Doug Young, CTR1 USN, 1975-1993


I went to the recruiter early 1975 with a buddy to check out the navy,  
seeing as my dad and uncle were both sailors.  We were discussing  
different ratings and this chief was showing me all sorts of photos of  
shipboard life.  When he came to one that appeared to be some guys  
sleeping on top of a stack of shells - I said "sleeping on bombs....   
what the...?"  He then explained that space aboard ship is at a  
premium and people sleep where they can.  I headed for the door with  
full intent of talking to the Air Force guy next door.  He said "Wait,  
you can be a CT - they don't go to sea".  So I said, "What's a CT?"   
He said "I'm not sure, all it says in the catalog is "Requires Top  
Secret Clearance".  Being 18 years old, visions of James Bond danced  
through my head as I said "where do I sign?".  What followed was  
likely the best ride I could have hoped for while in the Navy.  I met  
many outstanding people and developed as a person and a professional.