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Tommy Cox - How I Became a Submariner
Message: When I joined the Navy in 1960, my goal was to go to UDT training. I'd been a sport scuba diver in high school, and looked forward to the challenge in the Navy. However, the famous boot camp CLASSIFICATION process reared its ugly head. I spoke to this First Class Petty Officer who looked like he's pulled an all-night sked, who told me I couldn't just be assigned to UDT, I had to "get rated" first. So, I picked the obligatory three options and got assigned to Communications Technician A School in Pensacola, Florida. There was no discussion of UDT in A School, but when I got to language school, requests for UDT volunteers continued to appear in the Plan of the Day. I put in my chit. Nothing happened. Two weeks later I put in another chit - still nothing. I think it was the third chit that resulted in a talk with the Division Chief. He asked me if I would like working underwater. When I answered in the affirmative, he suggested he could get me in submarines. Upon completion of Class C School, I got orders to GTMO, Cuba, wondering where my submarine was. After my original four years, I got out of the Navy. I rejoined the Navy in January of 1965 and volunteered for Vietnam. I got sent to Japan. It took damn near ten months to get my clearance back. Then the following year some of the guys that I had gone to school with were leaving on submarine patrols. So, I did what I could to get transferred to that Division and was successful when that same leading chief showed up to take over that Division. In '67 I made a run on Barbel, Scamp, and Guardfish. On each mission I got to learn more and more about submarines, watched the crew as they went through their quals, and on rare occasion saw one of our team members wearing dolphins. In '68 I transferred back to the East Coast and made a run on USS LAPON. The Captain and crew of this vessel were so outstanding, that I volunteered for every mission assigned to LAPON. Later I learned Captain Whitey Mack requested me by name for subsequent missions. On LAPON's second mission, I went through the qualification program, stayed on board during an ORSE while my teammates enjoyed basket leave, and was awarded dolphins on the night before pulling back into Norfolk.
I had fully intended on getting out after eight years to pursue a music career. One of the band members I worked with had an arrangement with Tommy Duncan to book us. But by the time I rode GUARDFISH, I was hooked on submarines. GUARDFISH had one of the finest gentlemen I'd ever met for the RMC(SS). I can never remember his name. LCDR Ransom was the XO, a great guy who earned his own reputation in FLYING FISH (I think). The CO was CDR Hines who was most impressive. So thanks GUARDFISH and LAPON for giving me my career.
As an aside, when I went up for Chief, I determined that I would have been promoted had all my awards been properly considered. I was in ADCOP at the time under Fleet Training Group in Norfolk. FTG could not assist me, my previous command would not assist me; however, COMSUBLANT took the reins and got it done. A CDR Riendo was assigned by CAPT. Carr, Chief of Staff, to get my records straight, then ADM Long sent a letter to the Examining Board requesting promotion stating there was an "administrative error" at SUBLANT. I should point out that at no time was I ever a direct asset of SUBLANT. The only difference was the dolphins. At that point I determined the remainder of my active duty would be in service of our great Submarine Service. The Submarine Service takes care of its own. I am confident I see the hand of CAPT. Whitey Mack at work there. It didn't take me long to realize where my loyalties should be. My dolphins have always been a source of pride for me. In submariners I found an honor and professionalism that didn't exist elsewhere. I trusted my shipmates, and worked like hell to warrant the trust placed in me. Tommy Cox, CTICS(SS) USN (Ret)