Welcome to The Navy Bos'n The "Okie Boat" Visit our Vietnam Veterans Tribute Area BMC Dave Campbell I joined the U.S. Navy on my 17th birthday in November 1963 as a CB (Construction Battalion) & went to boot camp in San Diego as a Construction recruit (/). While there I signed papers (the Navy way) as required by my Company Commander (Boatswain's Mate Chief). Later I was told I had signed/shipped over to the Black Shoe Navy, I was no longer a CB. Upon graduation from boot camp I became a Seaman Duce (//). Boot camp in those days took 3 months. Vietnam was beginning to be a priority. My 1st duty station was Pearl Harbor, Hi. I was assigned to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, I held Morning Colors (raised the US Flag) every weekday morning at 0800. Then cleaned the memorial between tourist boats. Being from Arizona, I liked the duty. However, it was somewhat "scary" for a 17 year old. I was alone between tourist boats. The ship belched oil & occasionally made other noises. Note: The Navy has a need for persons to clean/scrub heads (toilets), barracks & other odd jobs. A seaman duce was volunteered... Guess Who? I made Seaman & BM3 more than once... "Captains Mast" assured me of that. "I loved my liberty". My next duty station was the USS Enhance (MSO-437) out of Long Beach, Ca. A wooden hulled ship used to detect & destroy mines. "WOODEN SHIPS - IRON MEN" The day after I checked aboard we went to sea...sick! I served in six ships & seven shore stations. Some tours were short due to shipping over (Re-enlisting) for choice duty stations & knowing the ole Detailers... Ha Ha! Boot Camp San Diego Training Center Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hi. Seaman Duce (SA) USS Enhance (MSO-437) Seaman (SN) Fitron-124 Naval Air Station Miramar (BMSN) USS Acme (MSO-508) (BMSN) Naval Supply Station Subic Bay, PI. (BMSN) USS Brule (AKL-28) In Country Vietnam (Seaman-BM3) USS Satyr (ARL-21) In Country Vietnam (BM3) Naval Station Sangley Point, PI. (BM3) Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan (BM3) USS Gridley (DLG/CG-21) (BM3-BM2) USS Oklahoma City (CLG/CG-5) (BM2-BM1) COM 7th FLT. FLAG SHIP "Press On Regardless" Headquarters Support Activity, Taipei, Taiwan (ROC)(BM1) Naval Station Guam Tugmaster (YTB-795) (BM1) Naval Station Subic Bay Tugmaster (YTB-775) (BM1-BMC)   I am a member of the following Associations: Navy Mine Sweep Association: NMSOA (Thanks to NMSOA) Mobile Riverine Force Association: MRFA Vietnam US Naval Institute: Fleet Reserve Association: (FRA Branch 163) USS Oklahoma City Association: Member United States NavyMemorial Mbr. #994437

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