USS Houston Precommission Unit 1981-1983
After being released from the USS Birmingham following our med run, I immediately reported to the USS Houston SSN-713 Precommission Unit at Newport News Shipbuilding. This started the whole process over again.
As with the Birmingham, the new construction process was extremely intense. Long working hours and the pace we had to endure made the days run together. As I look back, the details that come back are spotty at best. (Hopefully some of my former shipmates will refresh my memory)
Early '80s
The early '80s were and exciting time to be in the Navy. After Ronald Reagan was elected President, a new attitude flowed through the military. No longer treated as second class citizens, Pride and Professionalism became the new mantra. This revitalized not only the military, but the entire country. The depressing Viet Nam era was finally over. The largest single pay-raise in history to that point didn't hurt morale either.
The push to the 600 ship navy provided great advancement opportunities. Rapid promotion became the norm vice the exception. At just 71/2 years in the navy, I was selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer.
Port Call Houston, Texas (Our Namesake City)
In the spring of 1983, the ship made a port call to Houston, Texas. Well, actually it was LaPorte but that was as close as the powers to be would let a nuclear powered vessel. There were months of buildup to this visit. Several crew members would make public relations visits to the city to sell memorabilia (hats, belt buckles, etc.), and schmooze the local politicians. Well their effort really paid off. The city threw open their arms when we showed up.
At the pier we that we tied up to, a full blown Texas Barbecue had been set up under a huge party tent. Fixins were prepared by the current state barbeque champions. To prevent anyone from getting thirsty, a full delivery truck of "BUD" was there just in "case". A bigger or better party would be hard to find. The entire crew was provided lodging at local motels so we wouldn't have to stay on board (Except the on-duty watchstanders).
The crew was also treated to several receptions held in our honor. The ones I remember particularly were hosted by the City of Houston, and the Tenneco Co. (which at the time owned Newport News Shipbuilding, builders of the Houston). Each crew member received a serialized Texas style belt buckle, and a Stetson cowboy hat. We spent almost a week there and fell in love with the city.
In return, the crew opened the ship for tours. During the course of our stay, over 10,000 people toured our ship. Outside contractors were hired to keep the boat clean, taking the burden off the crew (thank God).
Not everyone was happy about the Houston's trip. During the ships transit up and down the Houston Ship Canal, all commercial shipping traffic was stopped to allow our passage. This was done to minimize any possibility of collision with a nuclear powered vessel. This obviously had some VERY high level support to cause this to happen. Not just anyone can stop traffic in the second busiest seaport in the United States. But the Ship's Sponsor was Barbra Bush, that may have something to do with it. However this didn't affect me, so this was one of the best port calls I've had.
Highlights
- Bought a "Harley" and made a cross-country trip.
- Married my wife Connie.
- Made Chief Petty Officer.
Present
I have recently started a USS Houston Shipmate Connection website to help former and current shipmates stay in touch with each other.
Also, there are several links to the History of the USS Houston, both the old cruiser and our submarine. I will be adding those later as I get time.
USS Houston is currently homeported in San Diego, California.