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Webmaster:   Erasmo “Doc” Riojas   email:        docrio45 [at] gmail.com  

Muchos Graphics,  hit REFRESH button if they don’t load or go to each photo and rt. mouse it and then click on SHOW Picture

The Hospital Corps Pledge

I solemnly pledge myself before God and
these witnesses to practice faithfully all of my
duties as a member of the Hospital Corps.

I hold the care of the sick and injured to be a
privilege and a sacred trust and will assist the
Medical Officer with loyalty and honesty.

I will not knowingly permit harm to come to
any patient.

I will not partake of nor administer any
unauthorized medication.

I will hold all personal matters pertaining to
the private lives of patients in strict confidence.

I dedicate my heart, mind, and strength to the
work before me.

I shall do all within my power to show in
myself an example of all that is honorable
and good throughout my naval career.

 Richard E. Cyrus

I graduated from class 35 in Little Creek in 1965. I spent 2 years in UDT-22 before going to Seal Team 2 in 1967. From 67 to 71 was the fun time in Vietnam. 

AWARDS:
Silver Star, Navy/Marine Corps Life Saving Medal, Bronze Star with Combat “V”(three awards), Purple Heart (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal with “V” (5 awards),Navy Achievment Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Many Others.

Dick Cyrus buying a pancho liner
Richard & Daugher Loren
Dick Cyrus and Lil Rio

from:
richard cyrus r.ecyrus  [at] yahoo  DOT  com DOT  ph
to: docrio45  [at]  gmail DOT  com
date Sat, Jun 11, 2011 
subject Up Date, Dick Cyrus from the P.I.

Rio,       Well I am leaving for another job next week I just wanted to send you a couple of pictures from my last trip. I think I told you I am going to Sri Lanka to meet the ship. The company has rented a big house there for the team to live instead of renting hotels. This job is a 1 year contract. I think I am going to be the Team Leader for my group, as well as Instructor for all people in the company. I’ll talk to you before I go.

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LT. Richard Cyrus SEAL Retired and living in Olongapo P.I. (no kidding)

by: Richard Cyrus,  Frogman Extraordianire 

AFTER WE GOT OUT OF THE ACEY DUCEY CLUB ACROSS THE STREET FROM UWSS,IN ONE PIECE, WE WENT CROSS THE STREET TO UWSS , CHANGED CLOTHES AND WALKED INTO TOWN. I WAS STILL DRUNK.

 I REMEMBER THINKING ABOUT HOW MANY GOOD LOOKING GIRLS WERE THERE. I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT. I DON’T REMEMBER IF WE DRANK ANYMORE I KNOW I DIDN’T NEED IT; BUT THAT NEVER STOPPED ME.

AFTER WE WENT FROM ONE END OF DUVAL STREET  TO THE OTHER. WE DECIDED TO GO HOME, BACK TO THE SCHOOL. ALONG THE WAY I PICKED UP ONE OF THOSE ORANGE CONES ON THE ROAD. IT AS A PERFECT FIT FOR MY HEAD. 

AS WE WERE WALKING A POLICE CAR DROVE UP THE POLICE OFFICER GOT OUT AND STOPPED US. HE TOLD ME HE HAD LOCKED ME UP THE WEEK BEFORE. I TOLD HIM THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE I WASN’T HERE. HE SAID HE REMEMBERED ME. 

AFTER A WHILE HE PUT US IN THE POLICE CAR AND DROVE US BACK TO THE BASE/SCHOOL. HE TOOK US INTO THE SCHOOL AND TURNED US OVER TO THE CHIEF THAT HAD DUTY. I WISH I COULD REMEMBER HIS NAME. HE WAS HEAVY SET WITH SHORT THINNING BROWN HAIR. 

HE WASN’T INVOLVED IN OUR TRAINING MUCH. HE TOLD THE POLICE HE WOULD STICK IT TO US. AFTER THE POLICE LEFT. HE TOLD US TO GO TO BED. THAT WAS IT. NEVER HEARD ANY MORE ABOUT IT. NO REPORT, NOTHING.

 FROM WHAT I HAVE READ AND HEAR; THOSE DAYS ARE OVER. NOW DAYS WE WOULD BE PUT ON REPORT, BUSTED, AND SENT TO REHAB. THEN OUT TO A SHIP. 

THAT WAS MY LAST TIME GOING INTO KEY WEST TOWN DURING UNDERWATER SWIMMER’S TRAINING.

LT RICHARD CYRUS  USN (RET)   HOOYAH!

The Real Cause of Negligent pistol Discharges

March 4, 2011,

Patty Schwalenberg ,

Telephoned me yesterday with the news that Wally Schwalenberg  died on Tuesday (I think). They were down in Mexico on a diving vacation and he had trouble breathing.

 They got him up to the boat and he died en route to shore. Patty was very upset as should be expected and was working to get his body back to Wisconsin. 

The service in next Tuesday in upstate Wisconsin. Patty asked me to take part in the service and of course I accepted. I’ve gotten ahold of Warmack & Brechtel and plan to email W.D. 

If you can contact any others in class 35 please do.


That is all I know at this time. 


Dick Pouliot

From: Chip Detmer <detmer  [at}  jeol DOT com>
To: wdusne9ret <wdusne9ret  [at]  aol  DOT com>
Cc: chuck detmer, doc Rio <chuckdetmer@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sat, Mar 5, 2011
Subject: Son’s First Jump </chuckdetmer@hotmail.com>

Mr. WD, See below for the ‘Seal Story’ my father wanted to send you:    Regards, Chip. 

Son’s First Jump 

A group of us SEALs from SEAL Team TWO were busy preparing our gear for a day of parachuting. While we were waiting for the aircraft to show up, one of the guys just back from dog handling school arrived on the scene. Our interest quickly focused on his dog, as his handler had him rigged out in a harness and intended to jump with him. 

We all knew Army dogs were dropped by parachute, but we never had the opportunity to see the equipment up close. The harness fit firmly around the dog’s body, but head, tail and legs, were free to move normally. It had two clips located on the dog’s back, one just forward of the hind legs, the other right over the front legs. The clips would be attached to the rings at the handler’s waist that held his reserve parachute. The dog would hang from the handler’s middle, parallel to the ground. 

After the handler’s parachute opened the two clips would be released, allowing the dog to drop on a line and dangle twenty feet below his handler. This lessened the chances either of them would be hurt when they hit the ground. We all noticed that the dog didn’t have a muzzle, and since we would share the close quarters of a bouncing, noisy airplane with a 95 lb. German Shepherd just back from Attack School, we all voiced our concern. 

The handler just laughed and, hugging the dog, said “Son is just a big baby and wouldn’t hurt a flea unless I told him to.” As if on cue, Son visited each of us, licking and rubbing against us as if he understood our apprehension and wanted to quell our fears. We all felt much better, but decided… just to be polite, mind you… we’d let Son be last on and first out of the plane. 

The plane arrived, and we all loaded aboard, eager to jump and to witness Son’s first jump. That dog was not at all bothered by the noise, dust, and fumes produced by the plane’s engines. He was just flat enjoying being one of the guys and, especially, being attached so closely to his handler. Son seemed to enjoy everything about the flight. Since he was closest to the open door, he got a good aerial view of Virginia as we gained altitude on our approach to the drop zone.

 However, Son’s enjoyment changed first to concern, then to down right panic, when his foolish handler gotdangerously close to the open door. Trying to alert his handler, Son began to nipat him. With the drop zone right below us, the handler decided the best way to handle Son’s panic was to get out of the plane as quickly as possible. But, the harder the handler tried to get out the door, the more Son tried to prevent this disastrous mistake by biting, scratching, clawing, and I swear, going spread eagle to keep from fitting through the door. The more strenuous Son’s objections became, the better my imitation of wallpaper got. 

Neither I, nor any of the other heroes onboard, were foolhardy enough to offer the handler any help. In fact, had the dog shot me a quizzical glance to find out whose side I was on…I’d have gone to scratching and biting that handler too. Finally, the handler, with one last desperate swipe,knocked the dog’s front feet free of the door, andboth tumbled out into space. The actions I’ve just described took only a few seconds, but I’m sure they seemed a lot longer to both dog and handler. 

The rest of us quickly exited the plane, without incident, eager to see what would happen next. As we fell, we quickly maneuvered to get a look at how the dog was reacting to his jump. If Son acted relieved when his parachute opened, I missed it. I did see that after the handler disconnected the clip holding the dogs rear, each effort to release the remaining clip was repelled by a blur of teeth that made any battle I’d seen on “Wild Kingdom” seem as tame as a roll in the hay. Starting by disconnecting the tail clip turned out to be a big mistake:  this put the biting end of that95 lb. bone grinder in the best position to defend what he thought was his last link with survival. Finally, despite bites and scratches, too many to count, the handler was able to drop Son to the twenty-foot line and finally have some relief from the panicked dog.

 The handler was a sight: his clothes were in tatters, his hands bloody, and to add insult to injury, running down his uniform front was obvious evidence of the dog’s panic. Both dog and handler seemed relieved to be separated by the twenty-foot line and soothed by their gentle descent to the ground. The dog,of course, landed before his handler and shook himself in relief to have his feet finally planted firmly on the ground. The handler landed a second later and the dog seemed perfectly willing to forgive and forget. I watched a scene much like you’d see in a love story.

You know: two young lovers running toward each other her hair flowing, etc.. Just as the joyous reunion was about to take place, the parachute landed, covering them both, again panicking the dog and producing a final flurry of bites. Remarkably, despite all that had happened, it was only minutes before the bond between man and dog worked its magic, and Son and his handler were again completely enthralled with each other. The Handler was: Wally Swallenburg! Who went through UDTR Class #35 little Creek, VA. 1965 With myself and 23 other men. 

By: Chuck Detmer

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Wally Schwalenberg 

Richard (Dick) Pouliot and Wally Schwalenberg

John Edward Gantley
January 2, 1947 – September 4, 2011  

It is with great regret we inform the membership that Jack Gantley passed away Sunday night in his sleep. He had been suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for nearly a year. 

Following graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1969 and a short stint in the fleet, Jack attended and graduated from Class 51 East Coast Training in 1971. From Platoon Commander at Underwater Demolition Team TWENTY-ONE and throughout his NSW career, Jack served in a myriad of leadership positions retiring as a Captain with 26 years after serving as Chief of the Strategic Planning and Guidance Division at United States Special Operations Command in 1995. 

Jack continued his support of the Special Operations community following his military service as a government contractor supporting the SORDAC Combatant Craft Program.
                                 Source:  UDT-SEAL Assn         

After 26 years of active duty, Jack retired as Chief, Strategic Planning and Guidance Division, S0j5, Unit Special Operations Command, at MacDill Air Force base. Jack was commissioned as an Ensign in 1969. 

After serving on the USS Ogden he transitioned to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) by graduating Basic Demolition/Seal (Buds/s) Training in April 1971. As a Navy SEAL, Jack continued in that Warfare Specialty throughout his Naval Career, progressing through the ranks as Platoon Commander at UDT-Twenty-One, Assistant Officer in Charge Naval Inshore Warfare Task Unity Europe, and Operations Officer as Seal Team. 

Captain Gantley served as Task Group Commander of Mobile Sea Bases in Operation “Earnest Will” the Northern Persian Gulf in the late 1980s. Captain Gantley’s decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Ribbon with One Star, Navy and Marine Corp Overseas Ribbon with Two Stars, among many others.

 After his retirement from the Navy, Jack was a consultant at the United States Special Operations Command for 13 years, developing, resourcing and fielding combatant maritime crafts for the Country’s Special Operations Forces.

Randy Piper

  Jenna Lee and Leif Babin, Navy SEAL catches a “keeper!”

 

Insider: What would you want America to know about being a part of a Navy SEAL family?


Jenna: That they are so honorable and they are so courageous and they are unwavering in how they feel about the country. It’s one of the things that really attracted me to Leif because if there’s one thing he is sure about, it’s that he is willing to die for the country. That type of integrity, you just don’t find. I would say that that’s the thing everyone needs to know – they really are as good as you think they are, they really are.

 

 

https://www.concealedcarry.com/safety/the-real-cause-of-negligent-discharges/

Jenna Lee and Leif Babin

I shall be posting more pictures as I receive them. Thank You.

NSW-SEALs Ride Across America-DNU.movie

“www.facebook.com/NavalSpecialWarfare” Naval Special Warfare Command Six riders set out from Coronado yesterday and are heading 3,300 miles to the Muster at the The National Navy UDT SEAL Museum in November. They are raising awareness for the NSW Foundation.   

Six bike riders were sent off in a ceremony for a Naval Special

Warfare Foundation charity bike ride in Coronado, Calif., Sept. 26, 2010.

Good luck!
Watch the brief Video:

"I think the real importance of our last six weeks was to draw attention to naval special warfare and their ambition to provide tragedy assistance to families of Seals killed in action and to our wounded Seal brothers," said retired Navy Seal Michael Badger.

Elizabeth “Liz” Logan & Jan Albertie

The President of the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum awarded them the 2010 Distinguished Achievement Award.

Liz and Jan are volunteers as Naval Special Warfare researchers and historians.  They researched, compiled and validated the database of the warriors names for the UDT-SEAL Memorial to the fallen warriors.

                 Nov 6, 2010 Ft. Pierce FL UDT-SEAL Museum

Rolf Snyder, Marketing/Media Director,  UDT SEAL Museum– Hailing from Leawood, KS, Rolf is the Museum’s resident Jayhawk! As Marketing and Media Director, Rolf is responsible for the Museum’s advertising, public & media relations, and marketing strategy. His work includes Corporate Development, E-Net, Public Affairs, Muster Planning, Theme-ing, Photography, and in-house Counsel. He also provides the staff with free, up to the minute, updates on everything KU Basketball related.

After studying at the University of Bonn in Germany, Rolf graduated from the University of Kansas, with BAs in German and Psychology. After taking some time off to work, Rolf returned to University of Kansas where he earned his law degree and MBA. Upon graduation, Rolf accepted a job in Wiesbaden, Germany and then attended the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce in Clermont-Ferrand, France where he received his MIM. Rolf is also an alumni of The Hague Academy of International Law in The Hague,Netherlands. Currently, Rolf is also the IT Director for the National World War One Museum, President of Real Estate Corporation, Inc., President of Global Perspectives Advisory Group, and a practicing attorney.

Veterans, Civilians, and family of the UDT-SEAL Assn members gathered at the beach just outside of the SEAL museum Nov. 7 to honor 82 members of the naval special warfare community, active duty and Retired, who have died since last year.

At sunrise, retired chaplain, Capt. Robert Bedingfield, who currently serves as the museum’s chaplain, read the names of all the 82 frogmen and led the crowd in prayer. A detail of SEAL combat swimmers then delivered the ashes of ten of the fallen to their final resting place out to sea, in accordance with their wishes.

Following the muster, the museum board of directors hosted a dedication ceremony for the new UDT-SEAL memorial that took two years to research and build on the grounds of the museum.

The memorial featured a wall with the names of all 252 naval special warfare personnel who have died in the line of duty since WWII and a bronze statue of a UDT (Underwater Demolition) Combat Swimmer.

Past, present, possible future SEALs celebrate 25th annual muster 

11/9/2010 

Members of SEAL Team 18 return to land after releasing the ashes of fallen SEALs into the ocean during a ceremony in Fort Pierce, Fla.,  Nov. 7. 

On a brisk November day, two Humvees speed into an open field as two MH-60 helicopters swiftly approach an empty lot nearby. The MH-60s pause and hover 40 feet above the concrete as a thick rope is dropped out the door. Several SEALs begin fast-roping out of the choppers and ducking for cover one by one. Suddenly, the sound of gunfire fills the air while helicopter propellers blow gusts of sand into SEALs faces. Bodies of what appear to be terrorists drop to the ground, and thousand of people cheer. 

This may sound like a Special Operations mission in Afghanistan, but in reality, it was a demonstration by members of SEAL Team 18 from Little Creek, Va., who showcased their Special Warfare capabilities to a crowd of more than 5,000 service members and civilians at the 25th Annual National UDT-SEAL Museum Muster at Fort Pierce, Fla., Nov. 6. 

The demonstration was just one of many special events that took place at the weekend muster, which is open to the public and draws thousands of active military members, dependents, retirees and interested onlookers from the local community and beyond. 

BIll "Fat Rat" Sutherland

Capt. Rick Woolard and UDT SEAL Swimmers at burial at sea ceremony

FROM: Rick Woolard  wrote: On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 

Doc Riojas,

After looking at the photos on your site, people may be wondering why the bagpipe is often played at SEAL ceremonies. The reason is simple: SEALs are warriors and pipe music is warrior music. 

The sound of the pipes makes men brave. If the piper’s good enough, it also makes women sentimental, kids dance, and babies sleep…but that’s another story.

The pipes were played in battle by the Scots (also the Irish, to some extent) for centuries, first in the days of the Highland clans, then in the British army. As a force multiplier, pipers in British and Commonwealth regiments played in combat around the world. When it was time to go to work, up front was their traditional place. At Waterloo while being charged by French cavalry, Piper MacKay stepped outside a British square so everyone could see and hear him while he played a few tunes to keep everyone’s spirits up. Team guys can see his in-your-face logic. At Dargai in one of Britain’s Afghan Wars, Piper Findlater led the charge and continued playing after being shot through both legs. This earned him a Victoria Cross. Several other pipers have also received this award.

Their casualties were high. In World War One, 1000 pipers were killed. It looked like they might run out of pipers, so the British War Office officially prohibited them from playing in battle. But in World War Two Piper Bill Millin played the troops ashore on D-Day anyhow and the sound of the pipes was heard in various battles in the European theater. Urgent request to HQ from a British infantry commander in heavy contact with Nazi troops: “Send four tanks or one piper!”

Nowadays Scottish and Canadian regiments fighting alongside our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq have pipers whose combat role is often machine gunners, but they break out their pipes for various other occasions. I know some unofficial American pipers are there too.

I learned the pipes as a kid but did not play much on active duty due to time constraints. After I retired, the wars came, our brothers died, and I was asked to play at SEAL memorial services and funerals. It has been my sad honor to do this over 40 times so far. Other pipers, SEALs among them, do this for our fallen as well.

When the UDT-SEAL Association and the UDT-SEAL Museum asked me to play at Reunions and Musters I was honored to do it. Many pipers feel they need to dress in full Scottish military dress uniform. For a guy who spent 30 years in the Teams, it seems wrong to wear the ceremonial uniform of a soldier from another country, so I wear civilian clothes or the cammies I wore when I retired. Besides, it’s not about the piper’s appearance; it’s how well he plays the music. 

Like many other traditions that come from elsewhere, pipes are now an American custom, too. There is even a tune specifically for SEALs; its title is “The USN SEALs March”. It was composed in 1993 by a well-known piper in Scotland to honor his SEAL friends at the Naval Special Warfare Unit in Machrihanish. It’s a good tune and I play it every chance I get.

Rick Woolard, CAPT, USNavy SEAL, Retired

UDT SEAL swimmers, burial at sea, taking out the deceased SEALs ashes
Lt to Rt: Bud Thrift, Jim Finley, Dan Olson, CHuck Jessie, Duke Leonard, Jim Fricks
Reflention in the center panel of Dana Brown and Dan Olson
Bob "Eagle" Gallagher, Jim Finley, Dan Olson
Dan Olson and Admiral Olson they are not related
Dan Olson, Dana Brown, LouLou Tolentino and Doc Riojasw
Lt to Rt: CHuck Jessie, Duke Leonard, Dennis SPrenkle, Jim Fricks, Dan Olson
Lt to Rt: Dennis Sprenkel, Bob "Eagle" Gallagher, Joseph "Red" Coyle
Bob "Pete" Peterson and Dan Olson
Dan Olson making a pit stop
Dan Olson making a pit stop

 

http://blog.seattlepi.com/travelforaircraft/archives/230200.asp?from=blog_last3

http://www.realseal.org/museum/museum.htm

http://www.navysealmuseum.com/quarterdeck/staff.php

 

MORE Muster PICTURES  HERE!  Keep checking back as I will be adding more as I receive them from the folks that attended the Muster 2010.

 

 

Dan Olson and Gena Brown

  Follow their adventure from Michigan to California down to FL.
http://dangenaexcellentadventure.blogspot.com/

Follow their adventure from Michigan to California down to FL.
http://dangenaexcellentadventure.blogspot.com/

Dan & Gena Brown, Lourdes Tolentino & Erasmo "Doc" Riojas
Dan Olson and Admiral Olson, the Captain is ???
L-R , Chuck Jessie, Duke Leonard, Jim Fricks. Olson, Leonard, & Fricks all Class 40 (6702).
Bud Lt. to Rt. :Bud Thrift, Jim Finley, Dan Olson,Chuck Jessie, Duke Leonard, Jim Fricks
Dennis &Dennis Sprenkle from Orlando, Bob "Eagle" Gallagher, Joseph "Red" Coyle
Bob "Eagle" Gallagher, Jim "Mayor of MyTho" Finley, Dan Olson Nov 2010 UDT SEAL Museum Ft. Pierce FLDan & Gena Olson on road to the Ft. Pierce Muster and LouLou & Doc Rio .

Gena's Photo Album

Dan Olson and Gena Brown
Lt to Rt:Duke Leonard, Dan Olson, "Skip" Isham, "Pete" Peterson Isaiah 6:8 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Bob "Pete" Peterson & Dan Olson

Brothers In Arms Buried Together

October 4, 2010 4:07 PM

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6927119n 

Travis Manion and Brendan Looney were roommates at the naval academy and became as close as brothers. One became a Marine stationed in Iraq, the other, a Navy Seal in Afghanistan. Both have died and were laid to rest side-by-side in Arlington’s National Cemetery. David Martin reports.
Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6927119n#ixzz11bPxbngn

Lenny Waugh, "Hoss" Kucinski, Chuck Detmer, "Doc" McCarthy
Marc A Lee
Matthew B.
Roberts Mitchell Hall

—– Original Message —–
From: Dave Bodkin
To: Erasmo Riojas
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 7:53 PM
Subject: Fw: Re: Video Kaloki’s Photo’s Gday Rio I finally got some pic’s of Kaloki head your way!! Check out www.opboats.com Ay! Hope to make the Muster this fall if the Doc’s can fix my main Aorta Valuve !
All the best
Dave 

Jeff "Speedy" Gonzalez

Craig E. Dorman

CRAIG E. DORMAN (Chairman) was previously Director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and is now serving as Deputy Director, Research and Engineering, for Laboratory Management in the Department of Defense. 

He spent 26 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring with the rank of Rear Admiral after serving as Program Director for Antisubmarine Warfare of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. He also served on underwater demolition teams and as a U.S. Navy SEAL. His distinguished military career includes the honors of Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation and Achievement Medals, among others. 

Dr. Dorman serves on numerous advisory boards (including the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Board of Trustees), has served on the National Research Council (NRC) Ocean Studies Board, and currently serves on the NRC Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate.

  Dr. Dorman received his B.S. (geography) from Dartmouth College, an M.S (oceanography) from the Navy Postgraduate School, and a Ph.D. in oceanography from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Joint Program.

CRAIG E. DORMAN

Scott Danielson PO2 (SEAL)  RIP  

While training off the coast of Virginia Beach, VA, Scotty was in a small boat that capsized when hit by a large wave in a winter storm on Thursday Feb. 22, 2001. When mustered back together, head count was one short. When his body was recovered it was discovered that he suffered a broken neck. Anyone that knew him would describe him as funny and the kind of guy that would do anything for a teammate. He was also a hell of a point man in the Teams.  Dates of service:  1992 to 2001

—– Original Message —–
From: Joe Hunter
To: doc rio
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 9:49 AM Subject:
Re: UDTR picture 
Doc, 

The class number is 36, UDTR Class 36. If you were in Key West during the summer of 1966, I was there. Sorry, I do not remember you, but there are few Instructers I remember.

  The one’s I do remember are the one’s that made my life hell. One that I will not forget is Fraley. He pushed me all the time on the runs. I was not a fast runner and he enjoyed getting in front of me and smoke that big cigar. 

One time he got in front of me and told me to grab and hold on to his shirt. When I did, he took off running and towed me 100 yards in front of the group. He then told me if the group caught up to me, he would have my ass. That was enough incentive for me! When we crossed the ditch into the training area in Rosy Roads, the group was only about 10 yards behind me. 

He still had my ass though. It really bothered me when I learned he was killed. 

Hershel Davis was my swim buddy and I towed him a lot when he got cramps on those long swims.  We were neighbors in little Creek, great guy, say hello to him for me. Damn I liked that guy.

Joe Hunter

GulfCoast SEALs & Other Vets: BackROW: Jim Tribon EOD, Larry Theorine, Lowell Dickey PBR, Dave Casale, Joe Hunter, Curt GIbby. SITTING: Bob Northrup (son-in-law of Dee ), A. Dee Clark, Erasmo “Doc” Riojas, Joe Baimbridge DVO, Dan Potts
Lowell "Bo" Burwell "Doc"
Class 33 EC reunion in Honduras top row: 2ndfrom left: Bob Holmes; 5th man: Fred Miller
Erasmo Riojas
Dusty Rhoades
Joe Bell
John Roat, Larry Lyons,
Lt. Trani KIA 'nam
Fred Toothman
Charles P. Doc O'Brian
Bob Gormly author:
Doc Hammel
Fellers"Combat Swimmer"
"Andy" Anderson
Mr. Charles Watsonclick to enlarge
Moscone & Ruth
Bret, ?? Janet Jack Lynch
Pete " Mr. Sen" Petersen Larry Bailey
Pete Meston
Joe Silva and John Cooper
Lt.to rt: Rex Davis Larry Brown&Tom Marsh.
SEAL Team ONE:
R.W."Pete" Peterson: ST-2 Silver Star, P.H.
Tom Norris
Frank Thornton
Doc Martin, Rio, Manny"Doc" Perez, Doc Clark, John Fritz
click to enlarge it UDT-21
Sweet Ole Bill Daugherty (SOB) Cindy
CDR Fane and Erasmo Riojas
Bret Lynch (SEAL)
Doc "Leg" Martin & Nancy
Captains Olson & Barnes
John Roat finally cut off long hair
R.D. Russell, Tossi, Larry Bailey
Kiet Nugyen LDNN & Tom Norris ST-1 'nam
Michael Thornton (MOH) and Tom Norris (MOH)
"Doc" Moreno(SEAL)Team 4,severly WIA Steve Elson & Erasmo Riojas

Doc Riojas,

The truth is that I never received a letter directly electronica, which only send to the pool of frogs. You agra’dezco which I’ve communicated with my dear friend, frog; Hondurena, Eddie Padgett. Erasmus, you’re very creative in your website. You have much talent. Erasmus, It looks like your military career you ‘taught a lot of life. For sure it has not been easy. 

I, on the one hand, always consider medicine; moreover, sycologia and justice .. With a view toward the (FBI) That’s right, as I envolvi, with the seafaring infantry / reconnaissance battalion strength, then, via buds / frogs fighters.

23JUNE2011   This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

Operation Just Cause Panama

     Special Operations.Com

Joseph Maguire
Bert Call and wife
Lt to Rt: Brumuller, Nissle, Stephensen, Olson, Riojas,
Roy Boehm's Toy also read: "First SEAL" a SEAL Team TWO mustang
Jono Ray Smith
Adm. Eric Olson
Arles "Nasty" Nash
Michael Murphy
Mike Slattery
Steve ELson
Moki Martin (SEAL) receives USNavy Commendation Medal

Navy Seals Honored

A retired Navy SEAL, who was apart of a secret combat operation more than 35 years ago, received the medal of valor. Lt. Moki Martin never spoke about the operation and now we are hearing how he saved lives while risking his own.

UDT-SEAL ASSOCIATION FIRST North Texas 
Chapter Meeting Come and join the First UDT-SEAL Association “North Texas Chapter” 
event hosted by Roger & Debra GUERRA and Bill Holloway and John Ware 
  What: “North Texas Chapter” Get together and meeting 
  When: October 25, 2008 
4:30 PM (Notice its PM not AM) 
  Where: Greater Fort Worth Area @ 
2112 Chaparral Rd Azle, TX76020 
email me or telephone: rdguerra [at] flash.net 
  
Roger Guerra

 Hey Guys, Gals, and Kids,   With the help of Bill Holloway and John Ware we will host your First “North Texas Chapter” meeting up here at my house in the country at Azle, TX. So, lookin forward to seeing all you Frogs & SEALs within shoutin distance!!!    This should be a great time and good ole Texas get together for our first meeting and family event. Anyway, for our first meet, I’ll cook burgers and provide beer & soft drinks for $10 per couple please RSVP (important for food ordering). If you’re coming stag, it’s only $5 a head.  

 I want our first meet to be economical enough that everyone makes it and find out what we want to do from this point on. I live between Fort Worth and Azle, TX and the address is above. If you want to bring a covered dish, please call me and we’ll figure something out! Covered dishes are great surprise foods that are usually fantastic and taste great.   

We have a pool so kids can swim if they so desire, and so can the adults if you still remember how, this time it’s not mandatory.  I personally swim like a gaftop that had a quarter pounder dropped on him (you know laying on its side).  

 There are several hotels within shoutin distance on the west and northwest side of Fort Worth. Cowtown (north side) is 20 minutes from me for the really hearty!  We’ll start at 4:30 and go till someone yells uncle, so it could be a long night (we got a lot of meetin, greetin, and catching up to do!). I’ll recover on Sunday with a strong sermon if any one is interested!    I received a good response in putting this group together and hope most of you can make it. There’s a lot of team members not in the UDT-SEAL Association that hopefully participate and our welcome, this is about the Brotherhood so we’ll see.  

 Bring your smiling faces and any ole Team related photos so we can all laugh and have some fun.  Anyway, please respond by Oct 15 so we can finalize plans and have enough food and drink to accommodate everyone.   
Looking forward to seeing you all, 
Roger and Debra Guerra  

Roger Guerra

Walter Diaczenko :I have 2 son’s that aspire to become Navy SEALs. Dillon the oldest, is in the NROTC at Penn State and will graduate in May 2009. He hopes to go directly into BUDS Training.
Joe Hansen standing behind Roger Guerra Roosey Roads P.R.
Roger Guerra

 UDT-21, Captain Stanley “Pete” Meston   FROM: Roger Guerra:       Most of that memory is beered away but here goes with my best effort….. 1st row squated  L-R  Steve Dudley, don’t know , isn’t the last guy Pat Morgan?
1st row standing L-R Chief Schmidt, 3d man LTjg Ridgeway  6th man-Stan Meston, 8th man Drew Bissett
2nd row standing L-R 2nd man -Chief Janecka, 5th man was our Corpman Doc—???
1st row enlisted L-R, 2nd man Pierre Ponce, 3rd man- Keith Payne, 5th man- Red Hunter, 8th man- Jim Swatzell
2nd row enlisted-L-R 6th “man” —yours truly
3rd row enlisted L-R, Winters, 7th man-Bill Sweeney
4th row enlisted, L-R 3rd man Dennis Berger (?) not sure but it looks like him, 7th man-Al Grills.?, last man on row looks like Jimmy Allgeier (pretty sure, but I thought he was in med)
Last row – L-R 4th man-Joe Hunt
If I remember any more names I’ll get them to you but you might blast out and see if we can get any help!
  Thanks Amigo! 
ADDENUM: OK, one more, first row standing, L-R, 3rd man- LTJGRidgeway (he signed my discharge papers.) Need…..more….beer….to…recall, ……must …..get …..liquid…..refreshment…..
Another ADDENUM:   First row standing correction:  L-R 3rd man, Lt May?, 4th man- LtJG Barbata, 5th man-Lt Ridgeway and the last man in that row I believe is Chief Manard?
My NOTE:  I am sure more to come?

Please email me more names:       docrio45 [at] gmail.com         Thank you.

Michael Welvaert

USS Michael Murphy

Navy Secretary Names New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy

Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced today at a ceremony in  Lake Ronkonkoma  ,  N.Y.   , the name of the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be Michael Murphy. Designated as DDG-112, the name honors Lt. Michael Murphy who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wing in  Afghanistan   on June 28, 2005.

            Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Lt. Michael P. Murphy lead a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position.  Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element.  He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds.

            Michael Murphy will be one of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced, state-of-the-art warships in the fleet. With the combination of Aegis, the vertical launching system, and advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea. Utilizing a gas turbine propulsion system, Michael Murphy will be able to operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.

            Michael Murphy will be the 62nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The 9,200 ton ship is being built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics Company and will be 509.5 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 59 feet, a crew size of 323 (23 officers and 300 enlisted) and she will make speed in excess of 30 knots

Now:Christian O'Connor
Ron Rector
Ray Smith
Christian O'Connor

Rio, 

Roger Clapp was an officer at ST-1 and ran the Armory for part of the time when I was there. He is now the Naval Special Warfare Center Command Historian. He has an office at the Coronado training center and has access to the Navy’s version of the database which is far more extensive than mine. The Navy’s database includes ALL of the WWII guys (mine only goes from 1947 to the present day), and Roger can actually look up the training records on anyone who was in BUD/S… whether they successfully graduated, or they were dropped for failure to meet performance qualifications, or they were medically dropped, or they quit. 

Steve Robinson

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Bill Rice
John Wayne Marcum KIA
Roger Guerra, Troy Vought, Mike Macready
Dan Cnossen
Robert Berry

Capt. Pete Wikul “Bull Frog” Retires

. Pete Wikul last saw his father at the age of 8, on a street corner in his native Harlem. “He was a heroin addict,” Wikul said Friday. “It was on West 140th Street. Either the cops or the Mafia came for him. I was never sure which.”

http://www.military.com/news/article/military-bull-frog-hops-into-retirement

About: Brian Lippe attended Vista High School and graduated in the class of 1971. His father was a career Marine Officer and often deployed. He comes from a big family and after high school he left home, flew to Kodiak, Alaska and worked on fishing boats for about six months. He says it was a great experience and a lot like traveling back in time 100 years or so. After his Alaska adventure he decided to join the Navy. 

He started out as a Construction Electrician in the Seabees. Shortly after that he joined the SEALs in San Diego. He went through BUD/S in 1975 and spent the next 23 years with the SEAL Teams where he did tours with SEAL Team ONE, SEAL Team TWO, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two, Special Boat Unit 12 and twice as a SEAL Instructor. 

Lippe somehow managed to earn a Bachelors and two Masters degrees along the way. After retiring from the Navy, Lippe went to work for Salomon Smith Barney, a major wall street firm, with an office in La Jolla. During his time there, when 9/11 occurred, he was offered some work for the SEAL headquarters. It was supposed to last about 3 months and it ended up lasting 3 years. 

A SEAL friend of his then asked him if he could help with the finances for a new navy project. Lippe spent the next 5 years working on that. Lippe was diagnosed with cancer in about March of 2013. He spent two years fighting before he was able to stop going to the hospital for treatment about a year ago.

 During his time recovering, Lippe has been getting out and practicing photography as well as helping his wife Pamela Murphy with her passion for oil painting. Lippe “decided [he] didn’t want to waste too much time, [he] didn’t want to sit around the house and if [he] could do something that other people would enjoy and especially other people that couldn’t get out to see for themselves, it would be a value added.” Lippe feels very fortunate just to be here but also that he lives in Coronado and is able to have the time to look at life differently! 

Chasing Light. “My photos are the product of a lifetime of interest in photography that has blossomed recently because I finally have the time to concentrate on it. I got my first camera (a box camera) when I was about 7. The technologies available today along with social media make it so easy to learn, to get inspiration and to share that it is hard to believe there was a time when none of that existed. I like to share my photos because I know there are some out there that can’t get to the beach or even get outside to see the world around them and others that are stuck on their computers or just busy with their lives all day.

” I’ve found that it’s a great way to engage with people online and overall it’s just very positive!” 

-Brian Lippe 

Coronado, CA, 92118

 

 

 

 Jose Alberto Treviño  R.I.P.
1956 – 2017

Terry Ray Manley RIP 
1939 – 2018

“Terry Ray Manley, age 78 of Alpine, California passed away on Monday, June 4, 2018 at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in San Diego, CA. Terry was born on September 9, 1939, to Raymond and Margaret (Melvin) Manley in Traverse City, Michigan. He graduated from Waldorf High School in Waldorf MN, in 1958. Terry married his highschool sweetheart Bonnie Spangler on August 30, 1960. He enlisted in the US Navy and served for 20 years. He served tours of duty in Vietnam and was a Navy SEAL.

Clayton C. Grady Jr.  R.I.P. 
1938 – 2017

My first tour to Nam, i bought a hat like this one at SEARS
CuChi tunnel to the V.C. Disney land about the VC tunnels. after a few more paces towards ROy's back and he said: " I don't feel good and he went to the floor." We got him back to Japan where he was diagnosed a PULMONARY EMBOLUS, was operated, recovered and came home after about 10 days.
Glen Grinage our STAB driver 1967-1968 in Vietnam
Frank Cleary E.C. frogman
Ajay James
Fred Miller, Sam Fournier,Lowell Gosser (hand up), Bobby Jean Stamey
Richard "Pete" Parker R.I.P.
Cade Courtley
Roy Dean Matthews suffered a Pulmonary Embolus because his "Quack" doctor did not give him enoujgh anticoagulant medication for our trip to Vietnam year 2009

ny Frogman  who knew my dad, please send them my way. You may publish my email address 
“Yana Debbaneh”:     mothernancy1953  [at]  gmail.com

Jeff Jeffries W.C. Frogman

Aldo Ray Frogman Okinawa
Audry Colemand and Ron "Lil Ron" Rogers

/the second man back is Sam Fornuier (sp) I am not sure about the others or the man in front. looks like my hat and I carried a stoner but the man is left handed unless the photo was in reverse when it was made from a slide. the man with his hand up looks like Lowell Gosser and the one where you only see the hat, the hat looks what bobby Jean Stamey wore ( sp) Just do what you can when you can, , Are you going to send me the M1911A? I can have it returned in a week or two at the most, That is if Linda makes me do something, If you send it use the post office, all you tell them it is being returned for repairs and Take it apart so you can tell them it is parts,” Metal parts” Insure it and use tracking it makes no difference what you insure it for they will do double duty not to lose it, If you do not want to send it for fear of losing it I understand and it is ok. I have done so many of them I do a good quick job on 1911’s . it changes the value up quite a bit. You must remember I am not just bluing it. I fake it so it looks like a original. then put a finish on it same as originally done.    Fred Miller fmilcusguns   [at]  aol.com

Thomas Francis Walsh
   R.I.P.  1966 – 2017

Robert G. Newton R.I.P.
1940 – 2017

George R. Chancellor R.I.P.
1926 – 2017

Robert G. Newton R.I.P.
1940 – 2017

Derrick Van Orden
Ryan ZInke Department of the Interior Secretary

Marc N. Waterman R.I.P.
June 1946 – October 2016

THE LIGHT OF INTEGRITY

“The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts.

Think only on those things that are in line

with your principles and can bear the full

light of day. The content of your character is

your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what

you think, and what you do is who you

become. Your integrity is your destiny. . .

is is the light that guides your way.”

Heraclitus Greek Poet, Philospher  

Charles Humphrey Keating IV  R.I.P.
1985 – 2016

Crowds line the streets at funeral for SEAL killed by ISIS in Iraq who was grandson son of disgraced financier Charles Keating Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV, 31, from Phoenix was killed in Irbil during a gun battle with ISIS earlier this month Part of a special team sent in to rescue U.S. military advisers who called for help after being ambushed by 100 jihadis Navy SEAL was shot at 9.30am during the ensuing gun battle and rushed to medical center by a black hawk helicopter But the rescue operation could not save him in time and he was declared dead after the military confrontation last week Keating was a star high school distance runner, the grandson of the late Arizona financier, Charles Keating At a memorial ceremony on Thursday was posthumously awarded a Silver Star, the nation's third-highest combat medal and was meritoriously promoted to Chief Petty Officer
Coronado Police and California Highway Patrol officers lead the funeral for Navy SEAL Charles Humphrey Keating IV, killed in action on MayRead more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3588418/Navy-SEALs-invite-public-honor-fallen-SEAL-killed-Iraq.html#ixzz48b5jYtuO Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
From left, Seaman Daniel DelBianco, Seaman James “Derek” Lovelace and Petty Officer 2nd Class Caplen Weare. (Courtesy of DelBianco family, U.S. Navy and the Weare family)
Women in SEAL BUD/S training? The way we do it now? Yeah, Right !

CDR Jay Hennessey, US Navy SEALs Selecting character and competence
Commander Jay Hennessey Commanding Officer – Basic Training Command 
Biography:   As a SEAL for more than 22 years, Jay has completed numerous overseas deployments in and outside theaters of war throughout the Western Pacific, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In addition to his operational tours, Jay has served in a variety of other assignments involving selecting, training and qualifying young men to become U.S. Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant Crewman. 

CDR Jay Hennessey Commanding Officer – Basic Training Command
THE TRAINING EXERCISES ARE PARTICULARLY TOUGH BECAUSE THE SEALS ARE ONE OF THE MOST ELITE GROUPS IN THE MILITARY, EXPECTED TO EXECUTE SOME OF THE MILITARY’S MOST DIFFICULT SPECIAL OPERATIONS MISSIONS – INCLUDING, FOR INSTANCE, THE 2011 RAID ON OSAMA BIN LADEN. 

“SN James “Derek” Lovelace was aided to the edge of the pool by instructors where he then lost consciousness. Resuscitation efforts and first aid at the scene were unsuccessful,” the Navy said. The pool exercise involves treading water and swimming in dive masks and camouflage uniform. Trainees take part in the exercise on their first week to determine their competency and confidence in the water, the Navy said. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of SN Lovelace,” said Capt. Jay Hennessey, commanding officer of the Naval Special Warfare Center. “Though Derek was very new to our community, he selflessly answered his nation’s call to defend freedom and protect this country.” 

Diane & Don Shipley and Friends

Apr 9, 2013 

Former Navy SEAL Jan Janos graduated BUD/S Class 49. His brother Jim Janos (AKA Jesse Ventura) graduated BUD/S Class 58. Don Shipley Navy SEAL BUD/S training Interview with a former Navy SEAL Jan Janos. 

Hell Week, Quitting and Training Tips for aspiring SEALs. http://www.extremesealexperience.com/ Extreme SEAL Experience SEAL and BUD/S Prep courses are conducted in Norfolk, Virginia (Chesapeake) home of the East Coast SEAL Teams BUD/S Special Forces Army Ranger Marine RECON MARSOC Air Force Para Rescue, Navy SEALs Prep Training. EXTREME SEAL EXPERIENCE.com. 

Hell Night, Platoon, Advanced, SEAL Sniper, and SEAL Advanced Operator Training. SEAL Training BUDS Prep. Helo Cast, Underwater Knot Tying, Drown Proofing Training Our Training Course “Hell Night” is an intense 24-hours designed to build confidence and show guys how to survive Navy SEAL Hell Week. This is accomplished by using all SEAL instructors who have survived BUDS themselves and teach guys how they did it. The day gets progressively harder and at midnight, we take off the gloves as Instructors and see if trainees have learned anything they were taught during the day.

  Not a mindless day of push-ups and wind sprints, this is a training course dedicated to helping guys survive the “number one” evolution in BUDS ( Hell Week) that trainees quit BUDS Training participating in. “You can’t do that in just 24-hours!” THE F**K I CAN’T! I have since 1992 and it works… The second hardest part of BUDS is staying motivated for six hard months. Most guys know a lot about BUDS, but little about the ultimate goal, which is SEAL Team. And each push-up and each day in BUDS becomes harder. 

We take care of that with Advanced and Sniper Training courses and show guys some of what they’ll be doing as SEALs. Training with SEALs and asking questions, planning missions, shooting weapons and combat survival helps maintain focus for the “Toughest Military Training in the World.” Kick Some Ass.

 http://www.extremesealexperience.com                                   http://www.stewsmith.com/

Steve and Sharon Robinson
Claude Willis R.I.P.
Marcus Lutreel & Doug Gallaher
Don Shipley
Gene Odom

Doc Andy Nelson here. Claude was basically SRB’d out of the navy due to his high number of years. 32 or 35 years. He drank himself to death after he retired. Good man and CMC at ST-1.


From: Greg Middleton       to: Doc Riojas

Word that we got at ST-1 was that Claude died of acute alcohol poisoning two years after his retirement. Needless to say — all the young bucks that he taught ‘snap shooting” to…took it extremely hard. Chambo, Gus, and Doc Johnson (and the others in the Goat Locker…reminded us that we all had a “Shelf-Life”. 
Always seemed that we routinely lost a huge amount of “industrial knowledge” every time someone was Piped Ashore or left to whatever new challenge they found. With the latest nonsense that I’ve been hearing regarding the UBL takedown…just seems that we have some weird need to “eat our own”. 
Sorry to have to be the one that brought up Claude’s passing to you…he was truly one of the Best! 
All my best… 
Greg Middleton

Clay Sherman

Clay Sherman then and now
cws754 - x wife and I in Coronado before kids
cws270 - my dad, me and my two sisters
cws444 - graduating UDT Training,
cws715 - Police Academy graduation, my mother and stepfather,
My daughter and Me
Utah Static Full Combat Jump77 - Training in Utah

“UDTRA Class 55 Officers and Chiefs 4/10/71”

Hi Doc, 

I did receive the coins. Thanks! I never really looked at your site. It is amazing and it would take a long time just to look at it all. I found my stuff in the Album.  My mistake sorry. I didn’t realize what your intentions were because I had never looked at your site. I was just giving you an idea of what I had done. Putting it on the site is fine. I used UDTRA instead of BUD/S Training because I believe that that was what it was called at the time. Within two years the new training unit was completed and both coasts training were consolidated to the West Coast. 

Thank you,     Clay Sherman                   clay.sherman  [at]    gmail  DOT   com

From: Clay Sherman
to: Hi Doc Riojas Date: 09Sep2014
Subj: Photos and history about my Navy Career as you requested I did receive the coins. They’re pretty nice. I’m glad you got that check. I did cancel the other one. 

Attached are a few photos you asked about. I graduated in West Coast Class 55 on 4-10-1970. I did one tour of Vietnam from Jan to July of 1971. The de-escalation began then and no one replaced our platoon. Some of the other platoons may have had more combat but on one of our ops one of our guys was killed (Lester Moe). This had been his fourth trip back to back. He had a wife and daughter and one on the way. 

Once back in Coronado I did my time and got out (2-13-1973). I went back to New Jersey, worked for my Mother and Step-father in their towing business for a year and then I became a cop in 32 man PD. I had wanted to be a cop all my life. 

My Dad was one for 35 years. I quit the PD in August of 1976 and re-entered the Navy in September of ’76. I went to Norfolk to be outfitted. While there I met Mike Naus. We both got orders to SEAL Team One. I was there until January of 1984. From there I headed to Dam Neck where I stayed until about April of 1992. 

I headed up to Washington D.C. to be the SEAL Detailer. In July of ’95 I headed to the Dive Locker in Panama City, FL and after a year I became the Base Command Master Chief and on January 31, 2000 I retired with 29 years 4 months. I was already a Bay County, Florida Deputy at that time. I did about 5 years there and then came up here to assist my step-mother. 

 I have two fantastic kids. Jason is 30 married to an FBI Agent. He’s a civil engineer working in the Dallas, TX area. Lynsey is 28, married and works for the State Attorney’s office in Tallahassee. She has a Communications Degree. And I’m not a grandfather yet. So that’s my life in a “nut shell”. Life was great at times and not so good at other times just like everyone else. So you can see what I looked like a “few years ago and now.

 I don’t know where the time has gone. I know you understand that. 

Take care, Clay



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LCDR Mc Nally

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE UDT
“ NAKED WARRIOR ” AT BELLOWS BEACH VETERANS’ DAY,
NOVEMBER 11 TH AT 4:00

The Naked Warrior statue is a commemorative to the founding of the original U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Teams, and stands near the 1943 commissioning site of UDT ONE and UDT TWO .
The legendary actions of these early frogmen in WWII were essential to our eventual victory. Decades later, the UDT’s developed into the SEAL (“Sea Air Land”) Teams.

This site will perpetuate this remarkable history and provide a gathering place for SEALs and their families for generations to come. If you would like to attend the dedication, please rsvp by email to Brian Barbata at bjbarbata@me.com before October 31 , 2014 .
Bellows is a restricted military installation, and your name will be preleared on a list at the gate if you rsvp Present a copy of this invitation to the gate guard.
You should plan to arrive by about 3:45 and we will wrap it up by 5:00.

Pupus and refreshments will follow. For directions, type “Bellows Field Park” in your map or GPS application, or send us an email.
We look forward to seeing you on November 11th !

A Vietnam Sea Story by:   Richard Cyrus of SEAL Team TWO

From Doc Rio
To:  Larry Bailey 
Date: August 1, 2014 
Subj: Question by Dick Cyrus, can you answer it, please

Larry, below is the question he asked me, perhaps you may know the answers:


Rio my friend and teammate; 
Do you remember what Plt. relieved your Plt. the 7th in My Toe? I was in Ving Long from Jan. 68 for a couple of months before my Plt. the 9th was transfered to Can Toe. We were relieved by a West Coast Plt. I don’t know who relieved you guy’s. Lt. Anderson was our Plt. Officer in Ving Long, He got shot in the ass and went home. Gormly took over in Can Toe. Who was the Doc in the 7th Plt in Jan & Feb. 68 ? 

When you get up answer my e-mail; I think it’s about 0725 at your house because it’s 1925 here in the Pi. 

Best Regards Teammate;   Be careful over there. 
Richard Cyrus ,  “sperm depleted in the P.I.”



From: “Erasmo \”Doc\” Riojas”
To:  Richard Cyrus
Date: August 1, 2014  
Subject: Re: Do you remember? 

I’ll work on that. I thought you were in the platoon that relieved us? Didn’t we break you in? I’ll ask around. thanks you OK? 

Rio


 

 From:  Larry Bailey 
To:  Doc Riojas
Date Aug 1, 2014 
Subj:  Question by Dick Cyrus about  who relieved the 7th Platoon in MyTho 1968.


RIO  Capt Rieve may know but I do not have his email address. I am sending this email to about 25 guys that were in Team TWO that may remember. 

Larry Bailey


 

  From: richard cyrus 
Date: Aug 2  2014
Subj: My Visit to MyTho Vietnam in 1968 and what i remember about my First Combat Op in ‘nam


Rio; My Plt (9th.) was getting set up in Ving Long; we had just got in country. Ed Bowen and I were the Plt. Engineers for the outboard motors on the Stabs. We found out that Jessie was in My Toe and ask Lt. Anderson if we could take the Boat to My Toe to get Jessie to Tune Up the Motors. He said yes and we went. When we got there we found out where you guys were and went to visit. 

After a few beers an a visit to see the local girls since Ving Long had none because the town was blown up(TET). Jessie tuned up the motors that day. The next day we were going to leave when some of the guys Harry Constance, Mike Boynton ask Bowen AND I if we wanted to go on a OP that it would be Fun. I told them we didn’t bring our gear, only our weapons. Someone said don’t worry about it we have gear both of you can use. 

Tell you the truth, I really didn’t want to go. I had heard about the ops the 7th had been on and the fact that you guys always made contact when you went out. I was thinking that I would like to break in slowly. When we were getting dressed out someone loaded me with a full load of M-79’s in my Vest plus I had a full load of 20 round Mags. in my jacket; and all the misc. other gear.

 Lt. Peterson split the Plt into 3 squads. We went in on PBR’s at 3 different locations. I was in front of you since you were Rear Security, and I think Lt. Pete ask you to look out for me since it was my first op. I remember there was no Moon out and I could not see anything. The next thing I know was one of the groups made contact and was being chased by a large group of Bad guys. All squads were told to head for the River and extract by PBR’s that would be waiting. 

On the way there, we had to swim a canal that seemed to me like a River. I tried to unload the M-79’s and the vest but couldn’t get them out or get the vest off. Trying my best to side stroke holding my Car/XM148 out of the water, well that didn’t last very long. Anyway I could not see the bank or anyone else, so I started calling you as quietly as I could. 

You told me to get my Ass across that I was almost there; and I started thinking, “How does he know” After what seemed like forever, I swam into the Bank and you were right behind me. At that point we climbed up the bank onto a Dike and started half running and walking fast. Someone a couple of guys ahead of me fell over something, kicked it to the side and kept going. 

Then I remember it got Pitch Black for about 10 secs. I ask you what that was, You said A HOUSE. After a few more minutes we arrived at the river where the PBR was waiting. The next day Bowen and I got the Hell out of My Toe. I saw my life pass in front of my eyes many time in that canal that night. You saved my life by the quiet chats we had in the canal. 

To this day I don’t know which squad made contact or what happened after that. There was a LRPP Army or Marine that was in one of the other squad’s that Lost his M-16 in the canal; So I know that that had be be a WIDE CANAL. My first Op with my HERO Plt. 

Thank You Teammate for Chatting with me. Say Hi to the Family; and Be careful over there. 

PS: I think Bob Rieve my have been in Training during that time frame. 

Dickie Dickie 

RIO Note: You say that I saved your life on your fist OP?   LOL, you saved your own frogman life,     thank God ! 

LOL 

  Rio.

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM NAVAL SPECIAL FORCES 



In 1960 the South Vietnamese Navy proposed the creation of an Underwater Demolitions Team to improve protection of ships, piers and bridges. Later in the year a navy contingent was sent to Taiwan for UDT training; the one officer and seven men who completed the course became the cadre for a Lien Doi Nguoi Nhai (LDNN), or Frogman Unit, formally established in July 1961. The LDNN, with a proposed strength of 48 officers and men, was given the mission of salvage, obstacle removal, pier protection and special amphibious operations. 

Soon after the creation of the LDNN a second unit was formed: Biet Hai,or ‘Special Sea Force’, paramilitary commandos under the operational control of Diem’s Presidential Liaison Office and given responsibility for amphibious operations against North Vietnam. US Navy SEAL (Sea, Air and Land) commando teams began deploying to South Vietnam in February 1962 and initiated in March a six month course for the first Biet Hai cadre in airborne, reconnaissance and guerrilla warfare training. By October, 62 men had graduated from the firstcycle. A planned second contingent was denied funding. 

In early 1964 the LDNN, numbering only one officer and 41 men, began special operations against VC seabome infiltration attempts. Six Communist junks were destroyed by the LDNN at Ilo Ilo Island in January during Operation ‘Sea Dog’. During the following month the LDNN began to be used against North Vietnamese targets as part of Operation Plan 34A, a covert action program designed to pressure the Ha Noi regime. 

In February a team unsuccessfully attempted to sabotage a North Vietnamese ferry on Cape Ron and Swatow patrol craft at Quang Khe. Missions to destroy the Route I bridges below the 18th Parallel were twice aborted. In March most of the LDNN was transferred to Da Nang and colocated with the remaining Biet Hai commandos. During May North Vietnam operations resumed by LDNN teams working with newly trained Biet Hai boat crews. On 27 May they scored their first success with the capture of a North Vietnamese junk. On 30 June a team landed on the North Vietnamese coast near a reservoir pump house. Ile team was discovered and a hand to hand fight ensued; two LDNN commandos lost their lives and three 57mm recoiless rifles were abandoned, but 22 North Vietnamese were killed and the pump house was destroyed. 

In July a second class of 60 LDNN candidates was selected and began training in Nha Trang during September. Training lasted 16 weeks, and included a ‘Hell Week’ in which students were required to paddle a boat 115 miles, run 75 miles, carry a boat for 21 miles and swim 10 miles. During the training cycle team members salvaged a sunken landing craft at Nha Trang and a downed aircraft in Binh Duong Province. Thirty-three men completed the course in January 1965 and were based at Vung Tau under the direct control of the Vietnamese Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Operations). 

In 1965 the LDNN was given responsibility for amphibious special operations in South Vietnam. Maritime operations against North Vietnam were given exclusively to the Da Nang based Biet Haicommandos and Hai Tuanboat crews, both incorporated into the new seaborne component of the STD, the So Phong Ve Duyen Hai (Coastal Security Service or CSS). The CSS, a joint services unit, was headed by an Army lieutenant colonel until 1966, then by a Navy commander. CSS missions focused almost entirely on short duration sabotage operations lasting one night, and had a high success rate. The CSS relied heavily on special operations teams temporarily seconded from other services. Teams on loan from the Vietnamese Navy considered most effective, were codenamed ‘Vega’. Other teams came from the Vietnamese Marine Corps (‘Romulus’) and Army (‘Nimbus’). The CSS also controlled 40 civilian agents (‘Cumulus’) until the mid 1960s. Unofficialy, the term Biet Hai was used for all CSS forces, regardless of original service affiliation. CSS training was conducted at Da Nang under the auspices of US Navy SEAL, US Marine, and Vietnamese advisors. Further support was provided by the CSS’s Da Nang based US counterpart, the Naval Advisory Detachment, a component of MACVSOG. 

By the mid 1960s US Navy SEAL teams were being rotated regularly through South Vietnam on combat tours. Specialists in raids, amphibious reconnaissance and neutralization operations against the VC infrastructure, the SEALs worked closely with the LDNN and began qualifying Vietnamese personnel in basic SEAL tactics. In November 1966 a small cadre of LDNN were brought to Subic Bay in the Philippines for more intensive SEAL training. 

In 1967 a third LDNN class numbering over 400 were selected for SEAL training at Vung Tau. Only 27 students finished the one year course and were kept as a separate Hai Kich (‘Special Sea Unit,’ the Vietnamese term for SEAL) unit within the LDNN. Shortly after their graduation the Communists launched the Tet Offensive most of the LDNN SEALs were moved to Cam Ranh Bay, where a fourth LDNN class began training during 1968. During the year the Vietnamese SEALs operated closely with the US Navy SEALS. The LDNN SEAL Team maintained its focus on operations within South Vietnam, although some missions did extend into Cambodia. Some missions used parachute infiltration. 


LDNN after Tet 

In 1971, in accordance with increased operational responsibilities under the Vietnamization program, the LDNN was expanded to the Lien Doan Nguoi Nhai (LDNN), or Frogman Group, comprising a SEAL Team, Underwater Demolitions Team, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and Boat Support Team. Headquarters remained in Saigon. For the remainder of 1971 the SEALs operated in 12 18-man detachments on neutralization operations and raids inside South Vietnam. SEAL launch sites included Ho Anh, north of Da Nang, Hue and Tinh An. 

During the 1972 Easter Offensive the SEALs were transferred to Hue to conduct operations against NVA forces holding Quang Tri; after Quang Tri was retaken some of the SEALs went to Quang Ngai to resume VC neutralization operations. After US Navy SEAL advisors were withdrawn in late 1972 the LDNN SEAL Team, now 200 strong, took over training facilities at Cam Ranh Bay; training, however, was cut in half, with only one fifth given airborne training. The SEALs had been augmented by ten graduates out of 21 LDNN officer candidates sent to the US for SEAL training in 1971. 

When the Vietnam ceasefire went into effect in 1973 the SEALs returned to LDNN Headquarters in Saigon. At the same time the CSS was dissolved, with the Navy contingent given the option of transferring to the LDNN. 

In late December 1973 the government reiterated its territorial claim to the Paracel Island chain off its coast and dispatched a small garrison of militia to occupy the islands. By early January 1974 the Chinese, who also claimed the islands, had sent a naval task force to retake.the Paracels. On 17 January 30 LDNN SEALs were infiltrated on to the western shores of one of the major islands to confront a Chinese landing party. The Chinese had already departed; but two days later, after SEALs landed on a nearby island, Chinese forces attacked with gunboats and naval infantry. Two SEALs died and the rest were taken prisoner and later repatriated. 

During the final days of South Vietnam a 50 man SEAL detachment was sent to Long An; the remainder were kept at LDNN Headquarters in Saigon along with 200 new SEAL trainees. During the early evening of 29 April all SEAL dependents boarded LDNN UDT boats and left Saigon; a few hours later the SEALs departed the capital, linked up with the UDT boats, and were picked up by the US 7th Fleet in international waters. 

By Ken Conboy Reference: http://ngothelinh.tripod.com/History.html 

Vi?t Nam C?ng Hòa Muôn Nam Ever the Republic of Vietnam

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It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dan who was killed in a  parachuting accident on Saturday, 03 March. Dan graduated with BUD/S Class 55 in Coronado on 10 April 1970 and served in UDT-13 and UDT-12.  Dan is a Vietnam War Veteran.  For information regarding Dan’s funeral services, please click on the Dan Potts Funeral Information below.Dan Potts Funeral Information.  here will be Movie Night fund raiser held by the Gulf Coast Chapter of the UDT-SEAL Association with proceeds donated to Memorial Benefit for Dan Potts Family.     Movie:    Act of Valor

May Dan Rest in Peace

DAN J. POTTS  R.I.P.


Daniel J. Potts, 61, of Houston, Texas died March 3, 2012 in a skydiving accident in San Marcos, Texas. 

He was born January 4, 1951, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Jerry and Alma (Tittle) Potts. Dan enlisted in the US Navy in March 1969 during the Viet Nam war and volunteered for duty to serve in combat with the UDT-SEAL Teams. Dan qualified for and completed training in BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training) Class 55 and served in Vietnam with UDT 12 and UDT 13 until July 1972.

 Dan moved to Houston in 1980 and became a self-employed master plumber and spent his entire career as a self employed independent businessman and had an excellent reputation for quality work and dedication to his work. Dan was an active member of the national UDT-SEAL Association and served as the founding President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the UDT-SEAL Association from  2000-2006. 

He was an active member of the Republican Party, the Holley Terrace Civic Association, the National Rifle Association and the United States Parachute Association. It has been recently said of Dan that he “Lived Out Loud!” Yes, Dan knew how to “live” and he invested his time in the things in life that he valued most. Dan was a man of deep moral conviction. Every person that knew Dan, even casually, knew the level of his faith. Dan was a devoted man of God and he tailored his life around that conviction. Dan’s life was a public demonstration of service.

 Dan loved God and determined early on, to live a life of service to the Lord. That service not only included an unfailing dedication to the family that he so deeply loved and committed to his care but, Dan’s level of service went well beyond. Dan loved his country and was deeply committed to serving this great nation, not only in words and deeds right up to the day of his death but, going back to his military days fighting for our freedoms on the battlefields of Viet Nam, with the US Navy UDT-SEALs; an organization he dedicated his entire adult life to supporting. 

In short; Dan Potts was a man of immense moral conviction that was liberally demonstrated through a life without compromise. He did not compromise his faith in God, his love for his country, his love and dedication to his family, nor his love and dedication to his friends. To be a friend of Dan Potts was a special bond, for Dan knew how to be a friend, and just like everything else he did, he demonstrated his friendship as “action.” Yes, Dan did “Live Out Loud,” and for those that had the privilege of knowing him deeply, know just exactly how loud his love and devotion were. 

Dan is survived by his wife, Janet Potts; sons, Aaron Potts and Wesley Dees, wife, Monica; daughters, Samantha Meli, Sarah Potts and Vanessa Potts; grandchildren, Brady and Carter McIntyre, Parker and Grayson Dees, and David Meli; his mother, Alma Potts; brothers, Thomas Potts, Matthew Potts and Andrew Potts; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Potts and brothers, David Potts, John Potts and Timothy Potts. 

Dan will be brought home by his fellow Navy SEALs to St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood, Houston, Texas for the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 16. Rev. Msgr. Dan Scheel and Father George Henninger will celebrate the funeral mass with a reception following in the Father Raye Center.

 A memorial fund has been established for the family. Please send donations to: Amegy Bank Janet E. Potts, Trustee Dan Potts Memorial Fund

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Houston man killed in skydiving incident near San Marcos By Ciara O’Rourke | Thursday, March 8, 2012, 03:12 PM 

SAN MARCOS — A former Navy SEAL died several miles outside of San Marcos this weekend after a skydiving formation went awry. 

Daniel Potts, 61, was trying to form a mid-air circle with friends he was skydiving at Skydive San Marcos in Fentress on Saturday when a less-experienced jumper collided into the Houston resident, Texas Department of Public Safety information specialist Aidee Trottier said. Footage of the incident indicates that the jumper accidentally pushed Potts, who was knocked unconscious and didn’t open his parachute, Trottier said. 

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating, Trottier said. No charges have been filed, she said


 

From: Larry Lyons ljlyons  [at]  texoma  DOT  net
To: Rev Lyons email List
Date: Mon, Mar 12, 2012 
Subject: Dan Potts

Hello all, Most of you know that we lost a good Christian, Father and Team Mate.  I was Dan’s Leading Petty Officer at different times, different Platoons in both UDT-13 and UDT-12 and have staying in touch with him all these years.  I will miss him dearly.  

  Larry

From:  Janet Potts;   jepotts7  [at]  excite  DOT com 
To:      Doc Riojas
Date:  04SEP2012
Subj:  Hey, Doc;  This is Janet Potts. 

I hope you, Lourdes and all of the family are doing great. I truly appreciate you keeping in touch with me. 

I just wanted to let you know that Dan’s ashes were released at his memorial skydive at Skydive San Marcos on April 21. All 5 of our kids were there and 4 made their 1st jump at his memorial with Vanessa (our youngest) releasing Dan’s ashes. It was absolutely beautiful! Vanessa had just turned 18 in December and Dan was going to take her for her first jump over spring break in March. As Vanessa said, she got her first jump with her dad…and his last jump. 

A Memorial Marker for Dan was placed at the VA Cemetary the week of Fathers Day. I have attached a photo of the marker. 

Also, at Dan’s Funeral Mass, I was told there was a piece of wood that the guys put their tridents on and the SEAL banner that everyone signed. Dan’s brother and sister-in-law came from Florida last week to visit and asked to see the banner and the wood with the tridents. I told them they have not been given to me yet.   I do appreciate everything you, Chris Nicola,  and the SEALS have done for Dan, me and my family. The shock and disbelief is really hard to deal with. I still have trouble believing Dan is gone and will not allow myself to sit and think about it. 

Doc, thank you so much for staying in touch. You are truly a great friend. Dan always told me that you guys were family and would always be there for one another…..He was right. THANKS! 


janet Potts
281-850-8372 cell 

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed.”

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Dale A. Calabrese, age 63, and Audrey A. Calabrese, age 57, both of Orwell passed away Dec. 6, 2011, in Trumbull Township as a result of an automobile accident.
Dale was born March 23, 1948, in Cleveland. Audrey was born Sept. 10, 1954, in Nanticoke, Pa., and both had been longtime area residents.
Dale married Audrey (Laskowski) July 7, 1973, in Coronado, Calif.
Dale retired from Sheet Metal Local 33 in Cleveland. Dale served with the Navy UDT Team 11/Seal Team 1 during Vietnam as well as the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Grand River.
Audrey was an RN at Hillcrest Hospital for many years.
Dale and Audrey had a love of life. They enjoyed doing everything together including going to wineries, gardening, photography, fishing and boating. Dale enjoyed hunting while Audrey would cook and bake for her family. They enjoyed traveling and going for walks together with their dog, Burly. Their greatest love was spending time with their friends and family, especially their grandchildren.
Survivors are Dale’s mother, Lucy Calabrese of Chardon; their daughters, Jessica (Aaron) Bable of Montville Township and Rebecca (Nathan) Johnston of Hartsgrove Township; their son, Eric (Jeni) Calabrese of Shapleigh, Maine.

Doc Rio,                                                                            16 Oct 2010

I have the picture that was taken for articles I have written in The BLAST and the SEAL Ethos magazines. I have some older pictures I can draw from as well. I was a plankowner for SEAL Team ONE, and almost immediately was sent TAD to SEAL Team TWO for a European grip to France, Norway, Greece, and then back to France, before returning CONUS.

I Was called back to SEAL Team TWO for Cuban Missile Crisis while on leave in Pittsburgh, PA. Stayed there for several months till mission was called off by JFK. Roy Bohem informed me that he was going to transfer me to Team TWO, as he had heard I was a good operator. Kind of a funny story, as I told him I was stationed in Coronado, and my family was there, but he insisted and at one point picked up the phone (I think he was playing games with me) as I think he pretended to call DC detailer and requested me to be transferred to Team TWO. 

I called my CO and was informed that he could not do that, and not to worry, as things were already set in motion for an upcoming op and he would see me soon. Whole issue became a moot point, as Team ONE was soon on board and we joined forces with Team TWO for the Cuban Missile crisis. Nick Benzschwel was in my group with an assignment to blowup a dam and some bridges in Cuba. More of an diversionary effort as I think we were expendable. Fun training for the op though. 

When I went to Europe, we were with Special Forces in Paris, and then jumped into Norway and operated with Norwegian frogman, and then jumped into Greece with an op with Greek commandos. Ah, for the good old days!!! Some people on board for that op included, Jim Tipton (now there was a real character. 

Jim and I  met recently in San Diego and had a good laugh about some of the things we did on that op), Stan Janeka, Pete Peterson, Mel Pearson, Lloyd Cobb, Roy Gray, Rusty Campbell, Graverson, Andy D’Errico, Ron Fox, John Callahan, Doc Stone, Nick Benzschawel and others. 

Here’s a picture of the entire group with Norwegian counterparts. You might be able to name a few more. Let me know what kind of picture you might want, and I’ll send that separately.

Dennis K. McCormack

1st row kneeling: Rusty Campbell, Mel Pearson, Andy D’Errico, Nick Benzschawel. Other two in this row I do not recall names.
2nd Row standing: Graverson, Lloyd Cobb, Dennis McCormack, Jim Tipton, Ron Fox, a few more I do not recall, and John Callahan. 
Back Row standing: Roy Gray, Doc Stone, and others I can’t recall.

 

Oh yeah, came across some other names from the Bergen, Norway trip.

Swede Thornblom, McLean, Stan Janecka.  There was another person named Awalzachuck (sp!!!!) and we called  him alphabet.  Do you know any of these guys?  You might be able to pick them out from picture.

 

On next leg of our journey we jumped into Greece and met up with commandos.  Went to a lake in Greece and worked on physical conditioning, swimming, diving medicine and physics, demolition training, inland penetration, maritime sabotage techniques, nomenclature and assembly of closed circuit diving system, compass lecture and practical work with diving compass board, IBS usage, diving closed circuit (Emerson), familiarization with AR-15 (became M-16), inland penetration techniques, and joint operation with Greek commandos for sneak attack on British rail yard.  Stormy night, perfect for what we wanted to do, but not too popular with our Greek counterparts.  

 

Dennis Mc Cormack 



Here’s a picture of me in Vietnam 1964.

ST-1 Quarterdeck Ceremony 

Doc,

Here are some pictures from SEAL Team ONE Quarterdeck Ceremony.  

You might recognize a few of us:

Irish Flynn (Our 1st Admiral) & Dennis McCormack
Plankowners Gary Fraser & Dennis McCormack
Gary Fraser & Moki Martin
John B MClaren
Patrick Mulderrig
Plankowners Art Abbett, Rusty Campbell, Dennis McCormack & John Swider
XO ST-1 Leif Babin & Dennis McCormack
I'll get some pictures of quarterdeck next time I am on base. Take care, Dennis

SEAL Team TWO CPO Initiations, 1960’s Some of these SEALs are still Alive!  

 

Cornelius J. Leyden (MDV), Master Diver 

Cornelius J. Leyden (DV)
Cornelius “Corny” J. Leyden, 72, a retired Master Chief in the U.S. Navy and a charter member of the UDT-SEAL Association, passed away September 22, 2001. Corny served with UDT 21 and 22 from the mid 1960s until he retired. He was an expert in diving and was responsible for the development and fielding of the diving rigs that the SEALs use today. Corny was also instrumental in the introduction of the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle to the Teams and the operational SEAL Delivery Vehicle of today.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy E. Leyden; five daughters; two sons; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister; and two brothers. Cornelius “Corny” J. Leyden, 72, a retired Master Chief in the U.S. Navy and a charter member of the UDT-SEAL Association, passed away September 22, 2001. Corny served with UDT 21 and 22 from the mid 1960s until he retired. He was an expert in diving and was responsible for the development and fielding of the diving rigs that the SEALs use today. Corny was also instrumental in the introduction of the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle to the Teams and the operational SEAL Delivery Vehicle of today.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy E. Leyden; five daughters; two sons; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister; and two brothers.

The Largest Photo Album in WWW
by Erasmo “Doc” Riojas         docrio45 [a] gmail.com

 

NSW is a maritime component of U.S. Special Operations Command and the Navy’s special operations force. 

The community is composed of more than 6,700 personnel including 2,300 SEALs, 600 SWCC, along with military support personnel, Reserve components and civilian staff.

 SEALs and SWCC focus on missions involving unconventional warfare, direct action, combating terrorism, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, information warfare, security assistance, counter-drug operations, personnel recovery and hydrographic reconnaissance.

 MCPO “Hoot” Andrews  ST-2  & Click on photo for more photos

 

 

Bill Goines Kidnapped by SEALs at his wedding

Marie and Bill Goines

From: Larry Bailey  <larrywb  AT  suddenlink  DOT  net>
Date: Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 9:31 PM
Subject: Re: Thought y’all might like this…
To: “Erasmo \”Doc\” Riojas” <docrio45  AT gmail  DOT  com> 

We messed up Bill Goines the night of his bachelor’s party.  He made the wedding okay, though.
Shaved his balls and the usual stuff.
Bill, as you know, was African-American.  That night we got a bunch of LP album covers, placed them on our heads, and put bedsheets on top of us like the KKK.  Then we formed a procession with each one of us holding a burning cross made of clothes hangers and wrapped in toilet paper.  We kidnapped him at his wedding.   It was really authentic-looking.  

Even Bill later commented that he was concerned! 

L Bailey


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LCDR LINDA Hubbell’s Photo ALbum,  The best looking diver in the U.S. Navy !

 NOV 2009  Roy Dean Matthews

      
  Vietnam Photos HERE!NOV 2009  Roy Dean 

Right mouse any photo that does not download to your computer.  from the drop down menu select “SHOW PICTURE.”
I am 99% sure all the photos are there.  Email me at docrio45 [at] gmail  DOT com  if you find any problems.       Rio

Collen & Bob Thomas
Colleen and Robert J. Thomas at their wedding 1977. Notice first medal: Navy Cross which most of us know it should have been the MOH.
BackRow Stand L.toR.: Mark "The Cat" Morris/ Huey/ Freel/ R.J. Thomas/ P.C. "Big Foot" Welborn/ Frank "Pig" Wagner/ Dave Littrel/ Rocky Dumais / Jim Barron/ Al Becker/ Joe Colamarla/ Dusty Taylor Bottom Row Kneeling, L to R.: A>L. "Chip" Fielding/ R.L. "Nick" BenzschAwel/ Dave Bantone/ Don Graclo/ *Mathias Mayer */ K. G. Martin/ Mark Lile MISSING from Potos: D.D. West/ Arty Ruiz / Ralph Barron/ Ross Huddleston/ W.R. "Doc" Clark. out here, R.J. Thomas Platoon Officer 05AUG2011 07AUG2011:The kid in the pic I couldn't remember is Mathias Mayer.

http://www.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=4448  Bob’s Citation: Navy Cross

 

The U.S. Army recommended R.J. Thomas for the M.O.H., but the U.S.Navy Saigon Desk Commandoes downgraded it to a Navy Cross.  None of us SEALs are too happy about that.  Bob deserves it and some of the men that were on that Helicopter shotdown crash have tried to reverse that decision without success.   “Bob” deserves the MOH !   HooYah!        FYI about the military’s fairness in awarding the MOH: Naval Special War Group awarded a congressional medal of honor to an officer in SEAL Team ONE that in most combat experienced SEALs have privately voiced against such award.  One of the most adamant objectors was a SEAL that wrote the book “FIRST SEAL.”  He is long dead, so this information will not harm his reputation.  From all that I have heard from SEAL Team ONE men on that award, and from what has been printed in the TIMEs Magazine about that officer, it is probably true.

R.J. Thomas & Hunter F. Grimes III in Vietnam and he was the heavy (7.62MM M-60) machine gunner in my squad. I am carrying a Stoner 63A which was a linked (5.56MM) system with a hundred round drum magazine. SEAL Teams were the only military forces to be issued this weapon and it ultimately evolved into the Squad Automatic Weapon System (SAWS). I lost that Stoner when I was shot down in a Seawolf Helo while conducting a sniper recon. The third dude in the slouch hat is non other than Dick Moran. Ron Yeaw was our squad officer normally. Best Regards, RJ Thomas

Frisk, Steven P Mr CIV USSOCOM NSWLSU2 

TO:   Doc Rio45  [at] gmail  DOT com

 My friend Doc Salts just passed and I feel bad on that’ he saved my sorry ass in Guam when I was pretty messed up w/ undiagnosed Hepatitis A and was totally out of it w/ fever.  I got medavac’d out of there a month later thankfully that was July 1970 coming back from RVN.  

BTW:    CDR Bob Thomas and I  went to the same OCS class, matter of fact.  we finished in Feb ’77.  He forgot where the North Star was in the nasty Celestial Final, so he got commissioned 2 days after me.  So I was always senior to him. ha  ha 

Of course, I cannot shoot quite as well as he does. 

 Hey, hey he (RJ) was lucky his (now) beloved wife Colleen basically tutored us thru OCS else wise we might not have made it.  Thomas did not go for the CORFAMS either even though he got lambasted for the stuck with his full out leather shoes.

 Got to love RJ …he stuck w/ his essentials yes, we patrolled our way to the dark side but have never forsaken our roots, as it were I still have my original issue cracker jacks jumper ……. even Popeye would be proud of me.   it was my last shot over the bow since they seemed to work hard to find ways to give me also humongous (relatively) responsibility even as an E5. same RJ his Navy Cross and all

when they outlawed beards when the Zumwalt era ended, I thought  that he was going to have to go into permanent counseling.   RJ’s  is out there in Fallon with his massive weapon collection. 


I stayed overnight with he and Colleen a few yrs back after I did some work at Hawthorne where we train some of the G-2 folks with the mobility vehicles.   Almost my entire adult life has been with NSW. I am still here running ranges including this monster $14M one that is now  the centerpiece of training and containment here at the Creek for many of our combat skills.   

  
3 more yrs and I am out of here to go sailing and stuff in Coronado and then spend summers in the San Juan Islands in WA State. That is the basic plan at least.  

Steve Frisk, CDR USN Ret.
No spill check,
not politically correct.

John Chalus Yes Steve was already in the SEAL TEAM ONE when I arrived. He was a great guy. He later became an officer and went to SEAL TEAM TWO. He was an incredible athlete.

Doc,

here you go from the wayback machine Mike Thornton on the right and I as BUD/S First Phase Instructors at yet another party at trainee Ens Randy Albrecht’s (Class 81) house with his then wee son. Circa late 1974/early 1975. 

Lt to Rt:Steve frisk and Mike Thornton

Note the sideburns going on……we drank a lot of jug wine in those halcyon days………i can assure and Mike and I were on the Mike Douglas Show out on the “O” Course when it came to town doing all the Navy and one day reserved for NSW. 

  We had Cliff Robertson out there, the Lennon sisters,Larry Czonka, the Monkees Singing Group……I personnally had to, of course, help (physically assist)one of the Lennon Sisters over one of the obstacles….a lower rung of the “Dirty Name”…..  🙂 This was sent to me as: “Child Molestors”  

 Steve Frisk, I was ET1 at the time. 

Bob Thomas behind him is Chuck Fellers

From: Robert Muzslay

 To: BUDS81 [at] aol.com ; Carl Yuill ; Eugenio Crescini ; Erasmo “Doc”Riojas ; Fred Schempp ; Gary Powel ; Jeff Moran ; John Edson ; John Schmidt ; Markley H. Boyer ; PAUL D WNEK ; Ray Fritz ; Rich Black ; Robinson, Joseph G. ; Sgtsteprt [at] aol.com ; TERRA FLYNN ; Tip Ammen ; Tom Blais ; Tony Rossi ; Udt21frogman [at] aol.com ; WMyers6694 [at} aol.com Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 7:39 AM
Subject:  Bob Thomas MOH
From: fmilcusguns [at] aol.com [mailto:fmilcusguns [at] aol.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 13,
To: rmuzslay [at] sterlingcreditcorp.com 

Subject: Bob Thoms MOH

The following is the account of the Battle in which PO 2 R.J. Thomas saved many wounded people and killed at least 35 enemy combat troops. Using only a 45 with 85 rounds at his disposal. He was put in for the Medal of Honor by the US Army. More later. 

Note from Bob to Rio:

Doc,

You know better than that…I may have scratched out 7 or 8 with the ol clunker gun, but when we got up in the air with the slick, I was ground sluicing them with the 60. They didn’t have anywhere to run and I let the air out of quite a few…I don’t know about 35, I’d like to talk to the guy who counted. 

Quien Sabe, 

Tu Amigo, Bob


Seawolf Detachment Three Seawolf Door Gunner Bill Rutledge 

Battle at Ha Tien 23 March 1969, Da Dung Mountain Area 

Other articles with limited information have been written about these two difficult days in the lives of these brave pilots and gunners from Detachment Three. As other articles I have written, I write this to add to our history and to pay tribute to those that fought these horrific battles, those killed in action and the survivors. In other articles, details and participants were left out that need to be recognized for their heroism and participation in these missions. I have collected much of20this missing history and using o fficial documents, written first hand accounts, citations and phone conversations wi th individuals on scene, have for the most part been able to reconstruct part, if not most of what occurred on these missions. I have not been able to contact everyone involved and apologize if some details are missing and personnel not noted but I have done the best I could with limited information. Maybe the whole story will never be known. 

Until May 1970 when President Nixon legalized incursions into Cambodia, there were to be no crossing of the border. Although there had been several large operations along and over the border, one being operation SEALORDS, many other covert missions had been executed in which the Seawolves were involved with no after action report or one reflecting the action being flown this side of the border. It was hard at times to distinguish which side of the border you were on. The Cambodians 20 would let enemy unit s openly operate and stage from the Cambodian side. They would make raids into Vietnam and escape back 20 across the border, knowing we would not follow and attack. On many occasions they were in for a SURPRISE! 

Ha Tien 23 March 1969, Approximately 10 AM. I don’t have all the details on this mission, but it went as follows. The Navy light fire team of two heavily armed Gunships from HA(L)3, Detachment Three, staging from Ha Tien on the Northwest coast of Vietnam near the Cambodian border. They went on a scouting/strike mission to locate a local Warlord in the Da Dung Mountains area. The Warlord had been coming off the Mountains, pillaging, plundering and killing residents of the local villages, and having his troops attack military outposts. He would then retreat back into the mountains, and using his 4 inch Mortar, rain down havoc on the villages and any pursuing troops. With this intel the Det 3 Gunships went out. =2 0 =2 0 

The situation on Det 3 with three FTLs20(Fire Team Leader) at the time was 48 hrs on 24 off and alternating the FTL after each strike. On the first mission the lead bird was manned by: 


LTJG Randy Miller, Fire team Leader (FTL). LCDR Keyes (Copilot), Petty Officer Mike Schafernocker (Gunner/Crew Chief) Petty Officer Dan Riordon (Gunner) 

The trail gunship was manned by: LTJG Dick Barr, Attack Helicopter Aircraft Commander (AHAC), LTJG Pawlowski (Copilot), Petty Officer Rick Abbott (50 Cal.Gunner/ Crew Chief) Petty Officer Howard Meute (Gunner) Navy SEAL, Petty Officer Seco nd Class Robert Thomas (Recon/Observer). 

The area where the strike was to be put in was very near Ha Tien=2 0and consisted of rice paddies leading up to two mountains, the Nui Sa Ti and Nui Di Yung. Nui Dai Yung was the target where the Warlord operated from. As LTJG Miller rolled his fire team in, he started taking heavy fire from both mountains and the surrounding area. LCDR Keyes and both gunners commenced firing on the enemy positions. Miller’s Gunship was armed with 14 rockets with proximity fuses. The enemy fire was so heavy that when the fourth rocket was launched it was exploded by the intense enemy fire just in front of his aircraft. Not being able to fire any more rockets for fear of one being exploded immediately after launching, he broke off the attack to save the bird and his crew and returned the fire team to Ha Tien. There they fixed a problem with a rocket pod, rearmed with PD rockets, refueled and went out again. 

On this strike LTJG Barr became FTL with his crew and LTJG Miller the cover bird. Arriving back on target and rolling in again under the heaviest fire every seen by the fire team, LTJG Barr launched several rockets with all other weapons firing. 

His gunship took a disabling enemy hit and Barr called to Miller he was hit and going down. Miller followed the lead bird around and again Barr radioed he was hit, meaning he personally had taken a hit in the foot. Autorotating to the ground from around 500 feet, his bird hit hard within firing range of both mountains. The trail bird saw Petty Officer Thomas, the Navy SEAL, thrown a distance from the crashed lead bird. Smoke was seen coming from the wreck and no one was seen moving. 

Miller made a decision to land and let Petty Officer Riordan out of the gunship to help the crew of the downed bird. Then, Miller went airborne again, positioning his bird between the mountains and the downed crew to take the fire off of them. Now, with Schaf e rnocker as his lone Gunner and LCDR Keyes using the four M-60 external flex guns, he made pass after pass, radioing May Day for assistance. 

Immediately after exiting the20aircraft, Petty Officer Riordan was wounded in the leg, but continued on and pulled Petty Officer Rick Abbott and LTJG Barr from the wreck. Navy SEAL Thomas worked his way back to Barr who was lying on the ground. To protect the injured Barr from the enemy fire, Thomas layed across Barr’s body and grabbed the only weapon available, Barr’s 45 pistol. He then took under fire the enemy, who were coming across a dike. LTJG Barr relates that Petty Officer Thomas was hitting an enemy with virtually every round.

 During this ground action, LTJG Miller made contact with two Army helos from the 175th Assault Helicopter Company who were inbound. Miller saw the advancing enemy and made a pass from behind the wreck, shooting rockets over the downed bird into them, as Shafernocker and Keyes continue firing. Miller continued makin g more rocket runs. The first Army helo on scene was 20immediately shot up trying to make the rescue. 

The pilot was hit, and left the area trailing fuel. The SEAL Team from Ha Tien had made their way on the ground to the battle zone, and along with LTJG Miller and his only gunner Schafernocker, they placed fire on the advancing enemy. This allowed the second Army helo with Copilot Kent Graham aboard to make an attempt at the rescue.

 This rescue slick was also hit numerous times, with the pilot being hit in the face and hand. With the wounded pilot, the Army bird went in again, landed and made the evacuation of the surviving downed Seawolves and Navy SEAL. As they were loaded up, Petty Officer Thomas’s injured back gave out. He saw an enemy soldier as he fell to the ground, turned over and in one motion, blew him away with one shot at 15 yards. 

During the rescue LTJG Miller kept his gunship positioned between the rescue bird and the enemy, taking the fire off of them. Dust Off arrived and took the wounded to Third S urg Hospital in Binh Thuy. The SEALS remained on the=2 0gr ound to recover the Seawolf KIAs. LTJG Miller returned to Ha Tien with his shot up bird. 

The enemy fire around the downed Seawolf was described as the same as a hard20rain hitting a dusty field leaving thousands of marks in the dust. A short time later, fast movers (Jets) arrived and unloaded rockets and napalm on the area. The downed Seawolf gunship was destroyed in place. 

Army rescue Copilot Kent Graham commented, “The most striking part of the rescue was the way the Seawolf cover bird (LTJG Miller and his crew) stayed with his downed comrades.

 What we did was SOP, anyone would have done the same thing. The Seawolf Wingman (LTJG Miller) was the real hero. I have no doubt that he would have continued making attacks until he ran out of fuel. 

This is one of the most important lessons of my life, no matter what happens, NEVER let your comrades down. Thanks, Seawolves” . 

20 

Results of this battle: 

One Seawolf gunship shot down/destroyed 

One Seawolf gunship shot up, destroyed in place 

=2 0 

Two Army Slicks from the 175th AHC shot up 

LTJG Pawloski KIA 

AN Meute 
20 

KIA 

20 

LTJG Barr WIA 

Navy SEAL Roberts WIA 

20 

PO Riordan WIA 

PO Abbott WIA 

20 

2 Army Pilots WIA 


Webmasters NOTE:         Bob Thomas RD2 (SEAL) was recommended for the MOH biy the U.S. Army, but the “desk-jockey” politicians downgraded it to a Navy Cross.  There is hope that this can be reversed in the year 2009.

  Vice Admiral Albert M. (Bert) Calland III 

  retires after 33 years  this July 2007      

2nd ZHSZanesville, OH 43701 ,Quarterback Club luncheon to have patriotic theme By DAVE WEIDIG
Sports EditorZANESVILLE 

Ron Apperson pulled off a major coup last year, getting both Mark Dantonio and Jim Tressel here for the >  Zanesville High School Quarterback Club’s first Past Presidents luncheon.He feels this year’s program is just as important: appreciation of service in the armed forces, for those with and without football  ties. It will be held at noon on Friday, May 6, at North Terrace Church of We’re not trying to duplicate last year, but we’re still looking for equal success,” Apperson said. 

It will honor U.S. Naval Academy Vice Admiral Albert M. (Bert) Calland III, a former football star at ZHS and Navy, who went on  to become a Navy SEAL platoon commander and is now Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support for the  CIA. Following the terrorist attacks of Sept 11, 2001, he transitioned his headquarters war fighting functions from MacDill Air Force  to the forward-deployed Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command. There he directed more than  and Coalition Special Operations Forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and eventually was appointed  Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command.  The event will also feature Calland’s position coach at Navy, Gary Tranquill, now offensive coordinator at North Carolina FONT-FAMILY: Arial”> former assistant at Michigan State with Mark Dantonio when the Spartans upset then No. 1 ranked in Ohio  Stadium. Calland still holds the Navy record for pass receptions in a season (61 in 1972) and was the Silver Helmet Award  winner in 1973 as team MVP in his senior year. “Bert doesn’t have the name recognition of a Dantonio or Tressel, but he’s such a role model for all our area youth with his  achievements,” said Apperson, who coached Calland in 1969 after he had been coached by Mel Adams in 1967 and 1968.

  “Here’s a guy who commanded a 3,000-man Navy SEAL force, and was the first officer to set foot on the ground in Afghanistan .” Calland was appointed to the Naval Academy by Congressman Clarence Miller. >Also on hand for the Past Presidents Dinner will be another former ZHS football player, Willett Sawyer of , a Navy SEAL Vietnam era of the 1960’s and 70’s. Former ZHS football players who graduated from the military academies have  also been invited: Jim Queen (Navy), Dennis Lunghofer (Navy), Keith Farmer (Air Force), Tony Tabler (Army), Col. Jack Faires  (Army) and John Politis (Army). 

Jordan Young from ZHS is currently playing football at Navy, while Blue Devil Drake Aronhalt is playing basketball at the Navy  “Other veterans who didn’t play football are still welcome to attend this and be honored,” Apperson said. “Now is the time people  need to show appreciation for our military, what with them taking the National Guard right out of our communities. 

This gives our  community the opportunity to show that appreciation, and to show our kids what role models 

these people are.”The Navy Honor Guard is also expected to attend.   March 17, 2005  
Adm. Bert CallandThe Calland File Vice Admiral Albert M. (Bert) Calland III, 52 Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support, CIA 1970 graduate, Zanesville High School , where he starred in football and also played baseball and basketball. 

1974 graduate, U.S. Naval Academy, where he holds the record for most pass receptions in a season (61 in 1972) 10pt; COLOR: black;   Class of 1982, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUDS) training.   Platoon commander for SEAL Delivery Vehicle and SEAL Platoon and most recently, Commander,  Personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards),  the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Award (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal   (five awards) and the Navy Commendation Medal. 

Mother Nancy Calland, of Zanesville ; brothers Dick and Joe Calland.


 

 

Vice Adm. Albert ‘Bert’ M. Calland III, National Counterterrorism Center’s Deputy Director for Strategic Operational Planning, to Retire

    WASHINGTON, April 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National
Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director retired Vice Adm. John "Scott" Redd
today announced that Vice Adm. Albert M. "Bert" Calland III, Deputy
Director for Strategic Operational Planning, will retire on July 1, 2007,
culminating a distinguished naval career spanning more than 33 years.
Calland served in this key position since Sept. 2006, and was principally
responsible for the U.S. government's strategic operational planning effort
to combat terrorism by integrating all elements of national power across
multiple departments and agencies.
    "In every position Bert's served, -- a SEAL team leader in the Arabian
Gulf, a combat leader in Afghanistan, the CIA's Deputy Director, and
finally, as my deputy for strategic operational planning - his
contributions to our nation's security have had an enormous and enduring
significance," said Redd. "Bert's strong leadership, unquestionable
integrity, and total dedication to the mission and those with whom he
served, exemplify the highest qualities of naval service. I am honored and
blessed to call him 'shipmate.'"

    In June 2006, President Bush approved the National Implementation Plan
for the War on Terror. As the NCTC's Deputy Director for Strategic
Operational Planning, Calland's responsibilities encompassed the planning
and integration of existing U.S. government counterterrorism activities,
developing a common strategic direction for future operations and an
assessment of their effectiveness.

    "As an experienced operator whose career focused on counterterrorism
activities and special operations missions, Bert's credentials for this
important national planning effort were impeccable," Redd said.
    Throughout his career, Calland commanded Naval Special Warfare units
and Special Operations Forces at all levels, beginning as platoon commander
of a SEAL Delivery Vehicle and culminating as Commander, Naval Special
Warfare Command from August 2002 until March 2004, responsible for all Navy
SEALS and Combatant Craft Crewmen.

    In July 2000, Calland assumed command of Special Operations Command
Central (SOCCENT). Immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the
U. S., he transitioned his headquarters' war fighting functions to the
forward- deployed Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command,
directing more than 3,000 U.S. and Coalition Special Operations Forces in
support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. As commander of all special
operations forces for U.S. Central Command, during this operation, Calland
was the first U.S. military flag officer to set foot in Afghanistan.
    In March 2004 he received his third star and was assigned to the CIA as
Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support. In July
2005, Calland was appointed Deputy Director, Central Intelligence Agency,
the number two position in the CIA, where he was responsible for CIA
operations and activities around the world.

    Born in Columbus, Ohio, Calland moved to Zanesville, Ohio where he
graduated from Zanesville High School. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in
1970 and graduated in 1974 with a B.S. degree in Oceanography. He received
a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy in 1996 from the
Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C.

    "On behalf of his many intelligence community colleagues and shipmates
around the globe, I want to thank Bert, Cindy and his entire family for
their many sacrifices," Redd said. "As he embarks on this next chapter of
his life, we all wish him 'fair winds and following seas.'"

SOURCE National Counterterrorism Center

 

 

The UDT/SEAL Association (Wash Chapter) is arranging a retirement party honoring VADM Bert Calland and his wife Cindy. It will be held on 28 Jun from 1800 to 2100 on the top deck of the Crystal City Sports Pub. Location: 529 S. 23rd St., Arlington, VA 22202.

If you wish to attend, pls respond to me by e-mail indicating your attendance and the number of any other people you will be bringing. We need to get a good number for the purposes of arranging for the food (hors d’oeuvres) and non-alcoholic drinks.  To defray costs, we will be collecting $16 per person at the door. A bar will be available and alcoholic drinks will be at each individual’s expense.

E-mail address: Maynard.weyers@L-3com.com

This email was sent to docrio45 [at] gmail DOT com,        by info@udtseal.org

UDT-SEAL Association | P.O. Box 5965 | Virginia Beach | Va

Bert Calland hometown Zanesville OH
Per-Erik"Swede" Tornblom was a Swedish National
Mc Cabe

when in ST-2. Roy Boehm told him, “
       Swede if you don’t become an American Citizen,
       you are outta here!”
       The Swede asked why? Roy said, “because I am tired of having
       to write the State Department every time I have
       to send you somewhere!”   20+ years later, the Swede was out!

                                                                                                              
                                               <src=”http: www.sealtwo.org=”” photoalbum=”” st2seventhpltn.jpg”=””>                 &nb sp;                 ;                       click to enlarge  </src=”http:>

ST-2 7thPlt 1969, enroute to RVN:Lt to Rt Stand: Ty Zellers, Doc O’Brien, Mike Nause, Mike Mc Carthy, John Jaunzems, Fred Keener, CPO Mike Spencer, LT. Tom Hawkins
Kneeling: Bob Rieve, Joe Silva, Bill Day, Ed McQueen, Dennis Johnson, Jim Finley (not in photo) from:TyZellers Photo collection

7th Plt. ST-2 1969 RVN: ; & nbsp; "The Point Man" Jim Watson click on photos to enlarge email webmaster at: docrio45 [@] gmail DOT com
Mike Thornton (SEAL) of the GulfCoast SEAL Vol.30 #3 "Patches" Watsons
Funerals at sea for SEALs
from magazine "Small Arms Review"
Mike Thornton SEAL MOH receipient

Radm. Garry J. Bonelli 

About Rear Admiral Bonelli

Enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1968, Rear Admiral (Select) Garry Bonelli graduated from the Great Lakes Recruit Training Center, where he was a member of the first-ever Underwater Demolition Team (UDT)/SEAL boot camp company. Following graduation, Rear Adm. (Sel) Bonelli made two ground combat deployments in Vietnam as a Navy Frogman with UDT-12. Then, in 1974, he became a member of the first Reserve Component unit of Naval Special Warfare.

In 1976, as a drilling Reservist, he completed his master of science degree in Mass Communications and received a direct commission in the Navy Reserve. He has served as the commanding officer of eight Navy Reserve units.

Rear Adm. (Sel) Bonelli was mobilized in 1990 in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and served as the commanding officer of SEAL Team 5. He has the distinction of being the first and only Reservist to command an active duty SEAL Team.

In 2001, Radm. Bonelli was selected to serve as the Deputy Commander at Navy Reserve Readiness Command Southwest. In 2005, he completed a three-year collateral assignment as a member of the Secretary of the Navy’s National Navy Reserve Policy Board. Recalled to active duty again in 2006, Bonelli served as the Chief of Staff for Naval Special Warfare Command. This headquarters command has cognizance for seven major subordinate commands comprising a total Force of 6,500 personnel. The command develops strategy, doctrine, and tactics for Naval Special Warfare forces supporting Fleet and Joint Special Operations worldwide. Recalled again in 2007, he now serves as the Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command.

 

When to the sessions of sweet silent thought
I summon up remembrance of things past,
I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought,
And with old woes new wail my dear time’s waste:
Then can I drown an eye, unused to flow,
For precious friends hid in death’s dateless night,
And weep afresh love’s long since cancell’d woe,
And moan the expense of many a vanish’d sight:
Then can I grieve at grievances foregone,
And heavily from woe to woe tell o’er
The sad account of fore-bemoaned moan,
Which I new pay as if not paid before.
But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,
All losses are restored and sorrows end. 

– Shakespeare  sonnet XXX

 

 

            
                                    Thomas E. Blais

 

Michael Martin McGreevy
Marcus "Doc" Luttrell, & Murphy's parents
Doc Worthington
UDTs WWII
Don Young UDT
Wannabe caught by lt.tort: RD Russell, Higby, Larry Bailey
Harry Constance "Good to Go"
Don (Des) Pierce 1945
Monsoor, SEAL, MOH recipient

     rolandpasternackudtwwII.jpg                             
       Roland                                                                                              UDT Swimmer
         Pasternack
         UDT WWII                                                                                                
                                                                               

    
         UDT                                                                                 Suh KIA                                                              Steve Waterman Navy Photographer

                                                                                                      

 

UDTs WWII
UDT in Korean War
Korean War UDT's
Astroworld Houston TX : GulfCoast SEALs: lt to rt.standing: "Doc" Moreno, Bond, Potts, Holmes, Thornton, Bateman, Casale, I forgot, Kappus SITTING: Doc Riojas, Yanez, I forgot(BSU), Kibby, Hunter.
House J Sings Jim Watson at Lil Jim's Bait
Bob L. Nissley
S.W.A.T. (SEAL wives against Terror) on boat tour
Point Man Watson above
Leap Frogs in Plane
Thomas Hartzell SEAL Sailor of the Year 2002
Winford H. Watts

   
                          ST-2 SEALs: lt to rt: McQuillis, F.Thornton,
                                            ??,??,  ??, Fellers, Watson          

             
  Jim Watson,  Mike McQuillis and  ? ?          Linda, Jim Watson                               Jerry Clark                        
                                  

Jerry Sweesy and Erasmo Riojas
Mike Thornton
Mike Thornton MOH

   
                           Class 29 E.C                                                                                                    UDTs  communicating Equipment

GulfCoast SEALs at TGIF Houston
Ev Barrett "Rogue Warrior's" Sea Daddy
USS SEALION ST-2 plt, trip to So. America Lt-Rt: COofBoat,Muckly, Yeaw, , Toothman, , , Silva, Rogers, Dr. Lee, SIT: Riojas, McQuillis, Blackiston, Jerry Waters
Smith, Bateman, ??, Riojas,Clark, Gibby
USS Burrfish at Pelilu WWII L-R: CPO Howard “Red” Roeder , Emmet L. Carpenter , Bob Black (KIA), John MacMahon (KIA) and CPO Ball
UDT men on messdecks of USS Burrfish after Pelilu, WWIIL-R: Leonard Barnhill, John MacMahon (KIA), LT M.R. Massey, Bill Moore and Warren Christensen
David PaAaina (SEAL) retired on the island of HILO HA
Rex Johnson SEAL Team TWO

Morning Doc,

                 I spent a few minutes reliving the past by viewing your SEAL site. First, I’d like to thank you for your efforts. Gathering and posting all those pictures must be a tremendous effort. Hope you have someone designated to take over after you’ve gone to your just rewards…..(Hah! Hell for sure!)

 Anyway, there is a small picture of a young PaAAina and immediately underneath is a picture, apparently from some magazine, of a SEAL armed with a Stoner. That guy is Rex Johnson. More commonly known as “No-Neck.” Hammond tagged him with that nickname and it stayed. I can’t remember the circumstances, but Rex was transferred to the fleet .

 Years later, a nursing home somewhere contacted the Team with information that a resident had died and in his shoe box of valuables was a trident. They wondered if he might have been a SEAL….it was ole No-Neck.  May he Rest in Eternal Peace.

 Chuck Newell  ST-2   Retired

 

                         
           Rudy Bosesch,                            Sam Ciechon                       Rudy Boesch, Bull Frog             Jesse Ventura                Gaspar

        

            
       Rabbitt          Johnny Rabbitt & Viola     Durwood H. White        Lt-Rt:White, Riojas, Fred Miller ST- 2  1967                                                                                                                                               Fred Miller came close to losing one
                                                                                                                                leg due to WIA GSW to his Femur.  Fred also
                                                                                                                                 got medically retired from the Team,
                                                                                                                                 as did D. Hunter White, but he did lose a leg in ‘nam..

      

Adm. Flynn,  Di Croce,   Campoli  standing right outside the gate to the Diving Compound  USNBase San Diego CA.   My LIL SEASTORY:  The Admiral stopped his little sports car almost where they are standing.  I saw Lou trying to get out of the car and the Admiral was getting out to go assist Lou.  

I walked over to help, and the Admiral said, do you think it will be alright to park over there, a spot reserved for the diving staff.  I looked at his auto’s windshild and there was a big number “8” sticker.  I said, sir, if you are an E-8, you can park there.  

He responded, “no, that is an 0-8 sticker.”  I said in that case Admiral, you can park anywhere your heart desires !     Stupid Riojas:  I did not know the admiral and only seen his younger face in photos.   We all had a good laugh.  

 Oh, and then I added, LCDR Steve Elson sends his regards !     But that is another story.

                                

                          

Durwood H. White, SEAL Team TWO, WIA in ‘nam:  Lost a Leg to Booby Trap

From: Doc Rio
To:Bill Langley,
I am going to ask Durwood H. White for the details of his WIA and losing his leg. also the names of the guys in the platoon.
thanks
Rio 


In a message dated 8/20/2009 
Bill Langley  langleychfs [at] knology.net writes: 
Doc Rio; 
Time, I was in Durwood’s first platoon in VN (ST 2-2), with Trani, Bishop, and crew. He injured his leg his second or third time over, so I can’t help you with the names in that platoon. Maybe Joe Silva or Mike McQuillis can help. Nice photo. 


On Aug 20, 2009, Bill Langley <langleychfs [at] knology.net> wrote: 
Doc Rio,
Here is Bo Burwell’s memory of what happened. Hope it helps. 
Bill



—– Original Message —–
From: BOBURWELL [at] aol.com
To: langleychfs [at] knology.net
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 
Subject: Re: You were in Durwood’s platoon? 

Durwood was injured at Nha Be in early 69, I think Bruce Williamson was the PltCdr. I was in the 3rd Plt and they relieved us in Dec 68. It was a booby trap on a dike, Durwood was injured, the LDNN was killed. Durwood was still in hospital later in the fall, I was in there with my back broke in the same ward with him. Bob Gallagher was there at same time following his wounding from a claymore on his PRU tour. Bo 


—– Original Message —–
From: DURWOOD WHITE
To: docrio45 [at] gmail.com
Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 
Subject:  How did Durwood White lose his leg in Vietnam?

Doc,
It was about March or April when I stepped on the booby trap(1969) and it was Williamson’s Platoon. Patches Watson was injured while with Williamson’s Platoon. I went over to take his place. I do remember Silva and McQuillis and the one they called Chief. 

I was there in that Platoon only a few months when I stepped on the booby trap so my memory is short. It was one morning about 4 am when I stepped on it. Most things after that is fuzzy memory. I do remember one of the guys pulling me through the paddy back to the extraction boat and I also remember going into shock. They had placed me on the front of the boat thinking I was dead I guess) and I think I got their attention by throwing a battle helmet over the wind shield. 

We were working off a naval ship that was sunk in the Mekong river. I also remember the helo that picked me up and the Corpsman cutting my pants legs to get to the wounds.. I remember passing out at the field hospital on the X-ray table. I don’t remember anything after that for about a week. I do remember some of the guys in the platoon coming to visit me. Next was the naval hospital in Japan for about 2 months then to Camp Lejuene for 3 or 4 months then the naval hospital in Portsmouth, Va. Next was the VA hospital in Durham, N.C. 

1 year and 1 month, 5 hospitals and 14 operations I finally got out and was retired with disability. I don’t know if this is the info you are looking for or not. Hope it helps. 

Take care old buddy.
D. Hunter 

P.S. Don’t know if I have told you the latest news about my cancer or not, but the last CT scan showed no cancer. I’m cancer free now and I hope it last. 

Webmaster’s NOTE:
Thank you Hunter for allowing me to post you history of how you got WIA. Rio

It is with great sadness that the UDT-SEAL Association informs the membership on the passing of Durwood Hunter White, USN (Ret.) Class 26

  Durwood Hunter White USN (Ret.) Class 26  

  

Durwood Hunter White, 71, of 3655 N.C. Hwy 41 W, died Dec. 28, 2009 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

    Durwood is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara White; brother, R.W. White; sisters, Louise Ricks and Vivian Brittingham. Durwood Hunter White was a US Navy Seal (Retired).

  He is survived by son, Sean Hunter White and wife Shannon of Washington; stepdaughters, Charlene Taylor and husband R.V. of Seven Springs and Nikki Barker and husband Eric of California; sister, Elizabeth Quinn and husband Thurston of Seven Springs; and six grandchildren, Jordan Taylor, Kyle White, Braxton Barker, Kevin White, Bradley Barker and Hannah Barker. 

    Durwood was a member of CLASS-26, Little Creek, VA. and served with UDT-21 and SEAL Team 2.  

  Funeral Services:  will be held at today at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 at Gospel Light Church, 153 Houston Road, Comfort with the Rev. Ruffin Hill officiating.   Visitation: will be held today, Wednesday, Dec. 30, following the funeral service.    

Burial Services:  with military rites will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 at the Philyaw Thomas Cemetery.  Hannah Barker.

  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Gospel Light Church Att: Gene Green, P. O. Box 153, Comfort, N.C. 28522. Arrangements by Pink Hill Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at

kinston.com.

  UDT-SEAL Association | POB 5965 | Virginia Beach | VA | 23471

Alex
Archie Grayson
Bill Brumuller
"BlackJack" Macione & Erasmo Doc Riojas

      
          Bob Shouse          Bob Thomas & Erasmo Riojas  ST-2  “shooter M-1911 pistols”              Dow Byers
                                                                                                                  

                 
          
                       Roy Boehm                     Butch Ashton, Roberto Ramos ,Jerry           Homer “Doc” Marshall
                                                        WatersYoung Lions of ST-2  , “Butch” & Ramos                  SEAL ONE
                                                  were KIA in ‘nam.  Jerry died in a Parachute training
                            accident in Virginia.  Ty Zellers was his roomate and knows all the details of that accident.                                                

      
          Bob Shouse          Bob Thomas & Erasmo Riojas  ST-2  “shooter M-1911 pistols”              Dow Byers
                                                                                                                  

                 
          
                       Roy Boehm                     Butch Ashton, Roberto Ramos ,Jerry           Homer “Doc” Marshall
                                                        WatersYoung Lions of ST-2  , “Butch” & Ramos                  SEAL ONE
                                                  were KIA in ‘nam.  Jerry died in a Parachute training
                            accident in Virginia.  Ty Zellers was his roomate and knows all the details of that accident.                                                

   ST-2, 7th Plt 1967 ‘nam: STAND: Lt-Rt: Hook Tuure,  Jack Rowell, Curtis Ashton, Mike Boynton,
                            Fred Keener, Roy Dean Matthews  SIT: Bob “Eagle” Gallagher, Erasmo”Doc”Riojas, Rinny Dog,
                  Harry Constance, Bob “Pete” Peterson, Chuck Jessie (film developed in 1968)                     
 SEAL Team TWO, 7th Platoon in MyTho RVN 1967: missing are Gene Fraley  and  Charlie Watson,  Got Sick and went home.  Billy Burbank trained with the 7th, but he went to the PRUs. 
click  HERE to go to see Billy’s web  site.

From: Jon Fischman 
To: Erasmo “Doc” Riojas Date: 9Dec2013
Subj: Picture of 7th SEAL platoon MyTho RVN Doc The picture.
Notice the new Ray Dome and the patch on the bow of the PBR? Also the shirtless sailor with his back to the camera is GMG3 Terry Tackett (RIP 2008).  The sailor in the dungaree’s is one of the CB’s that worked in the “Barn” I don’t remember his name. PO2 if memory services me correctly. Also, If I remember correctly who ever took the picture has his back to the Magazine, and the pier is to his left. There should be one of those CB Combat Forklifts close by. also that is not the way we normally covered the fwd .50’s. They must have done it to keep crap from dropping down into the gun tub. Like I said, this picture had to have been taken between Feb 12 and Feb 15 1968
Thank you,
Jon; Fischman  PBR sailor

1962 photo by Gary Fraser;  ST-1;  by Bldg 111:   Front Row:  lt to rt:  John Swider SF1, Andrew DeRico  BMCA,  James Parks, BM1, Jack Perkins BM1, Ronald Gauthier SM3, James Perkins PH1        BACK ROW: lt to rt:Gary Fraser;  SKCC ? ? ? , Clarence Yuill YN2, LTjg  Alan Routh, Clarence Betz QM1, Thomas Spence  BMCS,  Floyd Adams SFM2,  William Raschick  EAS3 .      

  The above photograph does not include my old friend Bob Wagner.  

Doc. 
In 1962, I was an Ensign.  Bob Wagner, who wasn’t in the photograph, was a SK2.  Also, I didn’t take the picture – I donated it.  I served with Bob in Vietnam in 1964 and thought he was excellent operator.  Thanks, Gary Fraser in San Diego CA.

From: garfras [at] aol  DOT com Date: Jan 25
Subject:     Photo ‘Plankowners’ SEAL Team ONE 1962 web site 
To: docrio45  [at] gmail  DOT com 


Doc Rio;
The above photograph does not include my old friend Bob Wagner. The individual at the left, second row is me, Gary Fraser. The reason that I looked so tall was that I was standing on the same curb that the people, in the front row, were sitting on. Also note the officer insignia. The full photo which I have an original copy of shows the curb, and, the most important part, the inscription: ‘Seal Team one, Restricted Area, Authorized Personnel Only’. 

Love your old photographs, keep up the good work.     Gary Fraser, San Diego, CA.

This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

 

KIA 

  NAVY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLA

      ROBERT K. WAGNER  (SEAL)      

8/15/1968                       ROBERT KAY WAGNER (SEAL)
 

SK1 – E6 – Navy – Regular

Length of service 12 years
His tour began on Nov 15, 1967
Casualty was on Aug 15, 1968
In VINH BINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
Body was recovered
 
Panel 48W – Line 20
Personal Comments or Pictures Click HERE.

 

ROBERTRobert Kay Wagner (SEAL) KAY WAGNER  Navy – SK1 – E6

Age:  35

Race:  Caucasian

Sex:  Male

Date of Birth  May 5, 1933

From:  BARSTOW, CA

Religion:  ROMAN CATHOLIC

Marital Status:  Married


Information Page HERE !

 

Email:    The tall SEAL  with arms folded in left rear, wearing a marine fatgue hat is SKCC Bob Wagner, KIA Vietnam as a PRU advisor. He came through my training class 28 west coast      /s/    Carl Swepston

Doc Riojas NOTE:    Carl,  Bob Wagner was a PO2, that SEAL is a SKCC name was labeled incorrectly?

                                          

 

 

      

     
                                                                     Steve Robinson class 59<font=”font: 10pt=”” arial”=””> </font=”font:>

  my note:     I emailed Steve regarding his forthcoming visit to R.D. and Pam Russell’s home in CO.  We were b/s’n back and forth and I told him I had seen Doug Bateman at Walmart.  Capt. Bateman was in Steve’s BUD/S class.  I wrote steve that Doug had related to me a seastory about a boat crew in class 59 that filled their boat with HELIUM.   Steve remembered that and told me how the guys got caught by the instructors and their punishment.  He also related other stories about his class.

I asked steve to publish them here but here is what he wrote back:      “I think it’s only proper to let my classmates recount their own experiences, both BUD/S adventures and after, as they wish.   If you have not read my book, please send me your mailing address it will be my personal pleasure to send you a PRIVATE COPY of my book for your collection… as a personal gift from one old frogman to another!”


 From: Steve Robinson <style=”font: 10pt=”” arial”=””>
To:
Doc Rio 
Sent:
Saturday, October 20, 2007
  Subject: Try this amigo</style=”font:>

Doc,

As for chasing phonies, I was the principal investigator with the AuthentiSEALs… working with Liz Logan, Steven Collins, Nasty Nash, Curtis Williams, Larry Bailey, CG Marshal… and others. I’m still doing it now, although the AuthentiSEAL group closed shop back in 2005 for lack of manpower. I currently work with RD Russell and handle some of the writing stuff for his Naval Special Warfare Archives, as well as being on the Advisory Board for the POW Network. They have been unmasking military imposters of all kinds for about 18 years. In that work I have a LOT of interaction with the FBI, the DCIS, and have provided SEAL verification services to law enforcement across the country. Yeah… it costs some money (mostly phone bills and some mailing costs)… but I owe it to our Teammates who didn’t come back home and cannot defend their own honor and integrity that the phony bastards try to steal for themselves.

Back in 2002 I wrote a book about all the imposters I’d been busting, and it did okay… but I had to self-publish the thing because no publishing houses were willing to take the legal risk; in the book I didn’t mince words, I didn’t sugar coat things, and I used the names of the imposters… which apparently scared away the publishers who were afraid of lawsuits. Now its 5 years old and ‘old news’. I’ve actually sold about half of all that I’ve had printed to Team guys who are absolutely amazed at how many poseurs there are. The rest sell to civilians who also had no idea how many liars and masqueraders there are. I constantly get letters from people who have read my book and they want to know why the imposters make such preposterous claims. I could probably write another book about that aspect alone… but that’s going to be a project for later.

I never made it to combat… and I’ve always regretted that, no matter how much my SEAL Teammates tell me that I was ‘one of the lucky ones’. I’ve always felt like a knife that was sharpened to a razor edge… then put on a shelf to get dusty and rusty. So now, 35 years later, it’s finally my turn on the firing line… taking down the phonies and defending the reputation of the Teams. I owe it to all of my Teammates, alive and dead… and I’ll keep doing it for as long as I am able. A guy can leave the Navy and stop being a sailor, but he never (NEVER) leaves the Teams and never (NEVER) stops being a SEAL.

HOOYAH!

Steve Robinson    CLASS 59

            

“Those who undertake to impersonate US Navy SEALs, for whatever purpose, are a disgraceful insult to every man and woman who ever served honorably in any branch of America’s armed ”  forces…quote by:  http://www.navyseals.com/

With these words author Steve Robinson begins his account of the fight to uphold the honor of his fallen Teammates. Detailing some of the most ludicrous claims imaginable, former Navy SEAL, Steve Robinson, catalogs a wild array of bizarre tales and outlandish stories recounted by SEAL imposters in their attempts to manipulate family and friends, influenced employers, and impress employees. Including police officers who have used false claims of SEAL experience to gain positions on SWAT teams, teachers who have regaled their students with fraudulent tales of daring combat encounters, and con artists who have swindled women out of thousands of dollars and taken advantage of their trusting nature, these stories seem beyond belief, yet every one of them is true!

If you know someone who claims to be a Navy SEAL, this is one book you simply MUST READ!

USS McFaul – DDG 74 On Facebook, May 10th McFAUL sailors participated in a joint ceremony with the armed forces of Spain honoring fallen members of the military throughout history. The ceremony is the hallmark event of McFaul’s visit to Spain, which coincides with the 234th anniversary of the Spanish General Bernardo de Galvez’s capture of Pensacola during the American War of Independence on May 8, 1781, resulting in the eviction of the British forces from the Florida territory and the establishment of a crucial Southern front to provide relief to General Washington’s forces. The Bernardo de Galvez Association, United States Embassy in Spain, Spanish military, and government of Malaga worked in concert with one another to achieve McFaul’s participation in the ceremony – marking the first time a United States Navy warship has ever participated in an activity of this kind in Spain!

http://www.somosprimos.com/sp2015/spjun15/spjun15.htm#EARLY LATINO AMERICAN PATRIOTS

 

                           

 

Dear Members of the NavySEALs.com Community  

September 11, 2001 was a day of great sacrifice for Americans.

 No group has better understood that, nor has acted in such a manner as to make that sacrifice a more meaningful page in our nation’s history, than the United States Navy SEALs. The SEALs have taken the fight to the enemy with extraordinary result. But their success has not been without cost. 

More SEALs have made the ultimate sacrifice in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom than in any other conflict since Vietnam. Please join me in honoring the memories of Naval Special Warfare’s fallen heroes in the Global War on Terror. 

Kind regards, 

Mark Divine
Founder and CEO
BUD/S 170

       8 Feb 2008:   Other names are missing since this list was created.  To be updated in the near future.


CPO Michael E. Koch &  CPO Nathan H. Hardy  KIA Afganistan 2/2008

Two     Navy  SEALs   KIA   Feb  2008  in   Afganistan  in   a    firefight Michael E. Koch and Nathan H. Hardy (SEALs) KIAs HERE !

 

The Navy UDT-SEAL Museum
Going to East Coast  Florida? Make plans to
swing by Ft. Pierce. Buy SEAL Souveniers.
www.navysealmuseum.org

The Naval Special Warfare Foundation
Dedicated to supporting the wives and children
of naval special warfare who have died.
www.nswfoundation.org

              

  

Luis Ariel Suffront  EOD KIA Iran, was working with SEALs

                         

                          Michael Monsoor, KIA, awarded MOH
                  He was honored at the Republican National Convention.

 


Doc Riojas Korean Police Action Ribbons

 

Morning Folks,
Doc Riojas, if you want to publish it on your website, here’s a humorous trailer for you of my next book. IF not, enjoy the read…. Later, Carl 

Howdy men, I hope everybody is impatiently awaiting the arrival of the third installment in The Indomitable Patriot series. The book takes us back to 1943 and the submarine USS Great White (SS-299), commanded by LCDR Marcus Spencer. You will recall the Great White and Captain Spencer from the first book, FERTIG, along with Evelyn “Pinky” Pinkert and LCDR (detailed OSS) David Meyers from both FERTIG and book two, DEAN. The Great White is at Mare Island for overhaul and installation of some OSS communications gear. After attending meetings at OSS headquarters, Spencer, Meyers and Pinky drive the the OSS training academy, the former Congressional County Club. All right, here’s a short, humorous trailer from book three…. 

The meeting continued for a couple more hours before breaking. Meyers, Captain Spencer and Pinky drove to the Country Club to spend the night with Pinky in the guesthouse. The following morning they would fly to Fort Monmouth in Pinky’s Staggerwing Beechcraft. 


“It never fails to amaze me, whenever I come down here,” Meyers said as they parked in front of the administration building. “I’ll never forget the first two weeks of the academy when Pinky shared a bunk in a dormitory with twenty-three other men.” 

“That’s all right, Mister Meyers,” Pinky said, ice in her voice. “We can save that story for another time!” 

“Now my interest is peaked,” Spencer replied. 

“Later, sir,” Pinky replied as she deeply blushed. “Only after a martini will I be able to tell that story.” 

“My humble command,” Pinky said when Meyers and Spencer stopped and stared at the barbed-wire encased Quonset huts. “Come inside administration for a moment and I will introduce you to Colonel Godfrey, our administrator. Not even the Colonel has clearance to enter the barbed wire. After meeting the Colonel, David and I will give you a tour of the facility.” 

As they drove around the complex, David and Pinky explained the training program for OSS Special Agents. They were parked at one of the five-hundred yard ranges when Spencer asked, “You went through all this firearms training, Pinky?” 

“Captain Spencer,” Meyers answered, “Pinky is a distinguished master with a rifle. She can outshoot me.” 

Spencer glanced at Pinky. “My COB, or Chief Of the Boat on the Great White is a thin, wiry fellow. Almost soft-spoken, but get under his skin or fail to obey a command, he instantly becomes a grizzly bear. I suspect, ma’am, the two of you are not that different.” 

Pinky started up and then abruptly stopped their Jeep. “You see that man out there, Captain, the one leading that squad. He will be going to Tinian with you. His name is Carlos Hathcock, Senior. He can outshoot all of our firearms instructors. He can hit bull’s eyes at a thousand yards with an iron-sighted rifle.” 

Spencer slowly shook his head as Pinky started up again. “Such young men we produce, to go in harm’s way,” he muttered under his breath. 

~~~ ~~~
Captain Spencer, David and I ate in the cadet’s mess. The food service was very good for cafeteria-style service. Afterward, we adjourned to the recreation room where I fixed martinis for the three of us. David brought up the subject of the academy again… to my great embarrassment. 

“You delight in forcing me to tell that story, don’t you, Mister Meyers,” Pinky said as she broke out in laughter. 

“Marcus (Spencer had told them to dispense with the Captain Spencer routine), my family owns this place, the former Congressional Country Club. I lived in the guesthouse when they leased it to the OSS for the duration of the war, under the condition I continue residing in the guesthouse. My uncles didn’t want me moving back to Chicago where I would be too close to them. The OSS hired me, and I applied for special agent training. David and I were in the first academy class.” 

“For the first two weeks of physical, as well as stress training, everybody lived in open barracks. If you survived that period, you moved into individual rooms for the remainder of the training. Their theory, the enemy would neither discriminate nor go easy on a female, so they lumped everybody together.” 

“Sunday afternoon, the day before the training officially began; I’m arranging my uniforms and gear in my locker… in an open bay with twenty-three other guys.” 

Marcus began to chuckle and then laugh aloud. “Excuse me, Pinky, I’m picturing you bunking in the crew quarters on a sub and being with eighty men who have not bathed in a week or two. It gets pretty foul at times on a boat!” 

“We are all tending to our gear while our drill instructor marches up and down the aisle, screaming ‘The enemy intends to kill you, pretty women as quickly as big, tough men,’ and all that.” 

“And then Gunny stops at my bunk. I come to attention. The rim of his Smokey Bear hat a fraction of an inch from my forehead. ‘Pinkert, you get one privilege,’ he screams… spittle landing all over my face. ‘There is one stall in the head with a curtain. That stall is yours alone. In exchange for that privilege, you shall not use the men’s urinal. Do you understand that?’” 

“Sir, yes sir,” I screamed in Gunny’s face, biting my tongue to keep from laughing. Then Gunny screams, “Men, you will report immediately if you catch Pinkert using your urinal. Do you understand that?” 

“A chorus of ‘Sir, yes sir,’ rang throughout the barracks. By now I’m about to explode with laughter.” 

“It got worse when Gunny yelled at us about one shower for everybody,” David interrupted. “I’ll save Pinky further embarrassment and leave that to your imagination.” 

“Pinky, water is in such short supply on a sub that bathing usually amounts to a gallon of water, once a week if you’re lucky,” Marcus replied. “There is an officer’s head on board, but it’s usually crammed full of supplies for most of a patrol. Everybody uses one head in the after torpedo room. That, too, becomes pretty foul after weeks at sea.” 
Carl McLelland