Dale Decker

Dale Decker.

Dale Decker was born and raised in Rockport, the son of Alva and Mary Decker. He attended Rockport School until it burned and then he was sent to Beaver Dam to finish high school.

Soon after graduation and with a diploma in his hand, Dale was unsure of what direction he needed to take concerning his career and the type of work that he wanted to do for the rest of his working life. Luckily and ideally, he opted to volunteer for services in the U. S. Armed Forces and he chose to enlist in the Navy for a four year hitch.

Dale entered the Navy in 1969 and was sent to "Great Lakes Naval Training Center" in Great Lakes, Illinois for boot camp. Boot camp was approximately eight weeks long and the recruit is taught how to transgress from a civilian into a sailor with all of the skills necessary to perform in the fleet.

After completing Boot Camp, Dale was sent to Radio Operator technical school in Bainbridge, Maryland. He graduated from technical school as a radioman and was transferred to his first assignment at Naval Station Mayport located in Jacksonville, Florida. He sailed out of Mayport Naval Station on the USS Concord, a Combat Stores Ship. A combat stores ship provides supplies, propulsion fuel and aviation fuel to other ships in the fleet.

While in the 6th fleet, Dale was sent to the Mediterranean Sea for 6 months of duty. Returning to home port for a few weeks, Dale was then transferred to the 2nd fleet and sent to the Indian Ocean for another six months of sea duty. In 1973, Dale had completed his obligation of four years of service to our country and given an honorable discharge and sent back home. Thanks Dale, for your service to our country.