Academies are urged to change course

go_navy81
Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:47:16 +0000

After graduation I also went to Surface Warfare Officer’s School in Newport, RI for 6 months of training. Then, went to school in Philly for two months at the Damage Control Assistant (DCA) School. Then reported to USS Dahlgren (a guided missile destroyer homeported in Norfolk DDG-43). Got married after reporting, spent 10 months of first year married at sea! (Still married!) I was the DCA for 3 years and then the Navigator for another year. Served with two Commanding Officers (then Navy Commanders) that both went on to be 4 star Admirals. After I left Dahlgren, I was a Flag Lieutenant (personal Aide) to a two star Admiral on the staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. After 6 years active duty, I served in the Reserves (mainly in the Pentagon) until retirement at 20 years. Recalled to active duty for one year for first Persian Gulf War. What did I like best about active duty: the camaraderie of the Wardroom on the ship and the sense of responsibility for leading a Department of men (then only men on warships). Concerning USNA: the bonds you develop there with your classmates will last a lifetime! Now a patent attorney in SoCal. Get back to USNA whenever I can!