Ralph Noel, Petty Officer 2nd Class United States Navy 1958 - 1962

Ralph Noel...  In his own words:
The Navy guys had specialties that went with their rank.  Mine was "sonarman".  I was eventually based on a naval destroyer and specialized in the detection, tracking and destruction of submarines. An interesting story goes with it. 

During boot camp, we were allowed to pick 3 specialties that we would like to pursue as a naval career. For some reason, I had an interest in electricity, so I picked " electricians mate", "electronic tech." and some other similar field. When it came time to review the picks with our advisor, he said "Gee, you did very well in your hearing tests; let's just put sonarman down as a 4th choice, you'll probably never get it." 

Do you think they ever looked at the first 3 picks? I don't think so! As it turned out the sonar school not only had operations training but also provided a basic electronics background for repair work. The "hands_on" experience served me well later at the University of Hartford.
 
 

Anchors Aweigh!  We recognize those sailors... why it's Ralph Noel at parade rest and at right are classmates Joe Kratka and Jack Haddock. This looks like this may the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the time is fall of 1958.  As you were, sailors. (This photo from Ginny Hill Noel's collection.)