Wahiawa, Hawaii .. 1946

Image from the NCVA Archives

There is a lot of history in this picture. Chief Hutson is receiving the Bronze Star for his services as a radio intelligence unit (RIU) sailor sailing with the carriers during World War II. While on the USS NEW MEXICO during the battle for Okinawa, a Kamikaze hit the ship right outside the door of the RIU spaces. One RIU (CT) sailor was killed, and 4 were wounded. From oral history interviews, when Admiral Spruance was inspecting his Flagship, RM1 Hutson had returned to his working space in all that carnage and was "copying his man". This impressed the hell of of Admiral Spruance, and he promoted Hutson to CPO (acting appointment) on the spot. Captain Jack Holtwick is the Father of the Modern Cold War Naval Security Group. He was an excellent administrator, amongst other things, and formed up the original Group in 1947-1948, by establishing the CT Rating, and the original 4 branches (R,O,A and M) at the same time. Shortly after this picture, Captain Holtwick became the Executive Officer of a Destroyer, and later commanded to deep draft ships.

Home

|

Back