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.

By Donald Higgins

I joined the Navy because it was my destiny. I had a relative that served with George Washington and uncles that served in World War II and the Battle of the Bulge.

My dad joined World War II as an enlisted man at 17 years old and retired after 33 years of service as LCDR Commander. He made it clear that his five boys would join the military. All five of us followed orders! My brother Richard joined the nuclear submarines and retired as a lieutenant commander just like our father. Michael joined the Army and went on to become a Catholic priest. Peter was a photographer as a Navy Airedale. Stephen was also a Navy Airedale and now he is a scientist.

I enlisted when I was 17 on the delayed entry program. The summer before entering the Navy (1974) I worked at Fisherman’s Wharf Inn parking cars. I also met the love of my life, Eileen Giles, while in high school and I married her in 1979. I went to boot camp and turned 18 there.

After boot camp, I was assigned to the USS Marvin Shields FF 1066, stationed at 32nd Street in San Diego, California. I was a ship’s serviceman or SH, I worked in the laundry and ran the ship's store, to say the least it made me popular. My time in the fleet took on two West Pacs, San Diego, Hawaii, Samoa, Kwajalein, Guam, Subic Bay, Japan, Taiwan, Keelung Typhoon Evasion, back to Guam and ending with anti-submarine warfare exercises.

During the West Pac, we crossed the Equator. According to Navy tradition, you are a “polywog” until you cross and then you become a shellback. During the West Pac, the ship was called upon to independently steam a total of 15,193 nautical miles.

The moment that stands out the most from my service is when we were hit by a typhoon in the Taiwan Straits. The ship was tossed and turned and it took the top of our mast off. We had to take the ship into Subic Bay, Philippines for repairs. The repairs took about a month and we were able to explore the area. We took a “Jeepney” driver to Manila.

Another moment that stands out is refueling out to sea. We would have to shoot lines across to a refueling ship, while both ships are underway. This time the line snapped and it almost took our legs out!

My time in the Navy shaped who I am today in many ways. It gave me the opportunity to see many places and experience cultures I never would have otherwise. My favorite among these was when I climbed Mt. Fuji. The Navy also prepared me for my career building ships at BIW for nearly 29 years.

I would tell young people considering the Navy that it is a great opportunity to see the world and experience other places. If it is your passion, you should go for it, but know it takes a lot of hard work and resilience. During my time in the Navy, I got to see the world and make a lot of friends that became like family. Even now, so many years later, I am still in contact with many of these people.