Veteran shares his Navy experiences

A country served with honor, pride and humility: This describes our veterans and certainly Al Stamberg, who served in the United States Navy for more than 23 years. 

On April 1, in front of 30 fellow Windridge residents, Al and his wife, Judy, shared notable moments from his military travels to more than 14 countries. In addition to Al’s presentation, they gave away coffee cups, patches, movies, books and other memorabilia related to Al’s time in the military.  

Early on, Al served active duty aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10). While aboard the aircraft carrier, Al witnessed the recovery of the astronauts and capsule of the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. Parts of the film “Tora! Tora! Tora!” were also filmed on the deck that year. Al and other crew members tracked Russian submarines in the Arctic Ocean and he was there as the carrier was decommissioned in 1970 

After leaving active duty, Al met and married Judy in 1972. Five years later, Al joined the U. S. Naval Reserve. During this time, he traveled back and forth to the Philippines as a supply officer. He served on the USS Orleck, traveling on the Columbia River to be a guest ship at the Rose Festival, and on the USS Francis Hammond in Japan. Al commanded five reserve units in the U.S. and had the privilege of attending a reception for the Blue Angels. 

Today, you can tour the USS Yorktown (CV-10) at Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina, where it’s preserved and serves as the museum’s centerpiece. 

Western Home Communities expresses its appreciation to Al and all other residents who’ve served our country in the military.