California Congressman Bob Dornan earned the nickname of "B1 Bob" due to his own military service and his support for those who served in uniform.  When he called upon the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy to discuss some enlisted military matters it was an opportunity too good to pass up.  I was fortunate enough to be allowed into the meeting which resulted in a discussion that ultimately had nothing to do with the military.

Spending a holiday at Recruit Training Command is a challenging way to enjoy the season.  The work of preparing to join the Fleet continues, but we were promised a traditional meal . . . or so I thought.

American forces assigned in support of Operation Restore Democracy worked hard to find the right way to celebrate Christmas in Haiti in 1994.  One of the activities was a volleyball tournament where an unlikely team drew a big fan base.

In early September 1987 the crew of USS Valley Forge (CG 50) were anxious to visit a liberty port.  After more than two months in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman the sight of Perth, Australia, was very welcoming indeed.

In late 1993 credible threats suggested the University Compound in Mogadishu, Somalia was in danger of an attack.  Our personnel at the Armed Forces Network facility were tasked with preparing to fight off any armed assault, but our resources were limited.

While working on the staff of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy it was not uncommon to interact with Navy Veterans and attempt to help them resolve issues or achieve ideas.  One such World War II veteran was quite a colorful individual with a bold initiative that did eventually come to fruition.

By the time U.S. troops were participating in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia comedian Bob Hope was 90 years old and no longer able to travel the world conducting USO shows during the holiday season.  Those of us in Mogadishu would be treated to someone else.

When the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy is called upon to testify before a Congressional hearing on all matters pertaining to enlisted personnel throughout the Fleet you would think that he could be express his honest views.  That turned out not to always be the case when the White House intervened.

After two Libyan aircraft were shot down by U.S. Navy fighter jets a radio disc jockey from Houston was inspired to take his show to the Med and entertain the crew.  Little did anyone realize how things would evolve over the subsequent 30 years as the disc jockey soon gained fame that took him far from his rock music roots.

One of my shipmates was in for an unwelcomed surprise when he attempted to call home upon arrival in Pearl Harbor.  A quick flight back to San Diego revealed a shock he was not quite ready to receive.