Anthony J Spatafore, CTRC USN Retired, 1952-1971 


How I became a CT.
After trying to enlist in the Navy I finally made it on the fourth try. 
Guess the chiefs got tired of seeing me.  Told them I would be a chief in four 
years.  Took me 13. Enlisted at the Federal Building on Chestnut Street in 
Philly, PA.  Boot camp was at Bainbridge, MD.  Did the INT bit and got CT 
school.  Service week was spent cleaning the CPO quarters along with Jack 
Dinsmore.  All the left over booze was ours.  Took the mail flight from 
Baltimore all over the place finally arriving at Seattle.  Had to take the 
ferry to Bainbridge Island.  Seattle was a great town.  Got orders to Galeta 
Island along with Terry Martin.  After leave reported to TI San Fran for 
xportation to CZ.  Took a train to Norfolk in a pullman lounge car along with 
some ladies who had joined the WACS going to Virginia.  Was at Norfolk for a 
week.  Boarded the USNS George Gothers for CZ.  Stopped San Juan PR. 
Had about several hundred Doggies on board.  Arrived in CZ but no one there to 
meet us.  Took the flat wheeled limited to Balboa.  Waited there for xport 
back to east coast and Coco Solo.  Checked and went on eve watch right away.  
HFDF.  More later

Anthony J Spatafore CTRC USN RET.