George Mitchell Riolo

DOB: 2/11/1947
Service Dates: 6/20/1965-6/15/1995
Boats Served On:
USS Remora (SS-487)
San Diego Submarine Reserve Unit 11-43

How I Got Started In The Navy, 1965: My Navy career started when my father enlisted in the Navy in the Province of Lagaspi, Philippines. Many years ago, Filipino men were actively recruited for service as stewards in the US Navy. So it was with my dad. I grew up as a Navy brat even living 4 years in Washington DC when the old man was stationed in the White House under President Truman. In 1957, my older brother Greg joined the Navy and from there it was just a matter of time before I was in. No if's, and's, or but's about it. After high school graduation in June of 65, off I went to the recruiters office for enlistment. My mom and dad were at the office with me and I can remember their smiling faces beeming with pride. They finally got another son in the Navy. The Reserves back then offered what was called a 2X4 plan. Two years active and four years doing drills and two weeks a year active duty, and that was my choice. After doing one year of drills and flunking out of junior collage, I was now 1-A and forced into the active service with real men that had tattoos and everything. Before going in I attended reserve submarine school at Hunter's Point in San Francisco. At that time, it took the place of Boot Camp. Yes! I never went to boot camp. Sub school was 6 weeks long and we did do alittle marching and other military stuff, but not like the real Navy guys. There was an old diesal boat in the bay that we often trained on. I can still smell the fuel oil from that first boat that I ever went on. Funny thing is, now every time I smell diesal fuel, I think of the boats. I went active in August of 66 and waited for 2 weeks in San Diego for my orders. At that time, it was offical policy not to put brothers on the same boat at the same time. Something about some guys named Sullivan. After about a week of waiting, my dad decided to use some of his influence from his old days in the White House. A phone call was made to an un-named Admiral, and the rest is history. So much for offical Navy Policy. Greg Riolo and Little Georgie Riolo, on the same boat.