I joined the Navy for an adventure and certainly received one
NATO Flagship 1979
The Fall of Saigon was on April 30, 1975
Last Destroyer involved in the war during
The Mayaguez Incident
May 12-15, 1975
On September 15, 1975, I early enlisted for six years with the US Navy Advanced Electronics program as a 17-year-old senior in high school. On June 24th 1976 I boarded a Greyhound bus with little to nothing (as told) for a relatively short ride to be officially inducted into service shortly thereafter.
I was stationed at San Diego, CA from 1976-1978 (Boot Camp/Advanced Electronics/A-School/C-School), Norfolk, VA from 1978-1980 (DDG-40) and then back to San Diego, CA from 1980-1982 (DDG-7).
My first computer was an ASROC launch control computer. DDG-7 above is shown launching an ASROC. This computer was one of the very first hybrid computers ever designed, which married both analog and digital technology together. Most other previous fire control computers were all analog. It was placed into the fleet in the year that I was born, 1957.
I made it to Division LPO (Leading Petty Officer) as an E-5 in 1980, and PNA’ed E-6 (Passed but Not Advanced) in late 1981. In 1982 I was offered a HUGE (even to this day) re-enlistment bonus (along with E-6 shore and instructor duty).
I ended my active 6-year enlistment in 1982 with a Top Secret Clearance (obtained in 1980). I further joined the inactive-Naval Reserves through two 3-year stints for $1K/yr provided that I would go to war if one was declared (the 6K helped while going to school). Three Honorable discharges with good conducts. Very proud…yes!