Dennis Lee Adair
Dennis Lee Adair was born 30-Aug 1955. In 2024 He wrote his memories of his service in the US Navy.
His story, in his own words, is below.
MY STORY – A Show of Arms
I met my ship at Subic Bay Navy Base, Philippines 1974 the U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64). The aircraft carrier’s nickname is “Connie.” The flight deck is equal in size to four football field. The flattop is thirteen stories from the bottom of the hull to the top of the island the structure rising above the flight deck. With crew of over two thousand, she’s a floating city.
There’s an ice parlor, two ships stores, a barber shop, a gym, a library, and a weight room.
My name is Dennis Lee Adair. I am 100% service connected, honorably discharged, disabled veteran. I volunteered for the Navy when I was seventeen. The Vietnam War was going on. My rating is AQ3 Aviation Fiore Control Technician. My job was to test avionics equipment. I received two years of electronics school. Sea Duty for five years on the Constellation. My job on the ship was avionic equipment like the Black Boxes. A buddy and I took a walk down the hangar bay. The planes were loaded with every missile, bombs, that they could hold. Dignitaries from Iraq, Iran, Syria, and all the Middle East.
Early that same day a tragedy occurred on the flight deck. A jet was turning around when the exhaust blew a sailor right off the deck. A chopper went out to look for him but came back and reported that no one was seen out in the choppy water. Connie did not stop or even slow down but kept her speed and bearing. There was five minutes of silence to show respect to the air man and his family. A telegram was sent to his family informing them of this tragic accident and stating he was lost at sea and given a Purple Heart.
My job was to test avionics equipment, black boxes, anything electrical or electronic.
For the rest of the story, click on the pdf below:
For the story in Dennis’ own handwriting, click below:
