When I first enlisted, I was on active duty with the Marine Corps for six years (1988-94) and I worked on the electro-optical sensors of the F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter. I was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron(MALS)-31. During that time, I deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-91) with MALS-14 and then MALS-11. I also deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan for the unit deployment program (1992-93) with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA)-122. Finally, I deployed to Aviano AB, Italy for Operation Deny Flight in the former Yugoslavia (1993-94) with VMFA(AW)-533. They have the All Weather designation because they fly the F/A-18D.
I began attending the University of Florida in August 1994 at which time I joined Bravo Company, 4th AsltAmph Bn, 4th MarDiv, Jacksonville, FL. I joined H&S Co after I moved to St. Petersburg. I was an assault amphibian crewman assigned as a section leader for the AAV Platoon. I was responsible for three AAVP7A1 amphibious tractors (also called amtracs or "tracks") and the nine Marines who served as their crews. An amtrac is a full-tracked amphibious armored vehicle which transports Marines and equipment ashore from an amphibious assault ship and for subsequent operations inland. During the summer of 1996, Bravo Company went to Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA for Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) 7-96
(photos). In July of 1997 I attended the staff noncommissioned officer career course (photos). During the summer of 1998, Bravo Company went to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA for Amphibious Operations Training (photos).
Among other things, I enjoy spending my free time taking care of my vehicle. I used to have a 1989 Chevrolet Camaro
RS. My next vehicle was a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport (photo soon) which I liked, but it was only a lease. Now I have a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (photo soon) that I bought from Southwest Public Safety in San Antonio, TX. After driving my marked cruiser (photo soon) 40 hours per week, I realized they're pretty good cars and decided to get one of my own. So, now my take-home car and my personal car are identical (except for the light bar and decals). I also like to watch Gator sports, especially soccer
(SEC Champions 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 - National Champions 1998), gymnastics
(NCAA Super Six 1997, NCAA Silver Medalists 1998), and of course football (SEC Champs 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 2000 - National Champions 1996). I am also an avid target shooter and collector of Glock pistols and I am a certified advanced open water scuba diver. Check out my scuba page to see some cool underwater pictures!
During some of our weekend drills, Bravo Company would "splash" the AAVs in the St. Johns River (photo).
During other drills, we would conduct surf survival training at Naval Station Mayport (photo).
March 8, 2003 
SPPD33398@aol.com
