Draft:Paul Alfred "Bos'n" Garcia

Paul Alfred "Bos'n" Garcia (July 17, 1952 - July 17, 2052) was a Navy Lieutenant (LDO/CWO) in the United States Navy who served in the Pacific Fleet and Atlantic Fleet from 1972 to 1993. He was born in Fresno, California. Graduated from Hayfield High School in Alexandria, Virginia. In August of 1972, Bos'n graduated from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Military career After graduating from Naval Recruit Training Command, 22nd Battalion, Company 315, Garcia served in the Navy for 20 years, five months, and four weeks. Retiring on the 1st of February, 1993. Garcia quickly rose through the ranks and held several operational enlisted and officer billets, both in the Pacific and Atlantic as well as ashore training and educational commands. Attaining 'Master Training Specialist' Naval Amphibious School, Amphibious Training Warfare Department. Special assignment to S.E.R.E school, NAS North Island & Warner Springs, California. As an Instructor, providing instruction in Assault Boat Coxswain - 1220-350. Ship-To-Shore CIC. Assault Boat Salvage. *Senior Allied Amphibious Warfare Course. LST Bow-Ramp Course. Awarded Naval Amphibious School Quartly Professional Achiever, 01APR-30JUN, 1980. Upon arrival to sea-going billet onboard the USS Saint Louis LKA-116, Garcia received his first *Navy Achievement Award for duties and instruction from Naval Amphibious School Command. The USS St. Louis would be Garcia's second LKA, the USS Mobile LKA-115 being his first Amphib. Qualified as an Assault Boat Coxswain in the Third Division, Deck Department.

LDO/CWO 611X Deck Commission. During Garcia's sea tour onboard USS Saint Louis, Boatswain's Mate First Class Fleeted up to LDO Deck Ensign. My Mission: as a Limited Duty Officer, was to support commanding officers in the war-fighting capability and readiness of Naval Forces through leadership, technical proficiency, and experience. Detaching April of 1982, his first assignment as Ships Bos'n and Assistant First Lieutenant onboard USS Ashtabula AO-51, conducting Replenishment operations throughout the Pacific Fleet AOR. After six months of sea duty, the USS Ashtabula AO-51 was decommissioned from active service and turned over to Military Sealift Command. Best training billet for all Boatswain's Mate. Surface Warfare Officer's Training. NAB Coronado, CA. Leadership Management Education Training.

Recalled Back To Sea. Quick Turn-Around and back to sea duty, assignment USS Vancouver LPD-2. Assistant First Lieutenant and Ships Bos'n. My mentor was Lieutenant Gil Poppie, LDO/CWO. Quick turn-over and underway once again into the Pacific Fleet AOR. Raleigh-class amphibious transport dock, nick-named 'Van-Can-Do, Little Phib Dock.' After completing six months at sea duty. Detached and assigned to NETC, Aviation School Command, Officer Indoctrination training in Pensacola, Florida. (1983 - After receiving LDO commission)

Upon Co's Request. Reassigned to the USS Vancouver LPD-2 from 1983 to 1986 July. Duty was outstanding. Nothing lasts Forever.

East Coast Shore Duty. The new assignment would be Naval Education and Traning Center, Newport, Rhode Island. First stop Navy Instructor School. To instruct Officer Indoctrination School. Further assignment to the Director of Naval Education and Training Center. Sea Duty. Last sea billet as first lieutenant on board USS Grasp ARS-51. Shore Duty and Retirement. Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia. Assigned to the Commanding Officers' staff. Retirement would come on the 1st of February 1993.