A UDT-SEAL Assn. Plank Owner's Card

 click to enlarge photo

Class 89

I believe this one was at  Vinh Long USArmy Camp

                                                      
                                                       Ft. Benning GA, Basic AIrborne Training the 200 ft. towers

THE OLD OUTFIT

"Written By a World War Two Sailor."

Come gather round me lads and I'll tell you a thing or two,
about the way we ran the Navy in nineteen forty two.

When wooden ships and iron men were barely out of sight,
I am going to give you some facts just to set the record right.

We wore the ole bell bottoms, with a flat hat on our head,
and we always hit the sack at night. We never "went to bed."

Our uniforms were worn ashore, and we were mighty proud.
Never thought of wearing civvies, in fact they were not allowed.

Now, when a ship puts out to sea. I'll tell you son, it hurts!
When suddenly you notice that half the crew's wearing skirts.

And it's hard for me to imagine, a female boatswains mate,
stopping on the Quarter deck to make sure her stockings are straight.

What happened to the KiYi brush, and the old salt-water bath?
Holy stoning decks at night, cause you stirred old Bosn's wrath!

We always had our gedunk stand and lots of pogey bait.
And it always took a hitch or two, just to make a rate.

In your seabag all your skivvies, were neatly stopped and rolled.
And the blankets on your sack had better have a three-inch fold.

Your little ditty bag . . it is hard to believe just how much it held,and you wouldn't go ashore with pants that hadn't been spiked and belled.

We had scullery maids and succotash and good old S.O.S.
And when you felt like topping off, you headed for the mess.

Oh we had our belly robbers, but there weren't too many gripes.
For the deck apes were never hungry and there were no starving snipes.

Now, you never hear of Davey Jones, Shellbacks or Polliwogs,
and you never splice the mainbrace to receive your daily grog.

Now you never have to dog a watch or stand the main event.
You even tie your lines today; back in my time they were bent.

We were all two-fisted drinkers and no one thought you sinned,
if you staggered back aboard your ship, three sheets to the wind.

And with just a couple hours of sleep you regained your usual luster.Bright eyed and bushy tailed, you still made morning muster.

Rocks and shoals have long since gone, and now it's U.C.M.J.
Back then the old man handled everything if you should go astray.

Now they steer the ships with dials, and I wouldn't be surprised,
if some day they sailed the damned things from the beach, computerized.

So when my earthly hitch is over, and the good Lord picks the best,
I'll walk right up to Him and say, "Sir, I have but one request.

Let me sail the seas of Heaven in a coat of Navy blue.
Like I did so long ago on earth, way back in forty two."

Erasmo "Doc" Riojas joined the U.S.Navy in 1948

Roy,
Thank you for your response on what I found on the WWW about the birth of USNavy SEALs.  I did not save what I forwarded you, so that is the reason is not posted here.   Thank you very much for the letter, above, and the two followup emails ,below.    

 Erasmo "Doc" Riojas   BUD/S class (zero,nada)

        
                            The two great women that have "canned" me.   The last one is the charm.

      
Walking in a canal, 'nam war game                                                      I was forced to leave this chushy duty  to go to the                                                                                                      the F.M.F. Korea.  Thanks to Pres.Harry Truman Truman!

 The USNavy National Naval Medical Center,Bethesda MD. This is where I was stationed

We used this Sanpan also to chase VC Tax collectors.  That is Chuck Jessie, Tuan LDNN, and Erasmo "Doc" Riojas doing the maintenance on it.  One of the LDNN dressed as a civilian did the driving.  Roy Dean Matthews asked me in the year 2007 if I was ever scared riding inside this sanpan.  The gospel truth!  I was scared shitless.  It was because we are in side that plywood enclosure and cannot see what the heck is going on.  Plywood is not bulletproof !

this book and other SEAL books are on sale on amazon.com for $0.01 plus shipping.        Yes,  ONE  cent !              June 2008:  I am presently writing a book about my military experience in the Korean Police Action as a FMF Corpsman with an infantry platoon, and also my tours to the Vietnam war games as a U.S. Navy SEAL.   I am sure my book will be for sale in Amazon.com  for the same price.

"Hey! Be Careful!"    You wanna be Careful?   Go join the Coast Guard!

"The Shark at UWSS Key West FL"  constructed by YNCS (DV)(PJ)(SS) Dow Byers (RIP). 1967. Ernie Caltenback, Master Diver, was wrapped in casting cloth for the mold. The face was byers, the hands were his wife's Annice Byers.  The shark is now atop the Diving Locker at the Naval Base, San Diego CA.

Rich Young    http://www.nightscribe.com/Military/SEALs/seals.htm    SEAL stuff!

USNS Weigel,  Doc Riojas' first seaduty as USMC Troop coming home from Korea.

              
        For Example search for John F. Rabbitt  or  Me

Lt. Jason Redman, US Navy SEAL,  ST-10

This is the story of how a bunch of New York City Firefighters met and “partnered” up with SEAL Team TEN. This began with a trip to Bethesda Naval Hospital back in October 2007. As we were making the rounds of the ward, we came upon a sign hanging from one of the patient's door. You could not help but realize that inside that room was an incredible human being; a man who gave part of himself to make this country what it is.

  This is the sign we saw:  

I immediately took a photo of this and we asked if we could meet this young man (Lt. Jason Redman, US Navy SEAL). The corpsman escort entered first and asked the warrior if he would meet with us (usual procedure) Needless to say, his response was affirmative. When we entered the room, this young man was standing there , .. hanging from him were a maze of tubes and other medical contraptions which to a normal person would mean "stay in bed", Jay greeted us like brothers and began a conversation about New York , Firefighters, and SEALs being bonded. We stayed as long as we were permitted, and left. All day long we spoke the attitude of that young man. A few days later, a friend was going down to visit the troops ... I asked her to visit this young man and to ask him if he would allow us to "adopt" his team, My friend did meet Jay and relayed my request. It was then I found out there were 200 people in the Team. Undaunted, I said "not a problem," but I knew I had to come up with 200 hats, tee shirts and patches from somewhere. A few days later, I received an email from Jay's CO, CDR Robert "Gus" Gusentine and we communicated back and forth discussing this partnership (SEALs are not adopted).

Webmaster's note:  They all met and visited three FDNY firestations and the entire ST-10 got hats and T shirts.  article from The BLAST 3d quarter 2008. Vol.40, No.3

Classic Frogmen and Dive Books

To Kill an American
by:  Australian Dentist.

To Kill an American You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. 


So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is . So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!) 


"An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan. 


An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans. 


An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses. 


An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God. 


An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness. 


An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return. 


When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country! 


As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. Americans welcome the best of everything...the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best services. But they also welcome the least. 


The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty , welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America. 


Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001 earning a better life for their families. It's been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists. 

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

This is the Casket of SEAL Petty Officer James SHU of SDV Team ONE, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Los Angeles CA, summer of 2005.        data by Tom Hawkins
Webmaster's NOTE:   This tradition started when Jerry Waters, ST-2, diet in a parachuting accident at Suffolk VA. in Nov. 1971.    Jerry was the first SEAL to die from ST-2 after the "Bud" was approved and the SEALs that attended his funeral at Savannah, GA thought it was the right thing to do to place their "BUDs" on top of Jerry's casket before it was lowered.         Doc Riojas(webmaster)      story by Capt. Ryan Mc Combie (SEAL) (Ret) USN.

 

Matthew G. Axelson	June 28	SDVT-1
Danny P. Dietz	June 28	SDVT-2
Michael P. Murphy	June 28	SDVT-1
The three SEALs named above were part of a four-man reconnaissance team that clandestinely infiltrated into the Hindu-Kush mountains along the border with Afghanistan on June 27, 2005. The squad was reportedly tracking a high-ranking al-Qaeda leader when they were ambushed by overwhelming Taliban forces with superior firepower. The three SEALs provided protective fire for a fourth member in their squad to escape, before they were killed by enemy fire.  One SEAL, HM1(SEAL) Marcus Luttrell survived this "OP",  and was later rescued.  Doc Luttrell wrote a book titled "LONE SURVIVOR" which was on best sellers list for a very long time.
The eight SEALs named below were on a combat rescue mission to reinforce a SEAL squad (above) which had been ambushed and was engaged in a fierce firefight with overwhelming Taliban forces. The eight SEALs were killed along with eight Army “Nightstalker” commandos when the MH-47 helicopter that all were aboard was shot down and crashed in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. (Full story…)
Jacques J. Fontan	June 28, 2005	ST-10
Daniel R. Healy	June 28, 2005	SDVT-1
Erik S. Kristensen	June 28, 2005	ST-10
Jeffrey A. Lucas	June 28, 2005	ST-10
Michael M. McGreevy, Jr	June 28, 2005	ST-10
Shane E. Patton	June 28, 2005	SDVT-1
James Suh	June 28, 2005	SDVT-1
Jeffrey S. Taylor	June 28, 2005	ST-10

USS NEW YORK

          
I had this made when I was working in the Texas Dept of Corrections in two of their Prisons.  I was known as "Dr. Death"   aka: Doc Riojas

                            
                                                                                          SEALS Hydro Track for treatment of injureis

                                                              
                                                 Roy Dean Matthews foot on the right

Dow Byers son, Dr. David Byers receiving
award as the youngest man ever to complete
UWSS school.  David is the son of Dow Byers YNCS.

 Warren Lockette (M.D. 1981) is the 2002 Navy recipient of the Roy Wilkins Service Award, given by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at their 93rd annual convention in Houston on July 9.

The award is presented annually to a member from each branch of the armed services who has best demonstrated accomplishments that support the Association’s principal goal of ensuring political, educational, social and economic equality for minorities in America. Lockette, a medical officer, scientist, and special advisor to the U.S. Navy’s top SEAL commando, received the award in recognition of his groundbreaking work in assisting the Navy SEALs in their diversity and recruiting programs.

 

Job Descriptions:     As a SEAL, SWCC, EOD Technician or Fleet Diver, you may be called upon to dispose of ocean-borne mines or conduct combat operations in any environment throughout the world. To qualify for special warfare/special operations, you must complete an intense physical and mental conditioning program.       The competition to become a member is fierce, but if you're motivated, self-disciplined, in excellent physical condition and have the passion to perform under pressure in extreme environments, the Special Warfare/Special Operations field might be the perfect place for you. Typical missions include gathering enemy intelligence, performing covert reconnaissance or conducting counterterrorist operations and performing long-range maritime transit in support of a variety of Special Operations.   What Will You Do? SEALs Since 1962, when the first SEAL Teams were commissioned, Navy SEALs have distinguished themselves as individually reliable, collectively disciplined and highly skilled warriors. SEALs go through what is considered by many military experts to be the toughest training, both physically and mentally demanding, in the world. Their duties include, but are not limited to: Conducting insertions/extractions from the Sea, Air or Land (hence SEAL) to accomplish covert, special operations missions in any environment throughout the world. Capturing high-value enemy personnel and terrorists around the world. Collecting information and intelligence through special reconnaissance missions – reconnoitering both enemy installations and enemy movement. Carrying out small-unit, direct-action missions against military targets. Conducting underwater reconnaissance and the demolition of natural or man-made obstacles prior to amphibious landings.     SEALs receive normal military pay and allowances, plus incentive pay for special skills and assignments. There is also a $40,000 enlistment bonus available for SEAL applicants. The enlistment bonus is the highest paid in the Navy.       Are you up for the mission? Click here to explore the clandestine world of the Navy SEALs.     SWCCs     SWCCs are trained in all environments and are the masters of maritime Special Operations. SWCCs are superbly trained as maritime mobility operators who operate a variety of high-speed Special Operations Craft (boats) in open ocean, coastal and Riverine environments.       SWCCs are required to utilize a combination of specialized training in maritime navigation, radio communications, boat/propulsion systems engineering, crew-served and personal weapons, parachuting, first aid and tactics in completion of Special Operation missions worldwide. Some duties in this field may include: Conducting maritime insertions/extractions of SEALS and other Special Operations Forces. Collecting information and intelligence on enemy military installations in coastal areas. Performing parachute/helicopter insertion operations in support of missions. Supporting military and civilian law enforcement agencies.   EOD Technicians     EOD Technicians deploy to the world's oceans and seas with Aircraft Carrier Battle Groups and amphibious-ready group staffs. They are always on hand to respond to ordnance in any environment. Specific mobile detachments called Mine Countermeasures specialize in mine hunting and mine clearance. They're specially trained to use the equipment and procedures necessary to locate, identify, neutralize, recover, exploit, and dispose of sea mines, torpedoes and depth charges.       EOD Technicians directly support the global war on terrorism by integrating with Navy SEALS, Army Special Forces, and Marine Expeditionary Units to name a few. Their unique knowledge of Improvised Explosive Devices, conventional and non-conventional ordnance, underwater ordnance, chemical/biological material and nuclear material make them a force multiplier to any war fighter. Other duties may include: Supporting Aircraft Carrier Battle Groups and Amphibious Readiness Groups in all aspects of Ordnance safety. Conducting reconnaissance and demolition of natural or man-made underwater obstacles prior to amphibious landings. Conducting demolition of hazardous munitions, pyrotechnics and outdated explosives using detonation and burning techniques. Performing underwater location and identification of foreign and domestic ordnance. Rendering safe and/or disposing of foreign and domestic ordnance. Performing parachute/helicopter insertion operations in support of missions. Supporting military and civilian law enforcement agencies. Working with cutting-edge technology to remotely disable unsafe ordnance. Conducting underwater mine countermeasure operations to clear waterways in support of the fleet.     From helping protect the President to clearing minefields, click here to learn more about the stimulating work being done all over the world by EOD Technicians.     Navy Divers     From their simple beginnings as swimmers disarming mines during the Civil War, Navy divers trace their history back to the middle of the nineteenth century when they were primarily employed in the salvage and repair of ships. The term “Navy Divers” is anything but typical. Divers have played a critical role in the Navy. The rare breed of men and women in today's Navy Dive Team play a vital role in a broad spectrum of missions.       Using the most modern diving equipment available, divers are taught how to operate in a variety of conditions — from clear, warm tropical waters to frigid, arctic waters beneath icebergs to water so murky that the work must be done by touch alone. Today, divers perform a number of essential tasks, including underwater reconnaissance, demolition, construction, ship maintenance, search and rescue, and salvage operations. Other duties may include: Performing a variety of diving salvage operations and special diving duties worldwide. Supporting military and civilian law enforcement agencies. Serving as the technical experts for diving evolutions for numerous military special operations units. Providing security, communications and other logistics during Expeditionary Warfare missions.     View the photo gallery of Navy Divers in Action!       Ready for a deeper dive? Click here to learn more about the exciting world of Navy Divers.     Skills and Training     Your training in Special Operations is a combination of intense physical and mental training, designed to push your mind and body to their limits. You’ll train in any number of conditions and environments, including maritime, coastal, Riverine, mountainous, jungle, desert and urban terrains.     Earn College Credits (Equivalent to Elective Credits)     You may learn the fundamentals of explosive ordnance disposal through formal Navy schooling. Or you may learn about chemical and biological warfare, military tactics, deep-sea diving or a number of other tactical military procedures. The courses in this field are demanding, but individuals who accept these challenges are rewarded with extra pay and extraordinary duty assignments.     Career Outlook     Jobs within Special Operations have comparable civilian counterparts that include high-level security assessment, security instructors, emergency medicine, law enforcement, civilian EOD/bomb disposal, Chemical-Biological-Radiological (CBR) protection and response, force protection/personal security and all types of diving salvage. You will be part of a community that values leadership, self-determination and organizational skills.       As you mature in any of the Special Operations fields, employers in the military and civilian communities will value you. Completing some of the most demanding training our country has to offer says that you have what it takes to accomplish any task an employer could throw your way!

Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Executive Order Honoring Vietnamese Heritage click on "X" to view the Video !      WHEREAS the Vietnamese-American community has made positive contributions to the historical, cultural, educational, and economic prosperity of California; and http://gov.ca.gov/index.php/press-release/3162