James Walters:  

After H.S. I decided to join the Navy and see the world. I joined as a Nuclear Electronics Technician (ET) only to drop the Nuclear part and stay as an ET. I traveled back and forth between Orlando and Great Lakes attending several schools. After going through nearly 2 1/2 years of training I finally made my way to my first ship. I was stationed in San Diego and spent time on the USS Cook (FF-1083), USS Wm. H. Standley (CG-32) and USS David R. Ray (DD-971). Being on a ship is its own kind of fun but I'd have to say I REALLY enjoyed traveling around the Pacific/Indian Oceans visiting a lot of different countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa, and South America. After three years in San Diego; I was stationed and lived in the Philippines for four years. It is a very beautiful country. I would have stayed there the rest of my career if they would have let me. While there I married and gained an awesome step-son. Unfortunately base closings and a volcano ended my duty there and I moved back to San Diego. Back in San Diego I was again stationed on a ship, the USS Horne (CG-30), and traveled around. After my ship was decommissioned I stayed in San Diego but was transferred to the Advanced Electronics School where I taught HF Communications for three years. During this time due to differences, my wife and I divorced. I stayed a father to my awesome step-son and am happy to say that we refer to each othe...Expand for more