Michele Calvin:  

My Story..... it is still being written. I graduated from Lake Worth High School in 1981 cocky, confident and ready to tackle the world. I joined the US Navy and for over 10 years, had the time of my life hunting submarines. I loved the Navy and I had a passion for the job I did. We worked hard and partied hard; socialized with friends any time we weren't working. 24's, 96's and those infamous 2-2-2-80's. I will remember those days and cherish the memories forever. I was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia; Centerville Beach CA,; Coos Bay, OR; Brawdy Wales, UK twice and Va Beach, VA in my first 10 years of service. The cold war ended and the IUSS system as we knew it slowly began slipping away. Most facilities are closed now and I am truly saddened by it. Shortly after the cold war ended, I did a tour outside of the IUSS system at recruit training in Great Lakes. What an experience! That period of time was pivotal for the Navy as the boot camps in California and Florida closed and all recruit training was consolidated to Great Lakes. I saw the first woman recruit on board Great Lakes. We saw many, many issues involving men and woman training in the same companies, fraternization issues, and all kinds of shake up as we weathered the storm of change - successfully! I have recently been in contact with some of the recruits I trained. Awesome feeling!! I started my Bachelors degree in Great Lakes in 1997... I went back into the IUSS system, and did another tour in the UK, this time at JMF St Mawgan in Cornwall. It was there I made Senior Chief and didn't think it got any better. I transferred to Whidbey Island WA and was blessed with making Master Chief. This was a major milestone for me and just an incredible (even humbling) feeling to have reached that status and rank in the Navy. It seemed like I was living someone else's dream. I will forever be grateful to those folks that I worked with that guide...Expand for more