Timothy Kelley:
CLASS OF 1972
Seaside High SchoolClass of 1972
Seaside, CA
Fitch Middle SchoolClass of 1969
Seaside, CA
Los Arboles Junior High SchoolClass of 1968
Marina, CA
Ione Olson Elementary SchoolClass of 1966
Marina, CA
Del Monte Elementary SchoolClass of 1963
Monterey, CA
Timothy's Story
Military Life
Military life started at birth in the 50's Germany. Dad an Army vet of WWII, Korea & Viet Nam, I am an Army Brat. Following Pops footsteps, I joined the Navy. Recruit training Co. 362 Bat. 25A San Diego - DT A school followed. My first tour it seemed I never got out of boot camp, I was assigned to NRDC Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Upon re-enlistment I went to Camp Pendleton for Field Medical Service School, then assigned to Fleet Marine Force 13th DenCo El Toro and 11th DenCo Iwakuni, Japan. In all 7 years with Marines.
My first Navy base, Naval Submarine Base Bangor, is one of my favorite tours. Nam was over, reduction in force was the in thing, and the cold war was still heating up. For so many rates stagnation was taking a toll so I changed rates. After nine years, I defected to Navy Counselor - straight stick mind you as a direct conversion, I was destined to make my mark.
Naval Aviation VP 47 Moffett Field. First question Skipper Brown asked when I reported; What did you get busted for? Not busted sir, but one of only 8 NC2 direct converts. Meeting the XO - CDR Quigley was reading and I was looking around kicked-back, hand on his desk when the words came. Stand at attention and get your hand off my desk. Ouch! I had just come from a clinic full of doctors, I smoked cigars and drank wine with Captains. Welcome to the real Navy, best command I ever had. Transfer time I was offered a communication station in the Philippines, like a dummy I turned it down, thinking I needed recruiting for Chief.
NRS Wilkes-Barre. I make my home here today and I made chief upon arriving, darn I should have gone west. Recruiting is intense but it is what it is. I was still missing something? The navy - ships - navy, I'm up for transfer with no ships in my career, so I drove to DC to see my detailer - he took the day off can you believe that. I looked at the Rec. and found my ship, then took one of those fine tipped blue markers ...Expand for more
the ones made by the blind. I circled my request twenty times with a big arrow pointing to my name. Two weeks later I had orders to my first ship.
USS ARKANSAS CGN-41, Alameda. I had one problem; boot was 17 years ago how do you get on this thing, salute the ensign or the O.O.D. first? A Chief with a chest full of ribbons and I have no clue. Im assigned as X Department Leading Chief, Senior Section Leader, Damage Control Training Team the list goes on and on. Damn, what did I do with those manuals? Desert Storm was heated and off to war we went. I was still missing something and its funny how things workout. I'm transferred next to the Seabees.
Construction Battalion Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor. I'm thinking tough guys and bug eaters, camping on the weekends. To the contrary CB's have it together, talk about knowledge, professionalism and team work this is the epitome. I remember the FMC telling me about Marvin Shields a famous CB - streets, ship and base named after him. I didn't have the heart to tell him I grew up right next door to the Shields family.
Reflecting, I think about the 60s' life as an Army brat, the cold war, my friends dads and brothers who lived on my street and perished. The draw down of the 70's, build up of the 80's and conflicts of the 90's are part of my history. Dad telling me our neighbors all had heart attacks in Nam. Looking back he was protecting his young son, being just a kid. I had no clue what freedom cost.
The long and short of my military life, I was born an Army Brat, and had the privilege to serve with the finest men and women of the U.S. Marines, Naval Submarines, Naval Aviation, Surface Navy and Fighting Seabees first hand - I got to be part of every component offered, few people can say that. I got more recognition, experience and education in my career than most people get in a lifetime. I have countless lifelong friends stretching around the globe, and I learned the price of freedom. Go Navy !.
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