Chuck Wasmuth - FA to EN2(SS) on Diodon 1968 to decommissioning in 1971

Since 12-13-03

From: chuckw2901 [mailto:chuckw2901@sbcglobal.net ]
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2003 8:52 AM
Subject: Re: USS Diodon


Hi Jim,

I came on board in Feb or March of '68 as an FA. I switched to an SM and then the "Blue Mex" talked me into being an Engineman, so I took the EN3 exam, passed and got rated.

 I started my quals in the yards at Mare Island and finished when we got under way after that. Michael P was my "sea dad" and "mother Mac" was his. I stayed on the Diodon for two west pac tours and was on the decommissioning crew. I was the last engineman to walk off her.

She made her maiden shake-down cruise the day I was born, so I figured that was an omen and I would probably die on her. Decommissioning her was the preferable end to the omen.

I'll stay in touch, but must close for now. Take care.

Chuck

Photo Extracted from 1971 Decommissioning Crew photo