1955 or 1956
Charleston 1999
I first met Paul after having traveled by train from the Great Lakes, arriving in Norfolk, VA. late evening. Several of us wereassigned to the Saipan. We were told it was out in the stream, so we had to embark by boat. It was late, (MIDNIGHT) when we came aboard. Paul was there to meet us and help us get berthed for the night. He was assigned as our section PETTY OFFICER. The next day,we were given assignments and our training began.
Paul The Educator: In The OLD NAVY this was the part that would make or
break a young sailor. The work was hard and nasty, but Paul would always
tie it with necessity. In other words, he would show the importance of
keeping spaces clean, painting on scheduled times - upkeep is the heart
of the Boatswain Mates existance and Paul made that the number ONE
project each day. Paul would always say that if we did more today we
would have less for tomorrow. He had a way with Home-Grown psycology
and knew just when to use it. Nonetheless, Paul made sure that we learned
the ropes in order to demonstrate how to be good deck seamen. It was
because of Paul that I got involved in small boats. His instructions
made me an excellent boat handler. Had I stayed in the deck force I
would probably have gone into tugboats.
Paul The Shipmate: This is the area that made knowing Paul simply the
greatest event in my life. I was impressionable and looking for
guidance. Had I received the wrong direction I don't think I would have
accomplished what I did with the NAVY. Shipmates have a strong influence
on what you do on a daily basis. Many young people err by listening to
the wrong advice. Paul made sure his advice would fit equally with him
as with the person he was advising.
This sometimes is difficult, but he
always found a way to smooth things out with sage advice.
Paul The Personality: Rare is it that you remember a person that you
haven't seen for 50 years. Paul was different. Mainly because of his
affable smile and easy way about him. Paul was always upbeat and
positive. We had many a day when we worked long hours on air operations
or resupplying the ship. Paul was always there with his smile and a good
word for each and every one of us.
Paul left his mark on many more I am sure during the remainder of his
career and I am sure I have only touched the tip of the iceberg. I have
many stories about my short time with Paul and each and every one made
my tour aboard the Saipan a wonderful experience. He certainly was a
reason for me making the NAVY a career. I know he is doing the same in
HEAVEN.
REG NEWMAN 50-52 1ST DIV USS SAIPAN
USS SAIPAN
Served Aboard From 1949-1952
USS DUXBURY BAY
Served Aboard From 1952-1954
USS RANDOLPH
Served Aboard From 1956-1957
USS ROOSEVELT
Served Aboard From 1957-1959
Served Aboard From 1963-1965
Rough Waters
