I was stationed at NADO, T.I. from July 1953 to December 1954. (TI was my first duty
station, too.) Then got transferred to a DE that took 12th ND reservists on their two-week
training cruises. We were tied up at Pier 14. Got discharged in Feb. 1957 as a DK2.
While at NADO (topside, Bldg. 218) we processed hundreds daily who were coming back
from Korea and Japan. (Cease-fire had occurred in July 1953.) We closed out their pay
records, paid travel expenses, mustering out pay, unused leave, back pay, etc.
I went to T.I. right after DK School (Class A) in San Diego. When I got to NADO, I was a
DKSA. There were 60 sailors and 90 civilians. Personnel offices were right across the hall,
also topside, Bldg. 218. I hated shore duty. Loved duty aboard the DE. Shipboard life was
why I joined the Navy in the first place. I seriously considered shipping-over at the end of
my four-year stint, but did not. I went home (back to Iowa). Let me hear from you guys.
Jude Gardner — originally from Waverly, Iowa. USN 1953-1957.