DECK LOGS ARCHIVE: 2015

Posted: 2015-09-24 17:15:41

Posted By: john russo

Poster Email: jrusso1646@aol.com

Service & Rank: USN & STGCS

Currently Located In: PLANTATION, FL

Originally From: LANSDALE, PA

What I've Been Up To: Here's what I've been doing in Sonar for 60 plus years! VETERAN HONOREE FOR MAY 2013 By Christine Baldwin (AFRH-W) Staff Editor & John J. Russo John was born in Lansdale, PA in March 1937. He graduated from Saint Stanislaus Catholic grade school in June 1950. He received the American League School Award during the graduation ceremony for his after school volunteer work helping the catholic nuns. He graduated from Lansdale Catholic High School with an academic degree in June 1954. A college education was not affordable at that time period so John reached out to a broad range of career paths. John worked as a Metallurgist trainee in a heat treating plant; a Taylor apprentice in a mens sweater factory; a Supervisor in a ladies shoe factory and a Mechanical Assembler & Oven Brazer in a gauge factory. He was not satisfied with any of these jobs because his interest was in electronics. Johns goals were to travel the world and have a career in the new transistorized electronics which was evolving in the middle 1950s. In June 1958, John enlisted into the US Navy in Philadelphia, PA under the High School Seaman Recruit Program. This guaranteed him a choice of technical schools upon completing recruit training. He reported to Naval Training Center (NTC) Great Lakes, IL for basic training and was evaluated during processing for a specific Navy rating based on a battery of tests in general aptitude, mathematics, mechanics, and sonar. He scored high on all tests and exceptionally high on the sonar test. He perceived why he had such a high grade in the sonar test. It was the twelve years of classical piano lessons he had to endure at his parents insistence every week at the Lansdale Conservatory of Music. The musical background gave him the keen ability to distinguish incremental variations of tones and pitches relating to sonar doppler. With this special talent, the Navy classified him as highly qualified to be a Sonarman. After graduating from (NTC), he was transferred to Naval Air Station (NAS), Sanford, FL to wait for an available class opening at Fleet Sonar School (FSS) in Key West, FL. John was assigned to the Ground Electronics Shop where learned test equipment inventory control. He self-taught himself typing because he had to prepare invoices for test equipment shipments to various repair facilities. In March 1959, he was transferred to (FSS) for his sonar training. After graduating from (FSS) he was transferred to an anti-submarine destroyer, USS New (DDE-818), homeported in Norfolk, VA. He reported on board as a Sonarman Operator Seaman (E-3). He was advanced through fleet-wide testing to Sonar Operator Third Class (E-4) six months later. John was again transferred to (FSS) for training on an upgraded sonar system that was scheduled to be installed in his ship during a shipyard overhaul. John graduated first in his class and returned to the ship. After being advanced through fleet-wide testing to Sonar Technician Second Class (E-5), he not only maintained his ships Sonar system but also volunteered to assist in repairs of the sonar and underwater fire control systems on other destroyers in the squadron. Because of his successful efforts in finding and fixing problems, John got the reputation for being known throughout the squadron as the Hot Shot troubleshooter. He provided assistance when requested to help in repair of difficult malfunctions in other ships systems. He received many messages of appreciation from the Commanding Officers of the ships he assisted and also from the Squadron Commander. He stood watches underway as Sonar Supervisor and held training for his watch section utilizing targets of opportunity. From early1960 through June 1962, John enjoyed cruising the oceans of the world and visiting more than 64 countries. He visited the island nations in the Caribbean Sea, many ports in South American, Africa, the island nations in the Indian Ocean and many ports in the Mediterranean Sea. During a seven month cruise called Solant Amity II, a people-to-people program, an armada of six ships consisting of two destroyers, a supply vessel, an oil tanker, and two landing crafts sailed to South America, the South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean to circumnavigate the African continent. One of the highlights of this cruise was crossing the equator at 00-00 latitude/longitude and being initiated as a Golden Shellback. John was transferred to the destroyer tender, USS Shenandoah (AD-26), homeported in Norfolk, VA because of his excellent repair reputation. Assigned to the Repair Department as the Petty Officer-in-Charge of the Sonar Shop, he was very efficient in organizing division work and an expert in aligning, calibrating, testing and repairing various sonar systems installed in all class of destroyers. Because of his observed troubleshooting talent by his superiors he was selected to be transferred to Mobil Ordnance Technical Unit Four (MOTU-4) in Norfolk, VA. There he worked with the (MOTU-4) civilian engineers troubleshooting various sonars and underwater fire control systems (UWFCS) installed in destroyers of the US Naval Reserve fleet. A total of 40 reserve ships located along the east coast were re-activated during the peak of the Vietnam War and they sailed to Norfolk, VA to the three destroyer tenders for outfitting and repairs. The work packages for the tenders were to complete all work necessary for the ships systems to be fully operational and when required be ready to deploy to the war zone. This tasking meant working very long hours a day sometimes seven days a week for nearly two years. During this extensive workload, John accumulated a vast knowledge of repairing all types of systems and this expertise stayed with him throughout his naval career and in his civilian career employed as Senior Field Engineer/Consultant within the naval establishments. John enjoyed his Navy life and work so he decided to make the Navy his career. In June 1962, he reenlisted for six more years to attend an advanced sonar technology course at (FSS), Key West, FL. He graduated and was transferred to the destroyer leader, USS Wilkerson (DL-5). A new prototype high power, long range, Sonar system was being installed and integrated with the (UWFCS) on the ship at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The Chief of Naval Operations selected (DL-5) to conduct the technical and operational evaluations on the pre-production sonar system on the east coast thus the ship was relocated from Long Beach, CA and assigned to the Commander of Destroyer Development Group Two located in Newport, RI. John reported on board USS Wilkerson (DL-5) in Newport, RI and was assigned as the division Leading Sonar Technician First Class (E-6). While organizing all the underway watch assignments for a division of 35 sonarmen, he assigned key personnel to integrate and assist the civilian engineers, tech reps, and design engineers to keep the prototype sonar system fully operational. This was imperative while conducting various sonar and underwater fire control system tests using target submarines assigned to this special project. Upon completion of the technical and operational evaluations, John received a letter of appreciation from the sonar manufacturers Project Manager for all his efforts in keeping the prototype system on line throughout the entire project. After completing this special project, John was transferred to (FSS), Key West, FL for operational and maintenance training on the first production system then followed by more training on the Terrier/ASROC missile launcher (UWFCS) system since he was pre-selected by the Chief of Naval Personnel to the guided missile destroyer leader, USS Josephus Daniels (DLG-27) under construction at Bath Iron Works in Bath ME with these systems configurations installed. John reported on board the ship in Boston where outfitting was being completed. After completion, the ship departed to her homeport in Norfolk.VA. After a year on board the ship, John was advanced through fleet-wide testing to Chief Sonar Technician (E-7) and permanently appointed to Chief by the Chief of Naval Personnel. He was later selected by the Chief of Naval Personnel as 1 of 75 enlisted personnel of the entire Naval Forces to participate in an experimental pilot educational program called the Associate Degree Completion Program (ADCOP). Johns selection was based on his professional performance and his top academic standings in formal Navy training courses and completion of numerous correspondence courses. He attended college classes as a full time student at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. John expected to return to sea duty upon graduating from Palomar but he was informed that his talents were better used as an advanced equipment Navy Instructor and was transferred to Naval Training Center (NTC) San Diego, CA to attend Leadership and Naval Instructor training courses. After graduating, he was transferred to (FSS) in Key West, FL and assigned to the Advanced Equipment Department as Lead Instructor and Course Supervisor. The Chief of Naval Personnel appointed John as Senior Chief Sonar Technician (E-8) in February 1970. He then became the Chief-in-Charge of all the advanced sonar special maintenance courses. He was in charge of approximately 250 students and 36 instructors. He also developed and evaluated advanced training courses curricula, Instructors & Trainees guides and initiated improvements in training methods and techniques as required. After completing his tour at (FSS), John was transferred to Fleet Training Group (FTG), Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was assigned as Senior Enlisted Sonar Division Chief. He supervised 18 shipriders and/or instructors during underway (ASW) training for the ships in training. He scheduled training exercises for the ships Sonar divisions both in port and underway. He evaluated the (ASW) teams during scheduled practice torpedo firings, plaster-loaded hedgehog launchings and anti-submarine rocket (ASROC) torpedo firings using assigned target submarines provided for training. He also graded the ships during the final Operational Readiness Inspections (ORI). In 1972, John was selected by the Chief of Naval Personnel to head up a team called the Mediterranean (MED) Sonar Calibration and Training Team (SCAT). After intensive (SCAT) training at Destroyer Development Group Two in Newport, RI, he was transferred to Naples, Italy where he would setup the (SCAT) team on the tenders deployed to the Mediterranean in Naples, Italy. While on this special tour, John was assigned to the destroyer tenders, USS Cascade (AD-16), USS Piedmont (AD-17) and USS Yosemite (AD-19). He performed his military duties on each tender as Officer-of-the-Deck (OOD), Duty Repair Officer, Duty Ordnance (R-5) Division Officer, Shore Patrol Chief and Beach Guard Officer. He stood underway watches as Combat Information Center (CIC) Officer when assigned to the USS Cascade (AD-16) enroute to Barcelona, Spain and Golcuk, Turkey. John was also assigned temporary assigned duty (TAD) to Surface Force Sixth Fleet as a Sonar Technical Representative. He worked jointly with the civilian Tech Reps to repair Sonar systems and Underwater Fire Control Systems installed all classes of destroyers of the US Navy and NATO allies. The trips throughout the MED involved extensive diagnostic troubleshooting, repair, complete system alignment and testing. System maintenance training was also provided on board US Navy and our NATO allies destroyers. John also provided Commander Sixth Fleet with (ASW) evaluations of all US Navy destroyers entering the MED for special (ASW) operations. When the Commanding Officer requested assistance to make his platform (ASW) ready, he provided his expertise and training to fulfill the task. He received many letters of appreciation from the Commanding Officers of the ships he assisted throughout his tour with SCAT. In 1975, John was transferred to his last tour of active duty at Naval Air Tactical Training Center in Memphis, TN. He was assigned to the Combat System Training & Development Group. By direction of the Chief of Naval Operations the Group was tasked to develop the Combat System Organization for all U.S. Navy combatant ships. John was instrumental in developing a (pilot) Combat System Organization course of 14 weeks and authored and taught the sonar section of the course on board the nuclear guided missile cruiser, USS Texas (CGN-39) in Norfolk, Virginia. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) approved the Combat System Organization in 1976 for the entire US Navy combatant fleet. In October 1977, John retired from the Navy receiving numerous letters of appreciation, certificates and awards throughout his entire naval career. In October 1977, his first job after retiring from the Navy was with Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS. He was hired as a Test & Trials Engineer to support the DD-963 Class Destroyer Shipbuilding Program. He conducted sonar tests for the shipbuilder during construction through sail-away. He was assigned as the builders point of contact for the sonar system certification testing for all hulls. In 1978, he was promoted to Liaison Engineer during the (CG-47) AEGIS Guided Missile Cruiser Shipbuilding Program. He authored shipbuilder engineering changes (ECs) for (CG-47) and follow-on-ships. In 1979, Raytheon Service Company in Newport, RI, hired John as a Course Developer for the Royal Saudi Navy project because of his Navy Instructor/Supervisor and training expertise. He supervised 10 technical writers in developing Instructors & Trainees Guides for the computer-controlled sonar system, underwater fire control system, and ancillary equipment installed in the Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) Frigate Class ships. He also assisted in developing troubleshooting flow diagrams for the ancillary equipment installed on that class of frigate. In 1981, John was transferred to Pascagoula, MS to support the Sonar Division of Raytheon Service Company. His extensive training and experience in system testing and certifications on new class ship ASW platforms was needed at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS. He inspected system installation, testing and certification of ASW systems installed in the (DD-963) Class destroyers, (CG-47) AEGIS Class cruisers and (DDG-51) AEGIS Class destroyers both in Pascagoula, MS and at Bath Iron Works in Bath, ME. He also assisted in developing the Navy Technical Manual for the Sonar Dome Pressurization Systems installed in (DD-963) and (CG-47) Class ships for Naval Ships Systems Command, Washington, DC. The manuscript was accepted and published by the Bureau of Publishing in 1982. In 1984, during reactivation of the Battleships USS Iowa (BB-61) and USS Wisconsin (BB-63) at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS, John supported Quality Assurance Engineers while assigned to the Combat System Test Team. He assisted in inspecting all the ordnance magazines for safety discrepancies and out of date tests on equipment used in handling ordnance. John also witnessed the installation and testing of the Torpedo Countermeasures System, Fathometer Set, and the Tomahawk Box Launchers. Later he was assigned to assist the Battleship Project Officer (BPO) which involved scheduling outside vender services and various certification teams for the Combat System tests. As Sea-Trials Coordinator, he kept check lists for readiness-for sea reports for the (BPO). John rode both battleships during INSURV Trials and witnessed the three gun turret salvo firing of the massive 16-inch guns which a site he will never forget. It was just AWSOME! He still relishes and admires the picture of the broadside salvo firing of those BIG GUNS. On October 31, 1993, John retired from Raytheon Service Company. He was hired as a Consultant on November 1, 1993 to support the New Class Ship Survivability Program Manager. He was assigned as the (ASW) Lead Inspector on the Naval Sea System Command Shock Inspection Team. He conducted visual and mechanical inspections of the sonar systems installed in (DDG-51) AEGIS Class guided missile destroyers. This also involved inspecting the ships prior to underwater explosive testing and after detonations. While assigned as (ASW) Mission Coordinator underway, he recorded the damages during the underwater explosions and provided engineering support to correct the deficiencies. He received letters of appreciation from the Shock Trials Project Managers and also received the AEGIS Excellence Award from the Navy Program Manager. He completed shock inspections on 25 of the (CG-47) AEGIS Class guided missile cruisers and 61 of 64 of the (DDG-51) AEGIS Class guided missile destroyers. On 31 July 2012, John retired at the young age of 75. John came to the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, DC (AFRH-W) in November 2012. He enjoys bowling, fishing, gardening and touring with other residents. He enjoys helping the other veterans. John has been an active member of his High School Alumni Association since 1954 and an active member of the National Sonar Association since 1984. He became a member of our American Legion Post #70 in January 2013. He was appointed as Second Vice-Commander in March 2013, nominated by the members of our post as Commander in April 2013 and in May 2013 the District of Columbia (DC) delegates voted John to the position of Commander at the annual (DC) American Legion Convention held in Rosslyn, VA. At a very dear friends request, John was asked to be a helper/caregiver after the friends back surgery. He left AFRH-W in April 2015 to take on this challenge and is residing in Plantation, Florida but misses his old vet friends. He intends to return to AFRH-W some day in the future around the young age of 90.

Duty Stations: PREVIOUS LISTED

Posted: 2015-07-12 17:23:09

Posted By: John

Poster Email:

Service & Rank: &

Currently Located In:

Originally From:

What I've Been Up To:

Duty Stations:

Posted: 2015-05-26 15:35:09

Posted By: Roger Rehm

Poster Email: rogerwrehm@gmail.com

Service & Rank: Navy & E4

Currently Located In: Bethlehem, PA

Originally From: Bethlehem, PA

What I've Been Up To: Retired from Johnson & Johnson Part Time: Director of Adult Discipleship, Calvary Wesleyan Church Part Time: Gym teacher

Duty Stations: USS Richmond K. Turner (CG-20) 1977-1978 USS Leader (MSO 490) 1978-1980

Posted: 2015-05-01 11:20:24

Posted By: WERNER MILLER

Poster Email: wmiller22@cox.net

Service & Rank: NAVYK & STCM/OTCM

Currently Located In: NORFOLK VA

Originally From:

What I've Been Up To:

Duty Stations:

Posted: 2015-04-15 17:25:10

Posted By: WERNER MILLER

Poster Email: wmiller22@cox.net

Service & Rank: USN & STCM/OTCM

Currently Located In: NORFOLK VA

Originally From: NEW YORK

What I've Been Up To: FINALLY RETIRED FOR GOOD.LOOKING FOR SHIPMATES FROM PREVIOUS DUTY STATIONS. RETIRED FROM TRACOR INC. 1991, OTHER EMPLOYMENT INCLUDED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRAINER AND INSTALLER. (BICSI)

Duty Stations: "A"SCOL KWEST 52/53, USS MANVILLE, PC 581,53-56, FSS KWEST 56-61, GRAND TURK, 61, BARBADOS 61-64, FASWS SDIEGO 64-67, KEFLAVIK ICELAND, 67-69, STAFF OCEANSYSLANT 69-72.