I departed for boot camp at Great Lakes, IL on December 30, 1963. After the testing was complete I had qualified for every program and school offered by the Navy. I was recruited into the Navy's Nuclear Power Program. I took my GED in boot camp, and technically graduated before my class. The Navy opted to send me to Electrician Mate School. I wanted Machinist Mate School as I was and still petrified of electrical current. I deliberately failed and eventually was sent to Norfolk, VA where I was assigned to Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT). I was assigned as a driver and on the job training for Yeoman.
While at COMSUBLANT I applied for the U.S. Navy Submarine School at New London, CT. I truly believed this would make a man out of me. I received orders and graduated Sub School on June 29, 1965. I was transferred to Key West, FL to serve on the USS SEA CAT (SS399). The SEA CAT was one of the twelve submarines present in Tokyo Bay during the surrender ceremonies marking the end of World War II. While onboard the SEA CAT I saw: Jamaica; Rota and Barcelona, Spain; Naples, Italy; Valetta, Malta; Athens and Thessalonica Greece. I also Qualified in Submarines and was allowed to wear the Submarine Insignia.
I also served onboard the following submarines:
While on active duty I was awarded: 2 Good Conduct Medals; The Submarine Force Insignia; The Polaris/Poseidon Patrol Pin with 1 gold and 3 silver stars (8 patrols); The Navy Expeditionary Medal (For Special Submarine Operations) and The National Defense Medal.
I served one tour of duty outside the Submarine Service a three and one-half years tour on Recruiting Duty at The Philadelphia Recruiting District. An interesting experience. While on Recruiting Duty I married a local lady and we had two daughters, Pam and Mary Anne.
I received a Medical Discharge on October 1, 1975 for bad knees. I had 11 years 9 months and 2 days active duty and was discharged as a YN2(SS).
Copyright 1998 by Denise Anne Fell� updated December 31, 2001