Bob's contribution
Robert Smith SH2
(Ship Serviceman)
I served on Board the USS Concord AFS-5 from 1968-1970 as part
of the Commissioning crew and referred to as a Plankowner which I am very proud of. I was in the S-3 Division which included
the Cooks and Ship Servicemen like myself so I was able to eat early and very well while I was on board.
During
my time on board the Concord I ran the snack bar and later got to Operate the Ship Store. During the time of running the store
I got to meet all the 300+ sailors and Officers and gained many friendships.
I made
2 very long Med cruises while on board. While on the med cruises we had one terrible Helicopter crash when the rotor hit the
communication tower and crashed on the side of the ship and split open and sank. No serious injuries to anyone. Visiting the
islands of Palma and Malta were probably my favorite places while on the Med cruises.
What
I enjoy the most now is the reunions. I have been to all of them with Vicki my wonderful wife. As a team we run the current
Ship Store on the website and always are the hit at the reunions with our Raffle table at the Saturday night Banquet, and
offer some comedy as we give away the centerpieces of the tables with some interesting contests. Vicki and I are so looking
forward to the upcoming reunion in Nashville to see all our shipmate friends and have quality time together.
I contributed a few photos, to the webmaster, for this story of my memories that I keep in
my Nautical basement.
Thank you for the honor of Highlighting Vicki and I. We are glad to be a part of this great group of Shipmates!
Garry Collins's contribution
HI
Tim,
What can you say about Bob and Vicki? They’ve
been there from the start and they are both key figures in the success of the organization. Both give their time, their
money, and a ton of effort every reunion to build and stock our ship’s store inventory. They make the reunion
banquet a fun time with their novel ideas for raffles, drawings, and surprise gifts for the attendees. It just wouldn’t
be the same without them and their extreme dedication! Both Bob and Vicki go above and beyond to serve the Association
and it’s members! They both embody the ship’s motto always “First then, First now!” We owe them
both a big debt of gratitude! BZ to both of you Bob and Vicki! Thanks for all that both of your do!
Garry Collins
LCDR, SC, USN (ret)
LTJG
Supply 1981-1984
USS Concord Veterans Association
Founder/Secretary