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.
