I was hard at work today....feverishly studying some red hot grams when I was unceremoniously disturbed by three young CPO selectees (ST's) who insisted I regale them with tales of what used to happen at "CPO Initiations" back in the dark ages. To my amazement and utter consternation, one of them had never heard of the OT rate. He had to stay late for additional training. The fact that two of them weren't alive when I made Chief in '81 didn't bother me that much.

Got me to wondering just how many old people are still looking at grams today. Obviously, nobody is going to catch Ed 'cause he's too stubborn to quit. I think second place on the list belongs to Ron Smith. Some of you may remember him from tours as an OWO at Barbados fromabout 62-64 and Nantucket from 64-66. He came to ONI after his Nan tour and still works here today. He sleeps at his desk alot but most of us think he deserves a nap now and then and don't bother him.

I start my 40th year in a few weeks and am curious just who is left.

Feel free to weigh in....old people.

Warm regards to all....past and present. I miss all of you and wish we could go back and do it again....except for the truth serum.

Nick

Nick, I retired from Whidbey 3 yrs ago after a great 40 plus years of grams and stuff. Even though I don't have the grams I occassionly dream about my entire career. Guess that's a good thing except for the high time lates, nightmares. Check out http:wwwpiggydsbbq.com
We're heading to the Jack Daniels World BBQ Championship in Lynchburg TN in October.
Darel

First of all, you've never been "hard at work" over anything, unless it was a long putt - and you f'd that up too.

Second - it was nice to actually see you string so many words and sentences together in a coherent thought.

Your buddy...AB

I'd guess the game is quite a bit easier from the GOLD tees, huh?

Nick,
I do not have nearly that many yeares in acoustics. I read grams from 1966-Arg. to 1986 BDA (Ret) I then spent probably 6 more years in ASW with ST's working for NUWC, (USC). But I have ALWAYS been fasinated with analyzing UPC's !!!!! I know there is a target being masked in there somewhere!!! And as far as AB he ALMOST cried real tears one time at COSL in QA where he worked for "BIG CHIEF" and the Browns did not make the playoffs. I even felt really bad for AL, he was so sure they were going to get to the Superbowl.
Chuck Cable
CPO USN Ret

Maybe my mind is getting a little cluttered/old, for some reason I don't recall Ron Smith and I was at NavFacNan in 65 & 66. Murf

Murf: Check out the 1965 Operations Officers Conference photo in the COSL Norfolk folder of the Photo Library. LTjg Ron Smith is seen standing second from right.

Nick,
I only had 31 years doing the gram reading thingy, so since I'm now an inexperienced youth when it comes to analysis I'll have to defer to more experienced judgement regarding all things acoustic. That means AB will have to validate anything you or Ron "like." As far as Gyoza or other such goodies, I can still make the call.

Have a great holiday pardner!

P.S. At some point I'm sure I'll be checking into that big watch section in the sky... and if there is a hereafter, it'll include a few busy mid-watch's with you and the rest of the 'geezers" there. Can't think of a better time!

Yes, I remember Ron at Barbados 63/64 timeframe. I am in my 57th year now with SOSUS/IUSS and yes Nic; retiring is not on my horizon. Maybe after the 60th anniversary I might give it some thought. Or, maybe I will wait until they tell me to "go home", the "hunt" is over... "Remember, the bear is not dead, he is only sleeping"... Ed Smock

Rick:
You may not qualify as a geezer, but when I report for duty in that future NAVFAC, I hope that we get assigned to the same watch section. I have always regarded you as one of the premier analysts I have known.

George,
It was an Honor to work for you and with you all those years ago. More than that, it is a privilege to call you and Peg our friends. The mark that you made on the people of SOSUS/IUSS stands as being among the very best the Navy and the Nation could ever ask for. Leading by example is a difficult task for anyone. For you it seemed effortless. I know it wasn't always easy. There are five names that always come to mind to just about anyone who served in the USN SOSUS/IUSS... Will James, Ed Smock, George Widenor, Jack Holdzkom, and Bob VanAlstine. You all did the job, and did it especially well. I'll look forward to that busy mid-watch...

Rick

Nick,

You and Ed are the only geezers I know still analyzing, the rest of us are still youngsters compared to you two ..

I've got 31 years and still going (30 active and 1 as a contractor). Won't ever make it up as far as you Ed though.

John

Nick-- I am pretty sure you were my CPO when I worked QA at ****eck.
Funny to hear that you are still working in the field.

Gayle, When were you in QA at Dam Neck? Nick was my LCPO in QA also. Had to be late 80's or early 90's for me. Linda Seekings was one of the QA PO's during that timeframe too. Seem to remember that Betty Hickey was the LPO too.

I was in QA in 1986 and left for COSP Hawaii in 1988... Mr. Uecker was the Officer and Nick CPO, I remember someone named Jeff Mendelshon? Bridget I can't remember all the names.