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Or adventures in another time and place!
Hello! This is the a brief story of my Navy days. I entered the Navy in 1967 as fresh meat off the farm. My first year was spent in an airdale outfit (Navy Fighter Squadron for the unitiated). I quickly wised up and went off to submarine school. From there, I was assigned to the USS SCULPIN which was completing a major overhaul at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. The SCULPIN was of the SKIPJACK class of which there were 6 boats - SKIPJACK (SSN 585), SCAMP (SSN 588), SCORPION (SSN 589), SCULPIN (SSN 590), SHARK (SSN591) and SNOOK (SSN592). These boats were the first class of nuclear powered submarines built with the tear drop shaped hull. These boats were also the fastest class of boats built until the LOS ANGELES class was built in the mid seventies.
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The next few years were filled with fun and adventure (not to mention a few field days, cleanups, inspections, etc.) In fact, I was having so much fun I shipped over and changed my rate (job). I eventually ended up on the USS SEADRAGON (SSN584).
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The SEADRAGON was a SKATE class boat. There were four boats in this class - SKATE (SSN 578), SWORDFISH (SSN 579), SARGO (SSN 583) and the SEADRAGON (SSN 584). From what I understand, between the time the SEADRAGON was authorized and the time it was built, money had run out and a decision was made to build it as a diesel boat. After the hull was put together, funding was made available and the boat was cut in half and the reactor compartment was inserted. I don't know that for a fact, but it was told to me when I was requalifying.
In August of 1976, I figured I was in the position of the monkey having relations with a football. I hadn't had as much as I could handle but I had had about as much as I could take.
So as a RM1(SS) with 8 years and 9 months under my belt, I left the Navy with a fair winds and following seas picture, a ship's plaque and lots of memories and experiences that money can't buy.
The following is a representation of a boat sailor on liberty after a 60 day run.
How about some submarine humor!? My wife calls it sick male humor, but I'm sure that's because she never served aboard a submarine. Anyway, if you have something to share, e-mail me and I will add it.
Here are some pics from the Sculpin's life.If you are interested in a Sculpin Reunion then come on over here
You say you want to know about submarines? Let's go. 5 degree down bubble. Make your depth 200 feet.
You say you know all you want to know about submarines, but you want to know what submarine sailors are like? Prepare ship for angles and dangles. 10 degree down bubble, hard left rudder, flank bell.
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