Dennis Berry

DOB: 12/29/1948
Service Dates: 8/3/67-9/1/97
Boats Served On:
USS Remora (SS-487)
USS Grant (SSBN-631)
USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN-636)
USS McKee (AS -41)
USS Florikin (ARS-9)
Uss Dixon (AS-37)

QMSA - QM2(SS)

I arrived on Remora in 1968 as a QMSA and departed in 1972 as a QM2(SS). During those years, I met and enjoyed some of the most interesting characters anyone would hope to meet. The experiences I had on Remora prepared me for the rest of my life. The one thing I remember telling myself during my time onboard was that I would never look back and think of my service there as a GOOD time. It was a hard way to live and for those who didn't do it, no amount of watching the history channel will give you a true feel fo rthe life we endured. However, I didn't tell myself that I wouldn't remember and appreciate the people and experience I had on Remora. From the shipyards in Hawaii to the Med, I grew up (sort of) and learned the tools of my trade that provided me with a rewarding career. I went on to serve on two SSBNs, was a COB on the Nat Greene and was commissioned as a LDO in 1981. I retired in 1997 after 30 years of service as a LCDR, but, Remora was the one command that I always remember. What a ship - what a crew.