David, Thank you for your note on the Message Boards. While I did not know your father personally his name is very familiar to me. I too served at Norfolk, Keflavik and Brawdy during my Navy career. And while I did attend school in Key West, FL to be a Maintenance Technician (OTM) I only served in Operations Analyst (OTA) positions at the NAVFACs. If you can provide additional details of your father's duty assignments (specifically estimates of what years served at each of the Navy commands) that would be helpful. It might jog a few of our "maturing" memories. There are quite a few verbose OTMs who frequent this site. Perhaps one of them can better enlighten you on what an OTM did from Seaman through Chief Petty Officer at a NACFAC. I can only tell you that we the Analysts could never have done our jobs without the Maintenance folks who worked tirelessly to keep our equipment operating around the clock for many years.
Feel free to contact me by email (jim_donovan53@yahoo.com) if you'd like additional background information about the Navy community in which your father worked.
I was stationed with your Dad in Brawdy, really didn't spend any time off work with him. At work he was a very talented technician, very meticulous and knowledgeable. OTM's were responsible for maintaining and repairing AN/FQQ-2, AN/FQQ-9 and countless other systems that were used in the IUSS world. Be proud of your dad he helped keep the country safe during trying times.
I knew your dad while stationed in virgina beach/dam neck rediness facility. Such a long time ago it seems. I was there from 1987-1989 with your dad as my CHIEF. We only knew each other at work, but I feel we were friendly. Your dad was very good to me and put me up for a Navy Achievement Medal which I was presented with at a formal event. I could not believe he did that for me. I was and always be honored for what he did.
I do not want to do email, but you can call me. I would be glad to talk to and tell some things if I know. number to call is my partners at; 360-798-5648. Her name is Marcia. We live in Vancouver,WA. Pacific Coast time. I will get back as soon as I can. Most likely weekend, but call whenever you want. Pam
