James E. Sprinkel, ETCS(SS) USN Retired, 1955-1973


Everyone is submitting their story about becoming a CT and I thought I would 
throw in my two cents worth about going a step further and becoming an un-CT.
My story started out in a very conventional fashion, boot in San Diego, 
designated a EFSR and then ET school at Treasure Island in 56.  Went to 
NavCommSta Philippines at Sangley Point then became the 32 man to report 
(plank owner) to the brand new San Miguel where I stayed for a year leaving 
for discharge as a CTM2.  I wanted to go to ET"B" school but was offered a 
spot at Karamusel Turkey.  Got discharged then went to my local home town 
recruiter and told him I would re-up for "B" school.  Got it that time.
While I was in Treasure Island again for "B" school I met a couple of ET2 that 
had just come from the USS Nautilus SSN-571 and had all sorts of neat things 
to say about their recent trip under the north pole.  I was hooked.
After a year at Midway Island I ended up at Cheltenham, MD and got a chance 
finally to try out sub duty.  I went aboard the USS Triton SSN-586 for a few 
months TAD then was offered a permanent spot onboard.  Got hooked even deeper.  
Spent two years on Triton.  One thing lead to another and I achieved the rate 
of CTMCS(SS) after duty aboard another two subs TAD and one more PCS to a sub, 
the USS Snook SSN-592.  Another couple of stops at SECGRU billets and then a 
stop at the Flag Allowance CINCPACFLT.  Too many primadonas filling too few 
spots and I opted to attempt a change in rate to ETCS.  Took two trys but 
after a glowing endorsement from COMSUBPAC I finally was allowed to change 
over.  Retired as COB of the USS Hawkbill
SSN-666 thereby fulfilling my youthful ambitions.

Jim Sprinkel