Thomas Bourdage:  

Military I began my 24 years of naval service joining the Navy with Classmate Kip Martin in September 1967. After boot camp in San Diego I was sent to NAS Jacksonville, Fla for Aviation Electrician training. After training I was sent to my first command VFP-63 at NAS Miramar, Ca. I participated in 2 cruises; one to VietNam aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea CVA-43 and a Southern Europe cruise aboard the aircraft carrier USS FD Roosevelt CVA 42. My next assignment was to the "Desert Navy" at DMAFB, Tucson, Az. We took care of old aircraft, removed salvagable parts from some to use in flyable aircraft and prepared some for return to flight either for foreign countries or other government use. Next assignment was VS29 at NAS North Island, Ca. Mt first new aircraft; the S3A Viking ASW aircraft. Made a Southeast Asian cruise with them aboard the USS Enterprise CVAN 65. next assignment was to teach new AEs to work on the S3A aircraft. The next assignment was with VA95 in NAS Whidbey Island, WA. I made 3 cruises with this Attack squadron. 1 abo...Expand for more