I received the below "sitrep" from Smokey last night and where he is not fond of broadcasting his personal health, I think his health information and status are tremendously important to hundreds of his lifelong friends, especially his "system family".
So, in keeping with his desire for rumor control, I'm gonna break protocol and post the below info received from Smokey this past evening.
Pat and My prayers are with our lifelong friend and especially praying that he achieve and maintain a quality of life consistent with the life that he has lived to date.
We're asking our system family to join us in prayers for Smokey's well being and comfort.
John and Pat Ellis
SITREP 01 (21 Jun 23).
(Provided for rumor control only).
Background:
1. It is no secret that I have been admitted to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital (SPAH) numerous
times over the past 10 years or so. No need to provide details.
2. The SPAH powers to be for the 4 or 5 majors body health functions have met again (this
weekend) and have decided the following:
a. SPAH has continued to try and improve upon my situation with very limited positive
results. My issues are not correctable and will continue to degrade over time affecting
the quality of life – as time progresses.
b. Accordingly, as of 20 June 2023 (yesterday); SPAH has moved me into HOSPICE
Care, SPAH will no longer address my situation as a normal hospital procedure for
me. All quality of life actions, if taken will be via the Hospice organization.
3. My Intentions:
a. Continue pursuing my current work and private life routines (as much as possible).
b. Maintain my present uncharted course.
Related Story “I must tell”…
WWII:
USN Submarine and USN Destroyer hovering together when a Japanese air craft is spotted –
Submarine sends flashing light to the Destroyer – “” If we are attacked, I intend to remain on the
surface and fight ””… Destroyer sends back “ So do I ”.
I too intend to remain on the surface and fight as long as possible…
Thank you for always being there for me. – I am OK….
Warmest regards,
Ed
Take care - be safe.
"69 Years of Protecting Freedom through Undersea Surveillance".
"Stay the course"
Edwin K. Smock
MCPO USN (Ret)
CornerTurn LLC
Undersea Surveillance
CUS/TUSC LANT/PMS 485
Voice: Navy - 757-492-4805
e-mail CT: esmock@cornerturn.com
I’m sure everyone appreciates the update, John. Thank you!
For Smokey, we pray that you have the strength and motivation to continue the fight. Don’t ever lose sight of the fact that countless people are with you.
What a remarkable man Smokey IS. I can't think of any one person who has touched the lives of all who were ever associated with the system. Smokey DID and continues to be the best example of being the best possible person. Always a smile and a kind word. He is what is so great about "The System". Stay strong and stay the course, you are my hero.
Ed sorry to learn of your health issues. I always viewed you as the IRON MAN OF SOSUS. I am thankful that I had you as my mentor at San Sal 1963, The knowledge and experience you that you shared with me served me well for my entire Navy career. Thank you my friend. EKD
Thank you for the update on Smokey. They broke the mold after him. He is truly unique and we will probably never see the likes of him again in our "system".
Thank you for the post John. My thoughts and prayers go out to Smokey. He is by far the keystone of our system and loved by all. May he continue to fight the good fight. As Dylan Thomas said: Do not go gentle into that good night Smokey!
Ed,
It has been an honor and privilege to ķnow you and work with you these many years. I hope that you will continue the fight. Your many friends out here are praying that your transition to the topside watch will be smooth and clear, just as your System career has been. There are few true legends in this world. It has been my honor to know one of them.
I may make the transition to topside ahead of you. If I do rest assured I will be one of many who will welcome you. If you should precede me, I hope I will be "shown the ropes" upon arrival by the best there ever was.
I ran into our esteemed Master Chief Smock last Thursday during the TUSC LANT (former NOPF Dam Neck) 21st Change of Command ceremony. Smokie was in great spirits and seemed to me in pretty good health. As is his custom he rose quickly to greet me and introduce his daughter (and caregiver). And then the stories and the jokes began! Ed says he's "working from home" and hasn't returned to the office just yet. We also discussed plans for a 2024 IUSS 70th Reunion. (<:
The only other person I recognized at the ceremony other than the outgoing and incoming Commanding Officers and one former CO (#16) was CAPT Paul "Scratch" Hryskanich, USN (Ret). For those who don't know the name, Scratch was the first CO of NOPF Dam Neck - September 1979 to August 1984.