I served aboard the Seattle from Dec 1974 thru June 16, 1978. I was a Machinist Mate and served in both Forward and Aft Enginerooms. And according to MMMC Jamse L Thomas in March of 2005 when attending the Decomm of the Seattle, he considered me the best throttleman he had ever had. Which brings me to claim responsibility for locating 16 of my Machinist Mate and a couple BT's. And managed to get 12 of them to attend the Decomm in March of 2005 with me. We all stayed at the Ramada Inn in Oceanview. And I have to say had the best time being together for around four days. And I also managed to tour the Seattle in Dec. of 2004 along with my son and LCDR Charles Anderson. Right after she had returned from her last and Final Med. cruise. In 1978 I didn't think I ever wanted to see her again. But as we toured the ship and went to enter the Forward Engineroom. Tears welled up in my eyes so bad that I had to stop for a minute. Before starting down the ladder. It brought back so many memories of my youth that I was overwhelmed. And had the best day and do mean all day aboard, that I couldn't believe it. And made it a priority to attend the Decomm with my wife and all the shipmates that I could get to attend. And am so glad that I did, I am very proud of my four years spent in the Navy. And other than Bootcamp in Orlando, A school in Great Lakes, the rest of my four years was spent aboard the USS Seattle AOE-3.
 

Samuel put this on his request for an application to join and I wanted to share this with everyone because we all know that feel of pride he expressed so well.

Ray

I was there with Sam!  What a great time. Took a bunch of photos. Went back in March for the Decommissioning. 

The Ships Doctor made me want to get sick!  Wow was she beautiful!

Andy