As Boothbay Harbor prepares to celebrate the 64th annual Windjammer Days, this year’s theme proudly honors the past, present, and retired members of the United States Navy who have served our nation with dedication and distinction. Throughout the coming weeks, we will feature a series of profiles highlighting local Navy service members—sharing their stories, experiences, and the lasting impact of their service. These articles are a tribute to the men and women whose commitment to duty reflects the maritime heritage at the heart of Windjammer Days and the deep appreciation of our community. Unfortunately not all current or former Navy service members in the area can be individually featured. To have a Navy veteran or active-duty member mentioned on the Windjammer Days webpage, please email Friends of Windjammers (www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org). Please include name and rank. 

After graduating from high school in 1980, I decided if I didn't find a good job by the end of the summer I'd join the military. I was 18 and working at Zayre’s in Waterville Maine. Like any 18-year-old at that time, I partied regularly and had a girlfriend. The reality was that I wasn't going anywhere and it was time to man up and do something useful with my life so I joined the Navy and volunteered for submarines.

I became a radioman onboard a ballistic missile submarine. Our job was to hide in the North Atlantic waiting for orders to launch missiles. I served from 1980 to 1984 and did three patrols onboard SSBN659 (Will Rodgers) and one on SSBN626 (Daniel Webster). A patrol in the ’80s typically consisted of a total of 30 days in Holy Loch, Scotland and 60 days out to sea underwater (the longest for me was 72 days underwater). I was honorably discharged as a frocked second class petty officer RM2SS (Submarine Service).

One comical memory is from boot camp. The Seals came in andswere trying to get us to sign up. I volunteered figuring if it didn’t work out I'd go back to the subs. They informed me submariners are the only ones they couldn't poach, because very few sailors are crazy enough to sign up for subs, so I was turned down. A more serious memory would be the time a screw-up caused our sub to go into a crash dive. We took a down angle sharper than a sub is technically supposed to survive. The sub passed test depth on the way to the bottom which was well below crush depth. Quick thinking by the crew on watch allowed us to surface. The sub was extensively damaged but thankfully no one was injured.

The Navy shaped my character in that it forced me to grow up. Let's face it, when you’re sealed up underwater with 140 other sailors who are depending on you to ensure you'll see the light of day at the end of a patrol, you grow up quick. Don't get me wrong, we raised hell while on land, but got serious when the hatch closed and we dove underwater.

For those considering a career in the Navy, go in with the knowledge that you're giving your country a blank check which could include your life. Too many join thinking it's a game and then whine when it gets tough. It isn't all fun and games, but can be very rewarding.

Submariners are a different breed. We're a bit crazy. We purposely serve on a boat designed to sink. We spend 60+ days over 100 feet underwater and isolated from family and friends. I don't regret any of it. To all who served it doesn't matter if you served two or 20 years, only 1% of civilians put on the uniform and risk their lives and all those 1%ers are just as important as the other. Thanks to all of you who put on that uniform to protect us.