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. 

I joined the Navy right out of college. I graduated on Dec. 19, 1981 and was in Officer Candidate School (OCS) on Jan. 2 1982. Not really having a plan for what I wanted to do, I was enticed by the ads that I read seeking responsibility and a sense of adventure and travel. When I graduated from OCS, I became a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) with my first job as a Missile Control Officer on a KIDD Class Destroyer USS Callaghan (DDG 994), a ship that is still in active service in the Taiwanese Navy. On my first deployment, we accompanied the Battleship USS New Jersey (BB 62) with port stops all over Asia. I followed that with subsequent tours in Washington, D.C. and onboard the USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), an AEGIS Class Cruiser, as the Weapons Officer.

Following my active duty time (nine years), I remained in the Naval Reserve for another 15 years, retiring in 2005. I also worked as a contractor in the Defense Industry for another 32 years in a number of jobs supporting Navy and Missile Defense programs, winding up my career as president of a Naval Engineering company supporting critical National Security programs.

All told, I spent over 40 years working in and with the US Navy and Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Because of my association with the Defense Industry, I have traveled the world extensively, working with many Allied Navies including Japan, Spain and Norway. I can’t imagine how different my life would have been without the Navy.

Everything I’ve accomplished and most of my friends tie back to my time in the Navy. For young people unsure of a job or future after school, serving the Navy or any other service is a great way to serve your country and help determine your future career.