1966 - FTG SN

2001

My name is Randy G. Greenlee and I served aboard the Kawishiwi in 1966 & 1967. 

Three of my best friends during that period were Gary ‘Ivan’ Plavljanich, Lenny Scaletta and Robin ‘Hubie’ Huber.  We were in FOX division and were Fire Control Technicians.  Our job was to maintain and operate the computers, directors, radar and related equipment that locked on to and tracked air and surface targets during battle.  FOX division also included the gunners mates.

I was also trained to be part of the Kawishiwi recovery team on the Gemini Capsule recovery missions.   We went to the Recovery training School in Pearl.  I don’t remember if the trainers were Seals or UDT back then.  As I remember, the training lasted about a week.  The 1st thing we had to do was to swim (4) ¼ mile laps in the canal to prove we could survive in the water for a bit.  Then we were taught how to properly swim with snorkel, mask and fins.  We were then given pool training on how to attach the flotation gear to the capsule.  If I remember correctly, timing was important here because without the flotation gear the capsule had only a limited about of flotation life.  Another important fact was the ability to hold one’s breath because most of the work had to be done under water.  On the last day of training the capsule was put into the canal and we were timed on our performance in order to pass.  Unfortunately we did not get to try out our new skills because Gemini put down in the Atlantic.