Calling All Recruits

I’ve been thinking a lot about the progression of the navy boot camp through the ages. I would imagine if you were able to bring someone from the early twentieth century into today’s experience, they would be completely stunned at how far the experience has travelled since their day. As a collector of old Bluejacket’s […]

Learning to see

It’s the little things in life that make you think. One of the nice things about the new house is that the first owners traded up on a number of things in relation to the construction of the house. One of those items is a very large shower stall. It’s got enough room for several […]

I never thought to question it. It was just my place in line.

In 1972, one of the first things that happened after getting my first official navy haircut, I stood in a long line of civilians that was about to be issued their first seabag. It was the third week of June and Great Lakes was unseasonably cold. Living next to one of the Great Lakes was […]

A Sense of Belonging – USSVI Charleston Base 2024

I have always liked Charleston. Ever since I went to Submarine Auxiliary Package Course at the Fleet Ballistic Missile Base in Charleston SC in 1973, the area has held a special place in my heart. There are some places that are just more impactful than others in your development. I joined the Navy when I […]

Blemishes and all … The Country and the Navy in 1973

I am incredibly proud of being a Navy Veteran The US Navy has been a part of my family DNA for more than a hundred years. We have answered the nation’s call since the Great War and served as part of the greatest navy that has ever sailed the seas. Having said that, even the […]

1917 – Submarines have many adventures (and so do Submariners)

1917 “We need a bigger fleet” “You’re going to need a lot more sailors.” The war that had started in Europe in 1914 had ended up being a stalemate on land. The Germans were never able to get past their early gains without being pushed back. The Allies were also kept to minimal gains with […]

Letters from Home – Lifelines in a Sea of Loneliness

Mail Call Anyone from my generation and before who has ever served in the military is aware of how important letters are when you are away from home. They are truly the connection you have to a place where “normal” lives despite the chaos of your current situation. With the internet, my nephews told me […]

There is no “Accident” in Team

There is no “Accident” in Team Okay, I can hear the groans. It should be “There is no i in Team”. At least until some smarty pants shows up with the poster that shows exactly where the “i” is. In this case, the word accident and team cannot stand together. Teams must be intentional or […]

The Mid Watch Revisited

The Mid Watch What does it feel like to be alone? I am sure that many people are starting to feel alone with the current condition of social distancing. In the interest of slowing down the spread of the Corona Virus, whole cities are being asked to isolate themselves from others. Since close proximity seems […]

March 8 1945 – John C. MacPherson goes off to fight the war

Excerpt from my first book “Love, Your Son Butch” March 8th on the Seventy Fifth Anniversary of my Dad’s entry into the Navy John Charles MacPherson, Jr. was inducted into the Navy on March 8, 1945 (more than a month before he turned 18). He did not have a great time in school and was […]