Seaman Recruit

Alan F. E. Thiese

United States Navy

Today, 31 July 2024 I will focus on a History Lesson for the Readers here on My Blog - The World This Week!

Sixty Three Years ago in August 1961 I Joined the United States Navy from Guttenberg, Iowa.  I was six months away from being drafted into the United States Army.  All I knew about the Army is that they marched on gravel roads and I had already done enough of that so "Join the Navy and See the World" certainly had an appeal to me.  

Now to let you that I am still alive and fairly well I had My Bride of some 52 years capture this picture of Alan today.

When I had My Join the Navy Physical at the Military Processing Center in Iowa's Capital City, Des Moines I weighed 132 pounds.  If I had been four pounds lighter I would not qualified for Enlistment.  

I participated in Boot Camp at Recruit Training Center, San Diego, California after enjoying two plane rides from Des Moines to Kansas City and then the final ride from Kansas City to San Diego.  

This is what I looked like while I was in Boot Camp!

As a newly minted U. S. Navy Sailor I had gained a few pounds during Boot Camp and I weighed a total of 145 pounds!!

After I completed Boot Camp I traveled by Bus to Northeast Iowa to spend "Boot Leave" with My Family.  Of course I was the oldest of six wonderful children and My Mom determined that a "Family Picture" would be in order.  After all I had achieved a milestone in My personal life after a miserable three semesters at Valparaiso University.  It was My own fault.  Thus the joyous event of Alan graduating from "Boot Camp" required a picture.

Although not a part of My Navy Story, My two Brothers did also serve in the United States Navy.  

During My twenty one years of service I achieved four Navy Good Conduct Medals.  My base time frame was 18 April 1962 because I had failed Electronics Technician School and that date was when I was transferred to My First Sea Duty, the Great Aircraft Carrier, the USS Ranger (CVA-61).

Here is a collage of the four ships I served in:

During My Career I learned that the Earth is at least 70% water and I certainly saw plenty of that, however the Many Liberty Ports we visited were educational and also wonderful for an Iowa Sailor to see how people around the World lived.

I am proud of My Navy Service and when I transferred to the Fleet Reserve on 31 December 1981 I recall that I weighed at least 178 pounds.  A gain of 33 pounds from the date of My Graduation from boot Camp.  

Since My Transfer to the Fleet Reserve I have been able to use the Veteran's Administration (VA) for two sets of teeth and more recently I have had My ears upgraded so I can hear better!  This happened on 9 July 2024 and the VA hearing upgrade has been rewarding.

I post this today so let My Readers here know that I have certainly been "Well Blessed!" and I look forward to many more years of "Happy retirement" from our great U. S. Navy.  A recap here is critical:

  August 1961 - Enlisted in the U. S. Navy and weighed 132 pounds.

  November 1961 - Graduated from Boot Camp and was 145 pounds!

  December 1981 - Transferred to the Fleet Reserve weighing 178 pounds.

   January 1991 - Transferred to the U. S. Navy Retired List.

Today, 31 July 2024 I weigh 193 pounds.  

63 Years ago I joined the U. S. Navy.

43 Years ago I transferred to the Fleet Reserve.

33 Years ago I was placed on the U. S. Navy Retired List!

A weight gain of 61 pounds in 63 years is not that bad!  In fact I feel quite health and My Civilian Doctor has advised me that I am in fairly good health!

Now You Each Know more about Me than you probably cared to know.  For anybody who does not now know Me, Alan I did transfer to the U. S. Navy Fleet Reserve at a Navy Yeoman and I achieved the Pay Grade of E-7 which is also "Chief Petty Officer!"

In fact My Parents flew to Macon, Georgia to be with Me and My Family when I transferred to the Fleet Reserve!  A collage of some Navy pictures which show me.

My Now Sainted Parents.  This picture was taken when I visited them in 1991 as they recreated the famous "American Gothic" photo scene which was also taken in Iowa.