ET2 (Nav Aids; Loran, NavSat) on the Bowditch for two one year tours. I joined the ship in Bermuda in the spring of 1980 and left in the spring of 1982. By the time I transferred, I was working as the Navigation Center Supervisor.

Posted a unit photo from Jan 1973. Interesting times nearly 50 years ago- Latitude 13 bar in Guam- Trying out the SASS over the Marianas trench- and the cruising around the volcano that was emerging from the Pacific

Here is a photo of an impromptu beer party in a Michelson stateroom while the ship was in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in early 1964. Two of those pictured were temporarily with OCDET 3 while awaiting arrival of USNS Dutton in the yard.

I still have my Ships Cup and Patch.
As years go past the memories have never been forgotten, nor
my shipmates and others onboard. The unique locations in port was an adventure in geography and cultures.
My Shellback certificate is with my Fathers on the wall, (WWII). Peace ...Fair Winds and Blue Skies

ETC

Trying to find Date-Time, Coordinates for Shellback Certificate Duplicate. Orig lost in transit somewhere.

I attended ET-A School, Special Technology ,School prior
joining the Crew of the Bowditch in the fall of 1971, I didn't
know how lucky I was to serve on a Oceanographic Survey Ship.

Crew 1 of 3 supervisor.. Great duty for the last year of service. 3 months in Med, 9 in North Atlantic. BLUE NOSE, with 2 Gail 10 and 1 Gail 8 storms. Out for 28 days in a different port for 7, each month. Never hit a military port. Felt like a tourist 7 days a month.

Bowditch 1966
Michelson 1964 - 1965, 67 -68, 69 - 72
01 January 2018

Happy New Year to All.

Sadly, our ranks have been thinning and continue to do so; Roger Pence (Michelson 64 - 66, Bowditch 66) passed away 09 November 2017 at 1800 hr PST. Rest in Peace Rog.

God Bless you all.

Chet

Old equipment but we made it work! on the Hess
Newcastle to Oporto, Glascow, Belfast & Southhampton & others Dutton was fun