By this time, 50 years ago, I had found out my new duty assignment. Biddle was about to go in the yard, so I looked forward to the “desk assignment” somewhat promised me at OCS.
I remember standing in the phone booth at the shore end of the pier where Biddle was berthed. I was talking with my detailer, the officer at BUPERS (Bureau of Naval Personnel) who pretty much decided my fate.
When he first told me my next duty assignment –Assistant Intelligence Officer, Commander Naval Special Warfare Group, Pacific — I was confused. I didn’t know what “special warfare” was. I had seen intelligence references to “special weapons” but not special warfare. I also recalled that the identity of “special weapons” was classified, which made my questions to the detailer very vague and general.
At some point, he asked, “Have you heard of the SEALS?”
WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT!
Yes, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Group, Pacific, was the staff overseeing Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT), Special Boat Units (SBU), and the SEALS, then less than a decade old.
Uh. Not what I expected. Hemming and hawing, I asked about other options, I think. After a while, the detailer brought the conversation to a quick halt by pointing out, “This is not a request.” Out.
I was not, however, displeased at the prospect of being stationed in Coronado, Calif., on the peninsula that forms the western side of San Diego Bay.
I was due to arrive at COMNAVSPECWARGRUPAC in late July. I had a little bit of leave accumulated as well as PCS time.
Go West, young man!