I can’t remember a time in my life that the Navy wasn’t part of my family.

My Dad served in World War 2 and my Grandpa Mac served in World War 1. I joined at 17 and later was joined by my little brother on the USS San Francisco.

Tom’s son and my nephew Artie also served in the Navy and both on Submarines. SO, I guess you could say we were a Navy family.

(By the way, I have other nephews that served in other branches, and I am just as proud of them… but their stories for another time)

But over the course of my career, I had many other brothers and later sisters.

From Boot Camp to today (over fifty-four years now), The Navy has been part of my family. We shared sacrifices and success. We served hardships and happy days. We cried together at funerals of those who left too soon. We have awesome feelings of joy when we get those rare opportunities to be together.

My question is, did you have the same experience?

Was the Navy part of your family and can you share why you feel that way.

Examples would be greatly appreciated. 

I am the guest speaker at this year’s Greater Charleston Navy Ball and the Navy Family is part of my theme

Mister Mac

(Fun Fact… Today, October 10th 2026, the counter on the blog turned 995,000 reads… thanks to all who have read the stories I post. One million seems just within grasp)