Samuel W. Jones QMCS(SS) COB 1975

Senior Chief Jones was born in Deer Lodge, Tennessee on June 3, 1943.  After High School at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy on July 21, 1960. After completing boot camp in San Diego on October 4, 1960 he reported aboard the USS TULARE (AKA 112) and work 6 months in the deck force before going to the bridge to strike for Quartermaster.  Upon completion of his enlistment as a QM2 he reenlisted and was transferred to the USS FEARLESS (MSO 442) home ported in Charleston, S.C.  After a Caribbean cruise where he was involved with patrolling the Windward Passage during the blockade of Cuba he was transferred to submarine school in March 1965, and was advanced to QM1 on May 16, 1965. He graduated from Submarine School in June 1965 and was transferred to his first boat, USS SEADRAGON (SSN 584).   He qualified in Submarines in February 1966 and was transferred to Recruiting Duty at Navy Recruiting Station, Cincinnati, Ohio.  While on Recruiting Duty he was advanced to QMC(SS) on January 16, 1969 at the age of 25 years, 7 months, 13 days of age.  After his shore tour he reported to the USS SARGO (SSN 583) to begin a split sea tour, 3 years in Hawaii and 2 years in CONUS, however, he requested permission to remain on SARGO for the full 5-year sea tour.  In April, 1975 Bob Gerle was promoted to Warrant Officer and transferred, he was selected to relieve Bob as the COB.  He remained in that position until he was transferred back to shore duty at the Navy Recruiting Station in Dayton, Ohio.  On August 16, 1977 he was advanced to QMCS(SS) and moved up to the position of zone supervisor in the Columbus, Ohio area.  After completing 20 years on August 15, 1979 including constructive time he transferred to the Fleet Reserve and returned to his home in Deer Lodge, Tennessee.  After a year in the Fleet Reserve he requested and received permission to return to the Navy.  In April 1981 he returned to Pearl Harbor onboard the USS INDIANAPOLIS (SSN 697) as a QMCS(SS), USNFR, F6.  In November 1982 he was transferred to COMSUBLANT and worked as the Assistant Scheduling Officer.  While in Norfolk he married a hometown lady and he and Melissa made their home in Virginia Beach until he again transferred to the Fleet Reserve on December 31, 1984 having completed 24 years of Naval Service. When he returned home he settled down and started at Roane State Community College and graduated with an Associate Degree in Political Science.  He was employed by the Tennessee Department of Correction in July 1986 and works in Probation and Parole department.  He has been very active in civic affairs, having served on the County Commission, and is presently the Chairman of the Morgan County Head Start Program.

USS TULARE (AKA 112)		USS FEARLESS (MSO 442)		USS SEADRAGON (SSN 584)		USS SARGO (SSN 583)		USS INDIANAPOLIS (SSN 697)