Albert Mamaril, Jr., CTA3 USNR, 1974-1976


The wonderful stories prompted this, my first posting to the list:

My dad served 20 years in the U.S. Marines and upon his retirement (1973) our 
family moved back home to Maui, HI.  

I couldn't afford college, so I went the military route to get the GI 
Educational Bill after my enlistment was up.  Being a 2 X 4 (2 years active, 4 
year reserve), I was a short-timer on the day I enlisted .  For me, the 
Marines and Army was never an option.  I joined Navy under the delayed entry 
program while a senior in H.S. (1974).  At the time, Maui didn't have 
recruiters stationed on the island, recruiters had to fly in from Oahu.

My first choice was Air Force (computers), but the recruiter never seemed to 
be on Maui for any follow-up.  The Navy recruiter, on the other hand, was 
great!  Found out later that the state's Navy recruiters were putting together 
the 2nd "All Hawaii" Company...the first "All Hawaii" company (1973) won all 
kinds of flags, streamers, and awards at NTC San Diego...The 2nd "All Hawaii" 
company was expected to represent Hawaii well.  

In Company #198, we had recruits from Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Hawaii, Lanai, 
Kauai...recruits flew to Oahu and stayed in a Waikiki hotel for a day or two 
before the formal swearing-in ceremony at the Hawaii State Legislature.  There 
was plenty of television, radio, and newspaper coverage for our June 30, 1974.  
Had no idea we were going to be on television, and that the Governor Ariyoshi, 
and other elected officials were going to be there...had to borrow someone's 
stained "white" pants because we had to wear them for the "formal" induction 
ceremony.

>From the brochures, I chose Communications Technician...the recruiter 
concurred with my choice and referred to them as "spooks"--had no idea why the 
recruiters were so giddy!  He guaranteed me CT "A" school after boot camp.  
Being a USNR and color blind...I only had 1 real choice from my TAMORI 
choices---"A" Brancher...

Interesting Observations:
**Our Commander & Chief, Richard Nixon resigned while we were in boot camp 
(Aug 74), interesting because he signed the law creating the "all volunteer" 
military in 1973.  At that point, all the recruits in boot camp were "all 
volunteer".  

**I remember Iraqi or Iranian recruits training in San Diego...they were 
easily identified because they marched with higher synchronized arm motions.  
Couldn't have been both because they hated each other.

**Watched the Navy Blue Angels perform at Pensacola, Florida while at NTTC.  
Could not believe my eyes, 35 years ago, when I watched the Marine "Harrier" 
jet slowly rise vertically, do a 360 degree turn in mid-air, and take-off from 
a stationary position!!!

**At 18, I  joined the Navy to see the world...the government shipped me back 
to Hawaii!!!  My dream sheet included Scotland, Germany, and England!!!   
Being a 2 X 4, I had to go overseas, Hawaii was considered overseas!  I wanted 
to meet beautiful girls in Europe...being from Hawaii, I already met beautiful 
girls from the Pacific and Asia!

**Another Communications Technician (only 2 of us) from my company was sent 
back to Molokai, during boot camp.  He also was guaranteed CT "A" school.  I'm 
guessing it had to do with the FBI and NIS background investigation for our TS 
clearance.

My original orders out of Pensacola was to the Flag Admin Unit, CINCPACFLT but 
was that was "mysteriously" changed to NAVCOMMSTA, Wahiawa.  I was so glad, I 
didn't want to be around "scrambled eggs" all day long at the Flag unit.

At Wahiawa, Jon White, CTRCM was our Command Master Chief.  I have great 
memories of beaches, Waves, bars, and intramural sports!  I also have 
wonderful memories of the many colorful, interesting, and "boring" CT 
characters (enlisted and officers) stationed with at Wahiawa!  Lots of 
humorous pranks, I won't mention...

For two years I worked in a Dinosaur cage, with a sole Marine standing guard 
in a caged booth!   Jon thanks for starting these stories, it was great to go 
back 35 years and reminisce...being a CT changed my life, and I am forever 
grateful!!  The Naval Security Group had so many patriotic and dedicated 
individuals...Aloha to all, and thanks for the memories!!


Al Mamaril, CTA3, USNR
Naval Training Center, San Diego 74
NTTC,Corry Station Pensacola, 74
NAVCAMSEASTPAC (NAVCOMMSTA), Wahiawa, 74-76