The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - The Navy - 113

From College to the USS Walker: Bob Carnes on Growing Up in the Navy (1961–1965) Bob Carnes recounts leaving college after poor grades and, after being told he was “too smart” for the Marines, enlisting in the Navy in 1961. Though initially signed for electronics and nuclear training, he chose deck force work instead and found he loved the sun, physical labor, seamanship, and life at sea aboard the USS Walker out of Pearl Harbor, including typhoons and West Pacific ports like Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. He reflects on Honolulu’s sailor districts, friendships and racial dynamics aboard ship, memorable incidents involving shipmates, and respect for a few standout leaders. He explains why he didn’t make the Navy a career, notes near-miss involvement in early Vietnam-era operations, and says the Navy helped him mature, value teamwork, and appreciate hard work. 00:00 College Detour 01:09 Accidental Navy Enlistment 02:33 ET School Ultimatum 04:15 Pearl Harbor Arrival 04:56 Deck Force Life 06:34 Sea Wonders and Storms 08:18 Liberty in Honolulu 09:54 Cars Dating and Growing Up 11:04 Rank Tests and War Rumors 12:32 Officers Worth Respect 14:49 Tough Chiefs and Odd Bosses 18:02 Carl Cobb and Race 20:07 Purvis Stories and Close Call 24:27 Why Not a Navy Career 26:14 NYEP Offer Turned Down 27:11 Interview Reflections 32:31 Vietnam Near Misses 35:02 Service Thanks and Closing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.