleshoot and repair any electrical problems with the Turbines and  Detroit Deisel Generators.


I was stationed onboard the USS Oldendorf (DD-972) for 2½ years.  Then I served on the USS John A. Moore (FFG-19) for 2½ more years.  Now I am on leave transfering to Shore Duty.  Where I will be a Prison Guard at the Brigg in Mira Mar (The same Military base where 'Top Gun' was filmed), California!

Another highlight for the U.S. Navy is 'WogDay'.  This is the 'Crossing the Line Ceremony' you participate in when crossing the equator!  If it's your first time, then you must prove your worthiness to the Honerable King Neptune, The Lord of the Seas.  After you prove your worthiness, you become an Honorable Shellback.   If your not a shellback, your just another miserable slimey WOG!  Here are some pictures, no one was hurt, and it was totaly a volunteer based activity.

Another great thing the Navy has done for me that not many people do Ever.  Is hold 'SWIM CALL' for the ship on the Equator!  On my first deployment with the John A. Moore, the Captain announced swim call.  The ship came to an all stop on the equator, then we took turns swimming in the ocean.  It was one of the coolest things I've done.  There's a couple people with rifles just in case any unwanted sea life shows up.  It is the weirdest feeling to go swimming where you know you will never touch the bottom!  Even though the water was deep, everyone stayed pretty much boyant due to the density of the water.

On the way back from my second 6month deployment to the Persian Gulf, the USS Nimtz held an air show for the Battle Group.   There were 3 other ships with us then, the USS Oldendorf was right behind the Carrier.  It was considered an honor to the ship because we all had to line up in single file and keep a certain distance from everyone else.  The ships behind us couldn't see much of the take-offs and landing.  With the air show were demonstrations of Fire Power, Speed, and Agility.  It was the best feeling to have an aircraft break the sound barrier as it crossed the ships main mast!  Kind of makes your guts get all jelly like.....

Pictures of the Air Show from the USS Nimtz.  Sorry I couldn't add them all, it would be too much.


Places I've Partied: