U.S. Navy Veteran
Branch
U.S. Navy
Rank
ET2
Service Years
1980 - 1986
USS William H Bates SSN 650
U.S. Navy
USS William H. Bates (SSN-680) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy on May 5, 1973. Named after Congressman William H. Bates, she served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, conducting numerous intelligence-gathering missions and participating in NATO exercises. The submarine played a key role in undersea surveillance and anti-submarine warfare operations, often operating in challenging environments beneath the Arctic ice. After nearly three decades of distinguished service, USS William H. Bates was decommissioned on February 11, 2000.
USS DIXON (AS-37)
U.S. Navy
USS DIXON (AS-37) was a L. Y. Spear-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy on August 7, 1971. Designed to provide maintenance, logistical support, and supplies to nuclear-powered attack submarines, Dixon served primarily with the Pacific Fleet, homeported in San Diego, California. Throughout her service, she played a crucial role in supporting submarine operations during the Cold War, ensuring fleet readiness and operational effectiveness. After nearly three decades of service, USS DIXON was decommissioned on December 15, 1995.