Robert Tombari:
CLASS OF 1963
Norwich Regional Vocational High School Class of 1963
Norwich, CT
Waterford High SchoolClass of 1961
Waterford, CT
Clark Lane Middle SchoolClass of 1957
Waterford, CT
Great Neck Elementary SchoolClass of 1955
Waterford, CT
St. Joseph SchoolClass of 1955
New london, CT
Robert's Story
Life
Uncasville is home now, lived with my "Sweeted Heart" of 22 years in Westbrook,, was married for six years to a RN from New Hampshire, I met in Oman.
Am a Merchant Marine Officer, Chief Engineer, and Master. Now sailing as Chief Engineer on University of Hawaii Research ship KILO MOANA, and KAMAIKI O' KOLINA
Retired April 2013, am busy catching up on a decade or more of unfinished projects.
Lived in California for 16 years, Earned AA in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at El Camino College. Had an opportunity to be instructor for class in Electrical controls, was offered Faculty position.
Worked with Special Effects department on several films, THE BEES, and EVERY GIRL SHOULD HAVE ONE, and two others.
Worked as engineer/ Captain of commercial fishing vessels, Southern California, Central America, West Africa, and Middle East (Oman). Lived in Muscat Oman for five years, two tours, 74'- 75' as engineer on a fisheries survey vessel, sailed briefly as Master of first vessel to hold registry in Sultanate of Oman, acted as interim director of Department of fisheries.
Second tour 87'-91' as Port Engineer on Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a commercial fishing Industry in Oman. Supervised marine workshops throughout the country. Assisted in developing fishing gear and methods, created a $3.5M/yr Sashimi grade Yellowfin Tuna export business.
Flew airplanes for a while, mostly fish spotting in Southern California, some charter work, mostly flying "Black Suits" with heavy briefcases to small airports along Mexican Border.
Worked with a small development company, share two patents, worked with an automotive engineering company, was accepted as member of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for work done for California Air Resources Board, assembled a lab for certifying aftermarket automotive ignition components.
Lived in West Africa, Tema Ghana while sailing as captain of a Tuna Purse Seiner, delivered vessel from Panama to Tampa Fla, then to Liberia, and Ghana several "Sea stories" to tell about that adventure.
Sailed as engineer/ seaman on Danish three masted schooner delivery from Svendeborg Denmark (Through Kiel Canal Germany) to San Pedro California, several "Sea stories" from that adventure.
Was on a voyage to Guadalupe Island, west coast of Mexico to capture Elephant Seals for Marineland of the Pacific, Cousteau's RV CALYPSO was at Island filming program on Elephant Seals, I saw myself on program when aired. I got to go aboard CALYPSO in Piraeus Greece, and met Philippe Cousteau.
Sailed as Engineer on delivery of tugboat from England to Greece, another great adventure "Sea story" about being involved in high seas salvage of burning freighter FULMAR TRADER, and harrowing transit of Corinth Canal in Greece.
Sailed as Captain on delivery of new build 75' Purse Seiner from Houma Louisiana to San Pedro CA, another "Sea Story".
Sailed as Captain on delivery of 45' motorsailer delivery from Kona (Big Island) Hawaii to San Francisco, another set of "Sea Stories" including the rescue of a sail boarder outside the Golden Gate.
Sailed as Chief Engineer on Research vessels, Tugboats, Casino Boats, as assistant engineer on Navy surveillance ships, container ships, ta...Expand for more
nk ships, and heavy lift ships. Spent one winter 200 miles above the Arctic Circle (Was warmer than CT for most of time). Have accumulated a few "Sea stories".
I am "Hawspiper", worked my way up through the ranks, not an Academy Graduate. Got an invitation to sail as an Instructor of Electricity, Diesel Engine, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning for Summer Sea Term 06', on State University of New York Maritime College Training Ship EMPIRE STATE, was a fun summer, visited Greece, Romania, Croatia, Malta, and Ireland. Was gratifying experience instructing Cadets.
Sailed as "Ocean Ranger" on 7 large foreign flag cruise ships during 2008 Alaskan Cruise season. Sailed as observer for compliance with Alaska and Federal Environmental regulations. Got to visit Alaskan ports from Ketichan to Kodiak, and Canadian ports Victoria and Vancouver.
Had unlimited access to all spaces and compartments aboard the ships, got to see operations on the Bridge and engineering spaces.
Got to see lots of Glaciers, some spectacular calving, lots of whales.
Was a passenger when not in Alaskan waters.
Have been doing some consulting on large Diesel engine development, and California Gold Mine engineering, and processing, horse anti "Cribbing" device, and a few other projects.
Am Commercial rated, Aerobatic certified airplane pilot, and amateur radio operator KA1VKE.
Have visited and traveled in Australia, New Zeland, Fiji, Guam. China, Hong Kong,India, Kenya, Liberia, Ghana, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, England, Spain, Portugal, Azores, Madeira, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Panama, (Through Canal 3 times) Alaska, Tunisia, Seychelles, Iceland, Oman, UAE (All countries), Turkey, Antigua, Dominican Republic, Haiti,(Participated in "Arranged Occupation"), Japan, France, Brazil, been on Peter and Paul rocks, Luxembourg, Egypt (Been through Suez Canal 4 times,was on ship that went aground in Canal) Lebanon, Israel, Scotland, Gibraltar and many places I have forgotten.
Am a Hash House Harrier, Hash name "Sky Pilot".
I am conversant in three languages other than English, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic. Can say at least one word, phrase, or sentences in last count 24.
I have kept in touch with Owen Gibson, lived in Mississippi with his wife Elane.
Update: My best lifetime buddy Owen was killed in a head on collision by a woman driver talking on her cell phone. She crossed over into the oncoming lane, collided with Owen in his pickup truck. Owen did not die immediately, Woman and her young child walked away with minor injuries. Pass Christian MS August 29 2007. Woman driver is wife of Pass Christian Police Officer, was not charged with an offense, as of last visit with Elane (April 09) Insurance Co has not yet settled, Elane has lost her home to foreclosure. 2011, Elaine received $17,000 settlement!
As per his wishes his body was cremated, and his ashes spread at sea by Navy off Florida East Coast near Jacksonville. Owen had retired from the Navy Submarine service.
Contact me, would like to hear from former classmates and friends. RT
I have noticed many visits to my profile, please leave a message, let me know how you know me, where you are, what you've done, what you're doing, and any other information. RT 6 2 09
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