<p>zaphod and any alumni, what did you end up doing in the Navy, how long did you stay in, what did you like best? thanks.-John</p>
<p>Upon graduation I attended SWOS and COMMO schools in Newport and then reported to USS DALE in Mayport as the EWO. I eventually served as GMO and ADMINO on DALE, and then did a brief stint as a Communications Liaison Officer (fancy term for translator) with the Argentine Navy during the Haiti thing. I then attended Navigator School in Norfolk and reported aboard USS THOMAS S GATES as the Navigator. A few months later I was pulled off the ship for a back surgery (one reason I'm not a reservist now) and ended up serving the remainder of my time as HRMO at FCTCLANT Dam Neck, VA.</p>
<p>Since then I've been working in the Medical Devices and Diagnostics industry in production and QA.</p>
<p>After graduation I also went to Surface Warfare Officer's School in Newport, RI for 6 months of training. Then, went to school in Philly for two months at the Damage Control Assistant (DCA) School. Then reported to USS Dahlgren (a guided missile destroyer homeported in Norfolk DDG-43). Got married after reporting, spent 10 months of first year married at sea! (Still married!) I was the DCA for 3 years and then the Navigator for another year. Served with two Commanding Officers (then Navy Commanders) that both went on to be 4 star Admirals. After I left Dahlgren, I was a Flag Lieutenant (personal Aide) to a two star Admiral on the staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. After 6 years active duty, I served in the Reserves (mainly in the Pentagon) until retirement at 20 years. Recalled to active duty for one year for first Persian Gulf War. What did I like best about active duty: the camaraderie of the Wardroom on the ship and the sense of responsibility for leading a Department of men (then only men on warships). Concerning USNA: the bonds you develop there with your classmates will last a lifetime! Now a patent attorney in SoCal. Get back to USNA whenever I can!</p>