Service information for: 

I joined the C.A.F. (Navy) in June 1970 in Hamilton, Ontario. My hometown was Niagara Falls, ON.

CFRS CORNWALLIS - Basic training

CFB BORDEN - Trades trainings as a Sup Tech 00168

CFB COLD LAKE - First posted after trades training to CFB Cold Lake, AB in Jan 1971. I lasted there 6 months before I called in a favour from a relative in a high position at NDHQ Ottawa to get me out of Cold Lake  as I asked to go to sea. They laughed at me when I asked where are our "Ships". The base Chief had some choice words for me over that stunt.

HMCS ATHABASKAN - Commissioning crew in Jul 1971.  Served in ATHABASKAN for 2 years

CFB SHEARWATER - Served in SHEARWATER for 1 year

CFS BERMUDA - Served in Bermuda for 2 years

CFB HALIFAX

HMCS ANNAPOLIS - Posted to ANNAPOLIS in 1978. Served in her for 2 years

1 CFSD Toronto for 2 years
HMCS SAGUENAY - for 2 years.  I was not happy there and almost quit the navy.
CFS BARRINGTON, NS - Posted to BARRINGTON  in 1984.  Served there for 2 years
HMCS YUKON - Served in YUKON for 3 years in Training Squadron
CFQAR det GMDD (General Motors Diesel Division London, ON) and Diemaco, Waterloo, On. where our C7 rifles were made.
HMCS CALGARY - Commissioning Crew.  Served in CALGARY for 3 years including a deployment for Operation Sharp Guard (NATO deployment during the Balkans war)
CFB BORDEN Base Supply for 4 years
CFB ESQUIMALT to wait for a ship heading off to the Middle East after the 9/11 attacks

HMCS HURON - Served in HURON for 1 year and was promoted to CPO2
HMCS WINNIPEG - Served in WINNIPEG Jun 2003 - Aug 2005 which included Op ALTAIR deployment

I was released on a Friday, and started back in the primary Reserves on the next Monday for 2 years within MOG4.  I finally retired in March 2010.  I served a total of 37 years.  The longest I stated in 1 area was on the west coast - 5 years.

June 2021 I was asked by BCKF if I was still interested in Donating my Kidney, which I signed up for 3 years before, and said yes immediately . I started going through the myrid of tests in March and was in surgery on June 23rd 2021. The surgeon said to me for a 70 year old you are in great health. I said thanks to the Royal Canadian Navy for taking care of me.

Last year sky dove from 10K feet in Parksville BC, tandem of course and I was the only one out the door. I did pull the instructor out the door . Upon landing he asked me two questions:
a. You said you have never done this before and
b. you showed to anxieties or terror for the whole jump, going again? I said yup if my health holds out.

While serving in CFB Cold Lake I met the Capt of CF 104 jet and after my HAI, I was permitted to go up with him ( Capt Stewart) twice then flew in a CF 104 when in Bermuda.

So in summary
1. Commissioned 2 warships
2. Sailed around the world . Set foot on all our continents except one- Africa
3. Transited both the Suez and Panama Canals
4. Crossed the equator at the Dateline
5. Stationed in CFS BERMUDA ( very hard on my liver in the 70's)
6. Served on both of our coasts many times (3 ships from HFX, and 4 ships from West coast)
7. Saved a Life in Vancouver (Kidney Donation)
8. Appendix ruptured Mid pacific while on HMCS YUKON, USCG had to send out a helicopter from pearl Harbour, to airlift me off.  YUKON didn't have a flight deck, the chopper could not land and I was hoisted off ship. Cost to the Crown about 200K I was told.
9. Ship's diver from 1974 to 1997
10. Awards and Decorations - Afghanistan, NATO, SSM with Peacekeeping bar, Former Yugoslavia, Queens Jubilee, and CD2
11. Total years sea time 16.5 for a Sup tech
12. Went through 5 wives!!! None now and still have lots of Hair on my head

Now I wait for the date of my Expiration, as what more could I ask for.

Ready Aye Ready

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