UPDATED 10/11/2023
A “Post-Covid” MIUW 103/104 reunion is being planned for WAS HELD Oct 7, 2023 in conjunction with Fleet Week. SAVE THE DATE. The plan is for a picnic as usual. Further details will be available here and on the MIUW 103/104 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/114922036249 Stay Tuned.
FLASH FLASH!!! We just heard that the USCG blew our reservation for Coast Guard Island, Alameda for the October 7, 2023 picnic.
The new location for 2023 is at the “Hitching Post” picnic area at the Kennedy Grove East Bay Regional Recreational Area. This park is at the northwest end of San Pablo Reservoir north of Orinda CA. (We’ll see about CGI again for the next reunion..)
Target Coords: 37° 56.80N 122° 15.90W. They may charge $5.00 for parking, heads up.
Street Address: 6531 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803
The 2019 “Annual” Reunion pot-luck picnic for MIUW 103/104 was held on Saturday, 13 October 2019 at Coast Guard Island as in past years. Group photo at the end of this lengthy missive! A good time was had by all and it was great to see all you MIUWtants once again…..
We also celebrated the 244th Birthday of the US Navy during Fleet Week!
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“Eternal Vigilance Is The Price Of Liberty”
MIUW? Wazzat? Modern day coast watchers? And MORE?
Some selected adventures of the MIUWtants of:
Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 1920 AKA MIUW 1920, MIUWU 1920
Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 103 AKA MIUW 103, MIUWU 103
The names have been changed to protect – well – never mind. (MIUW 1920 = MIUW 103)
(By the way – We are not here, we never were here, you’ve mistaken us for someone else and this conversation never happened.)
For MIUWU 103 and 104 Units based at Treasure Island and San Jose respectively, we HAD a Yahoo Groups “bulletin board” to pass the word and generally keep an active Comms Net in operation. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/miuw103-104assn/
UPDATE: 2020: Yahoo has disbanded Groups, including ours but check out the new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/114922036249
MIUW 103 and its predecessors had their mission-roots going back before the Civil War. The task of Harbor Defense goes back even farther than that but our origins as a San Francisco-based harbor defense unit are clear. The unit worked from several locations over the years, including some time “drilling” every Wednesday night in the basement of the Palo Alto Post Office!
In the above photo, Fort Point is seen as the original harbor defense installation in San Francisco; construction started in 1853. Shown here as the new Golden Gate bridge footings are being built OVER the fort circa 1934. Along with its associated coastal artillery sites on both sides of the Golden Gate and on Alcatraz and Angel Islands, it defended the City, port and country from sea-based attack during the Civil War up through the WWII era. Those defenses later included the nuclear-armed Nike anti aircraft missiles in the hills across the Gate from here.
Even though the modern units are highly mobile and deployable in an expeditionary mode to defend any friend, any where, our historical roots are here at this fort. Notice the shoulder patch on the soldier in the middle. The Third Infantry Division. Harbor Defense used to be an Army mission back then. By WWII the Harbor Entrance Control Points were manned by both Army and Navy personnel, the Navy controlling detection, surveillance, nets and traffic control. Reference (5). (US Army Signal Corps photo)
Later on in November 1966, 4 MIUW units deployed to Vietnam under CTF-115, two from LANT Fleet, two from PAC Fleet, reporting to Inshore Undersea Warfare Group One West Pac Det. Those units protected their assigned harbors and port facilities with their organic Harbor Patrol Elements consisting primarily of armed LCPL boats and even armed Boston Whalers.
During this time frame, the units were all manned by active duty personnel as significant Reserve forces were not being called up in large numbers for that effort. The IUW Groups remained active-duty into the mid 1970’s although the MIUW Units mission had transitioned to a Navy Reserve organization by then. The IUW Groups then transitioned to a primarily all-Reserve manning thereafter. The organization, staffing makeup and chain of command is undergoing more changes into the 21st century. The mission continued.
With this website’s primary emphasis on tactical radio communications, I’ll mainly focus on that narrow aspect of MIUW 103 history, plus a few Sea Stories. If you want more information, or a current update, see your friendly Navy Recruiter and then get a Security Clearance… Sorry! ;o) Maybe a Time Machine as well!
Above: Some time after the Civil War, but nearby (simulating an enemy-held territory), our coastwatcher team trains on a remote Pacific beach, checking in with the PRC-47 HF radio with a Codeword indicating: “Feet Dry – heading for the OP.” Coastwatchers provide essential situational awareness for situational understanding.
Above: Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 1920 sets up the AN/TSQ-108 Radar Sonar Surveillance Center (RSSC) van at Mare Island CA. Keeping watch – a training exercise circa 1980.
Above: We did a lot of cold weather training as well. After 1975, we expanded our attention to preparations in support of NATO defensive operations in northern Europe. Here in the Sierra Nevada mountains with a Marine Corps instructor from Charlie Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, then based in Reno NV. Use your cross country ski’s and poles to build a roof for your snow-trench hootch. Throw your poncho over it, roll out your sleeping bag inside. Set the watch section, get a radio check, Reveille is at 0600, see you for chow in the morning.
So who’s here? Bosun’s Mates, a Gunners Mate, a Sonar Technician, a Storekeeper, an Engineman, a Personnelman, a Radioman, an Electronics Technician, an Electrician, a Quartermaster, an Operations Specialist, Surface Warfare Officers, two Submariners and a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant. We were “diverse”, before it was cool!
“The people who join MIUW don’t join it because MIUW’s are different.
They join it because THEY are.“
Always time for a reenlistment ceremony, often in the unusual places you happened to be when the clock ran out.. Here, Gunners Mate First Class “Bill” is reenlisted by the CO in a snow trench in the Sierras. We always had very high reenlistment rates, even when deployed in nasty places where declining the offer got you a ticket home – no harm, no foul, THANK YOU for your service to our Country….
That particular hootch became our communications bunker, housing our PRC-47 HF transceiver and PRC-77. More great training.
The PRC-47 provided support comms back to our watchstanders at Treasure Island CA.
Above: The AN/TSQ-108 set up at Red Beach, Camp Pendleton CA. Lots of interesting things to detect, localize, identify, record, analyze, track, see, hear – and prosecute. Got antennas?
Relevant training for big things to come.
Then off to the US Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport CA many times. Crossing a river on a one-rope bridge, rapelling, survival, navigation, communications, small unit tactics, high altitude medical, etc. We not only learned how to get around – and stay around – but more importantly, we also learned the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP’s) of those we might be defending against in the future.
Above: From The Sea: Initial elements of the USMC Landing Force, Exercise Kernal Usher.
Landing Craft, Cobras and Tanks Oh My!
Above, the coast watcher control station on Mt. Constitution, on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, Washington state. Part of the 1979 Exercise Strait Jacket III we deployed coast watchers at several sites around Puget Sound with their operations and reports being coordinated at the above station. We then reported via HF radio back to MIUW 1920 at their site hidden in the forest on Whidbey Island. Our mission – to detect, track and report all significant surface (and sub surface) vessel activity entering and leaving Puget Sound through the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
We operated portable HF radio’s up here, including a high frequency AN/URC-87 (Southcom SC-130) seen here, a AN/PRC-104 and a VHF AN/PRC-77 seen here in the foreground. This was shortly after the “Admiral Zumwalt Years” – of long hair! Ahem… and C-Rations…
Above: The High Frequency AN/URC-87 transceiver. We had rigged a low dipole antenna; here tuned to our night frequency of 4275 KC upper sideband. Yes, it was an “NVIS” system. This is the militarized Southcom SC-130 “Patrol Phone”. Pretty good portable radio but it wasn’t in the system for very long.
With a nod to the extremely brave Australian and native coast watchers operating in the Solomon Islands during WWII, the tactical exercise scenario here was similar. The Guadalcanal coast watcher control station “KEN” took reports and coordinated operations of the coast watchers on other islands further up “The Slot”. The above station provided a similar function in training; simulating operations in enemy held territory. History has a way of repeating itself. We take notes. We practice, we train, we deploy.
As seen above, our little station was highly mobile. Here, RM2 “Marty” stands beside our M-151 Jeep with trailer on Mt Constitution. With a commandeered picnic table and a couple of shelter halves rigged as defense against the coastal rain.
“If it’s Sun, it’s Fun. If it’s Raining, it’s Training.”
There was a US Navy aircraft carrier in the local shipyard for overhaul; I recall it was the USS Enterprise. Their Marine Corps detachment was bored and jumped at the chance to join the exercise – their mission was to deploy to the islands and attempt to locate and capture the coast watchers. Even though we were periodically resupplied with chow, water and batteries via helicopter during the 2 week exercise, they never caught us. Good training for both groups.
We were eventually extracted by this National Guard CH-47 Chinook and flown back to a small clearing at our site on Whidbey Island.
Does this vehicle look familiar? It should! Seen here at the 2011 Military Vehicle Collectors of California rally at Camp Delta.
No, it’s not mine. A guy from San Jose (?) apparently bought this M-715 Kaiser/Jeep Weapons Carrier surplus from DRMO and then restored it (with those highly non-reg tires and jacked up suspension)… A couple of years back it sported one of our white sonar shark triangle insignias on the door.
“So, you think the chow really tastes like garbage?”
“I’d just be careful of the C-Ration cans that float….erp! “
If you complain about the chow you get to sample it – at Diego Garcia! Here doing an on-site Op for Naval Special Warfare Group 1 from Coronado. Cutoff green utilities and UDT Shorts was the Uniform of the Day.
When not sampling the Island Cuisine, I was issued call sign VQ9CC by the British Representative. Made some interesting “radio checks” from there! This “QSL Card” is from the island’s permanent station, VQ9CI.
One of our humble HQ’s in days gone by. The original Treasure Island Communications Center Quonset Hut, now owned by the City of San Francisco – the new owners of Treasure Island. A catering company now leases the building from SF. Sleep well tonight…..(Update: This old Q Hut has since been demolished.)
Above: More training: Exercise RIMPAC 1984. We hitched a ride aboard an LSD out to Pearl Harbor and then set up in the mountains, in a defilade position, above Hanauma Bay, Oahu. Maintaining surveillance of interesting things above, in and under the Kaiwi / Molokai Channel and seaward. “Hey comrade – what’s that thing up there, just over the ridge, an antenna? Can’t tell, just looks like another power pole.” Nothing to see here, move along.
We also had deployed coastwatchers to Maui and had good PRC-77 radio comms with them, over 80 miles away, mostly over sea water. Our crew was very well trained.
On deployment: Signals training with the Jordanian military out in the desert. Smart, Good guys. Here, demonstrating the Mark 13 Day/Night signal flare — my personal favorite!
On our way downrange to Jordan, our USAF C-141 transport plane stopped at Rhein Main airbase in Frankfurt, Germany. (For fuel and allegedly for directions). As we were reboarding for the Jordan leg we heard the airport staff tell us that there just was a big earthquake in San Francisco. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge had collapsed. Since most of the crew is from SF and the Bay Area, we were quite concerned. We knew that “The Big One” would eventually wreck the city. But we had no comms or options; the C-141 was spooling up out on the tarmac. So off we went. Wheels up.
When we arrived at our remote destination in Jordan we fired up the AN/ARC-102 HF radio gear in the Van and tuned in to the BBC in London on 5975 KC shortwave for some news. Yep – a really big one on the San Andreas fault, near Loma Prieta, just south of the city. Heavy damage.
The reporter then stated in the most believable proper English accent that the bridge connecting San Francisco with Burbank had collapsed. Damn, the San Andreas fault must have shifted Burbank about 300 miles north, now it was across the bay from SF! Holy crap! We finally got some comms back home and found out everyone was safe although badly rattled. We later learned that the wife of one of our former crew members had been killed in the bridge collapse.
On our trip back home, the Oakland – SF Bay Bridge had been closed, a section had indeed collapsed. So after we landed at Travis AFB, we convoyed north around the bay and via the Golden Gate Bridge into SF. Can’t get home to Treasure Island in the middle of the Bay. “Didn’t you guys hear that part of the bridge had collapsed and it was closed to check for further damage?” Uh, no, we were out of town. The California Highway Patrol eventually relented and allowed us to travel on the bridge from SF to Treasure Island – the only vehicles on the bridge. Eerie.
Fun Fact: When we had stopped for a layover in Germany most of the crew went shopping – after hitting the local Beer Hall. Apparently, nice German carved wooden Cuckoo Clocks were the thing to buy. (The Air Force crew bought booze. Hmmmm, maybe they know something. Hmmmm, maybe we should just drive the rest of the way to Jordan)
Once at our desert base in Jordan we were living in a big tent city along with the Coast Guard Port Security boat unit. Every hour, the tent city would erupt with dozens of Cuckoo Clocks sounding off announcing the hour. BONG – Coo Coo, BONG Coo Coo, BONG Coo Coo. WHAT?? The Jordanian troops (and the Coast Guardsmen) thought we were truly crazy. “Those guys need to be closely watched…” We played up that notion……Until the blowing desert sand thankfully silenced all the clocks.
Some of our crew not on watch got a chance to visit the ancient Roman city ruins of Petra out in the desert. Indiana Jones must have had the day off – he wasn’t there.
Then less than 1 year later we were mobilized to Saudi Arabia for the duration of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. One trip via a C-5 got us there very quickly. On line for 180 days straight in a Combat Support role, doing our thing primarily with the USMC I MEF.
Above: At yet another time and place…..This photo taken before the sky became black with the smoke from Saddam’s oil fires in Kuwait just north of here. “Like looking at the sun through a dark brown beer bottle”. Except we didn’t have any beer…..
“IF YOU WERE THERE, NO EXPLANATION IS NECESSARY.
IF YOU WEREN’T THERE, NO EXPLANATION IS POSSIBLE.”
One of the locals. They were everywhere. Damn it was hot – and freezing cold at night. Especially as summer turned into winter.
Above: A little touch of home – Christmas in the Gulf.
Fun Fact: Our forward-thinking Supply Officer somehow got the phone number for the front desk at one of Saddam’s upscale Baghdad hotels, the Al Rasheed. He called them, requesting reservations for fancy rooms for 80 Navy reservists for New Years Eve. He was answered by unintelligible shouts and then a hangup. Go figure.
Speaking of tents, an interesting side note: The USS Wisconsin battleship was operating in the area. Sometimes they provided “Comms Guard” for us, relaying message traffic for us (speaking of radios…). When they went on the offensive in January 1991 we could FEEL their 16 inch main guns firing from over 150 miles away at times. The shock wave of sound would “thump” our tents when it went by. The tents would just pulsate. Once.
You could just feel it more than hear it. We could feel the big guns going off – and then feel the projectile detonation about a minute later as it vaporized enemy positions in Kuwait. Very impressive. Too bad Saddam wasn’t under that instead of his conscripts. It took about 12 minutes for those sounds to reach us.
How to lure a T-72 Tank into your trap. This Soviet-supplied main battle tank had a few Sears Craftsman metric wrenches inside laying around on the deck. Note the infra red spotlights for the night vision equipment. The laser rangefinder in the main gun sight had high quality magnesium fluoride anti-reflection coated optics and beam splitter prisms. But I digress – back to radios….
Above: A Soviet BMP-1 Armored Command Vehicle formerly belonging to Saddam, captured by the US Marine Corps 7th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (we were not involved). Note those thick rear doors – they are also diesel fuel tanks in a BMP-1. I guess better to have that raging fire behind you! . Also note antenna mounts and radio gear inside on the left. A 73 mm gun is mounted in the small turret.
Many hundreds of these otherwise capable armored vehicles were completely shredded by Bradleys, Abrams, M-60’s, naval gunfire, A-10’s, TOW’s, Mavericks and Arty. So I’m told. Hell, I’m just a sailor…..
Above is a British Racal TRA-931 HF radio inside the BMP-1 Armored Command Vehicle, port side. Saddam bought what he needed. Note the crude mount and antenna/ground wiring. Made from “household” THHN electrical wire. Betchya wanna know what freq it was tuned to!
Also, note the gun firing port for your AK-47, above and to the right of the radio. (The BMP-1 is fundamentally an armored personnel carrier.) See those arc-shaped black scratches under the port? They are from the magazine of an AK-47 machine gun firing from that port. This rig probably did not go down without a fight – but it was one of the lucky ones. Judging by the minimal magazine ‘scratches”, the fight was over quickly.
Above: On the starboard side sat this Soviet R-123M VHF FM radio set. Functionally, it is roughly equivalent to the U.S. Korean War-vintage VRC-10 / RT-68 sets although it has wider frequency coverage (20 – 51.5 MC). Ever wonder why the AN/PRD-1 Radio Direction Finder system could receive FM at 20 MC? Here’s your answer. Painted in the characteristic silver hammertone of Soviet gear of that era. The R-123M tuning and frequency readout system is a close copy of a complex WWII German radio. Again, note the crude mount and wiring. No frills. This one was in good condition – it probably worked fine.
This one didn’t. A SCUD Dud. Very Close, but no Cigar….. Actually probably a stretched “Al Husayn” missile, a local Iraqi modification of a Soviet SCUD B variant. It had more fuel and a lighter warhead (thus producing longer range needed for Iraq’s earlier attacks on Tehran in that conflict). Amazingly crudely fabricated parts inside. But these killed people.
Below: That toroidal pressure tank had mounting flange bolt holes cut with a torch, not even a hand drill. A plywood bulkhead. Some of the internal wiring in this high explosive warhead was insulated and held together with painters masking tape. This one was probably fired from north of Basra in southern Iraq. Some of the date codes on the internal parts were “interesting”…..
From Russia with Love (via Saddam).
Photo Credit, Mike Laney MIUW 103
Just the double sonic booms of this supersonic missile falling towards the harbor at Al Jubail (Jubayl if you like) was quite loud. REALLY loud. Our watch standers saw it come in overhead “trailing purple sparks” as it re-entered the atmosphere above our position around 0200 in the morning.
The Coast Guard patrol boat crews of PSU-301 working with us also saw it fall; then went over to investigate the smoking hole in the water. MOPP 4 – hop into your chem-bio warfare suits and gas masks. Our thanks to Navy EODMU9 D33 who safed this sucker (under water), then retrieved, defuzed and disarmed it.. You know who you are. So do we. Thanks guys…..
Navy EOD also blew mines that had broken their moorings and floated south along the coast with the current. We had a trusty .50 Cal BMG at the ready if any mines (or anyone else) visited us more closely. A distinct threat where we were located – and we couldn’t exactly maneuver out of the way.
A Marine Corps officer also on-scene with us later quipped that if I had pulled out my .45 Automatic and returned fire BACK towards the Scud’s launch site we would have qualified for a Combat Action Ribbon! Ha! Most of the Navy ship crews in the Gulf received a CAR because their ship may have encountered a mine – like the Tripoli and Princeton actually did. How’s THIS SCUD for a close encounter! The grunts out in the desert really earned their CAR’s. As it was intended, as it should be.
Not much else to see here – back to work. Maffi Mooshkala – no problem.
About a third of the crew was on watch when this photo was taken. Superb people. Several people joined us from our sister unit, MIUW 104, and our Salt Lake City det. to fill in a few vacant billets when we were mobilized. Thanks guys & gals!
Above: Teaching a Morse Code class on-site in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. After the shooting stopped and the ThreatCon had been reduced, we had some time for additional training. Here, conducting a class for several guys using an audio oscillator from our test equipment pool, a CW key from our HF radios and speaker to generate code. A couple of these guys went on to get their Ham radio licenses, utilizing this fundamental military skill.
During the earlier combat operations, we had run some CW communications tests from our site back to Bahrain on assigned USN high frequency circuits in an effort to build as much communications redundancy as possible. Fortunately there were also Morse-qualified operators at our Bahrain site to enable this. It worked well. The USMC 1st Radio Battalion guys over on the beach were probably scratching their heads…
Yes Virginia, Morse Code was used During Operation Desert Storm.
(Was that the last time the US Navy used CW on a tactical circuit during combat operations?)
MIUW 103 also had a Navy MARS callsign assigned, NNN0NOZ, although we did not operate on any MARS circuits while deployed (another potential backup circuit)
Note the Colt .45 Automatic being carried by CWO4 “Bern”, extreme right foreground. Yes we had .45’s instead of the 9mm M-9 Baretta’s – and we were glad we had them. The US Marines we were working with often tried to trade their 9mm Baretta’s for our .45’s. No thanks….
Also, note two “short timers chains” made of soda can pop-tops hanging on the tent bulkhead behind us. Standard military fare but since this was an open-ended deployment, we ADDED a link to the chain for each day rather than removing one from an established-length chain. We were on line for 180 days straight, no days “off”.
Unlike the other units much further south of us which enjoyed commercial hotels, restaurant food and visits to the local souks for shopping, we had no “in town” liberty in Jubail; only a few of the crew got to have any liberty in Bahrain – usually associated with logistics runs down there. A few guys also got a couple of days on the cruise ship that was brought in as a controlled liberty site, also in Bahrain. Otherwise, we were on line, 18-20 hour work days, 24/7/180. HOOYAH!
When Saddam invaded Kuwait in August 1990, MIUW 103 was one of the very early units to land in Saudi Arabia under Operation Desert Shield. We were a high priority unit on the “TPFDL”, Time-Phased Force Deployment List. (We flew in on a C-5 transport in September with all our personnel and gear, arriving at a desert airfield at 0230. Put on your Kevlar, Move Out.)
Then, we were the northern-most U.S. Navy unit in proximity to Iraqi forces for several months thereafter. Those facts earned us an early ticket home after the shooting of Operation Desert Storm had stopped but before the sweeping up, paperwork and retrograde began.
Back to “The Land of the All-Night Generator”….
As always, the GREAT family members who carried the toughest load! Especially to Lorrie and MaryLou who coordinated all the family meetings, problem solving, communications and unit liaison with the families. Thank YOU! doesn’t even come remotely close enough. Thank YOU!
Fast Forward 17 years – Navy News – January 19, 2008:
“At a Redesignation and Change of Command ceremony at NOSC Alameda, MIUW 103 was disestablished and then redesignated as Maritime Expeditionary Boat Detachment 113. During that ceremony, CDR Christopher Olaes USN, the last Commanding Officer of MIUW 103 passed the unit Ensign to the MIUW 103 Veterans Association. At this ceremony, the MIUW 103 Ensign, which had recently flown over the unit in the northern Arabian Gulf, was then Piped Over the Side for safe keeping”. – until the next time – HOOYAH!
This occurred with the reorganization and stand-up of the new Naval Coastal Warfare Command, Navy Expeditionary Security Force and Navy Expeditionary Warfare Commands as those forces continue to evolve. What was old becomes new again. The Inshore Undersea Warfare units that were deployed in southeast Asia defending those ports had organic patrol boats as part of their operations. Here we go again. Maybe if we wait long enough and relearn some obvious history the Navy will bring back the Nasty PTF boats of the Green Water Navy again. But that’s another story.
The MIUW 103-104 Veterans Association N5 Reunion Planning Staff at a recent “conference”.
“George MIUW – Your table for 9 is ready…” The Sea Stories get better every year…..
Above: Our annual picnic and reunion was held at Coast Guard Island CA on 29 Sept 2012. We had about 40 alumni and family attend and a good time was had by all! Mike volunteered to procure, transport, prepare, cook and serve our “field rations” along with Pot Luck selections by all hands. Thanks Mike and to all others!
We were especially pleased that Glen (with cane) could make it all the way from Fresno with his son. Glen served aboard the USS Nevada as it shelled German positions in Normandy during the 1944 assault to liberate Europe and he served in MIUW 103 for many years later. Glen has also become the “duty” Stand Up Comedian for the unit! Wow! It was great to see everyone again and share in the stories and history of these fine people and units. See you again next year…More to follow.
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The Motley Crew: May 17, 2014. Some had to leave early, some had arrived late.
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Above: The MIUW Crew at our 2016 picnic and sea-story-fest. Once again, our many thanks to the Rec. Committee organizers who made it happen, all those who provided excellent chow and especially to Mike who once again provided the grillin’ fixins and then cooked it all for us. Meritorious Service!
The 2019 Reunion is now history! We had a nice time at CGI, even during Fleet Week with those noisy Blue Angels and Fat Albert providing acoustic background sounds. Many thanks to Allen, Don, Dave and Brant for herding the cats, making arrangements, buying, transporting and cooking the chow! Also to everyone who provided accessory goodies and for continuing these great friendships! BZ!
We had the usual suspects and many other MIUW Vets who had missed earlier reunions – glad to see you guys and ladies! SO many Sea Stories!!
We also acknowledged the passing of many of our shipmates recently, and over the years. Please keep us on your eternal radar scopes. You are all missed but with us in spirit!
BT
NNNN
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(Photos, except Ft Point: Author)
This post is ongoing – stop by again for updates!
Tim:
Nicely done… a great representation of accomplishments. Too bad, no photos of the beach at Camp Pendleton afire, set by you know who!!
CWO4 Ray Hoyt, USN (Ret.)
It’s Your story too. By the way, who? We were never even there….
Tim – Great job. THANKS for the memories. Its been a great ride and still is. Can only get better and will as long as we don’t let go. Boats
It was a great job that YOU did – I only wrote it down.
Remember, what happened there stayed there – except when somebody brings a camera!
Thanks Boats.
TJ,
As always, great job. Don’t know where we would be today without the great shipmates of MIUW 1920/103 and the history of our great accomplishments. Thanks for putting it all into perspective. Folks don’t understand what we did and the fact that we really loved it. Need a few more photo ops.
Thanks,
Dorsey
Tim,
Great stuff–thanks! I thought fer sure you wudda told the (coulda been tragic) hilarious story of our time at the gun range for fam fire upon arrival in theater. All personnel were instructed to place their weapons on single shot, with positive confirmation required by each participant. Well, the guy to my immediate left, a cook who was in my department, mistook “full auto” for single shot. When “commence firing” was ordered, a shower of hot shells flew over my head and down my back. I stopped firing, put my weapon down, and said, “what the HECK?” or words to that effect…I look to my left, and my cook was now 10 yards behind us all, hopping up and down from the recoil as he kept his finger on the trigger. We all hit the deck and yelled, “CEASE FIRE!” but he only stopped when he ran out of ammo. I kept him on KP duty and instructed him not to touch a weapon as long as he was in the unit. Close call, indeed.
It happened just like I described it, 100% sure. Things become much clearer the longer you have to think about them. Oh, and Capt Brant has it written in his log book, so I must be right…
Today’s sailors, Marines, airmen, and dog face, er, soldiers deploy into harms way repeatedly. I am proud of our service, but thankful for theirs. They have FaceTime, Skype, GoogleVoice, and e-mail–no more waiting three weeks for a copy of the SF Chronicle to arrive to find out who won the Big Game, or to see a picture of the family. We all have our duty to do when our name is called, we do it to the best of our ability, and hope that we don’t embarrass ourselves by the time it’s over. My hat’s off to the young guys for the way they have conducted themselves in GWII, but I’m glad we went when we did.
Capt Al
“What ? you need that TODAY?”
Tim,
Thanks for a great day! When I took my turn to speak, I was careful to allow my shipmates plenty of time (I should’ve known better!) to share their stories, and neglected to convey what membership in MIUW1920 has meant to me over the years. The opportunity to work with such a fine body of men (& women!) has been a stability point in my life. When I reported aboard, I was in the middle of a college career and a crumbling marriage. MIUW saw me through both of those experiences, providing a point of “normalcy” (if you can believe that!) in a life that was uncertain in a lot of other aspects.
Thanks to all of my MIUW shipmates for providing a point in my life where competence and professionalism, as well as a damn good time, can be counted on!
RM(Defunct)1
Thanks Ray – Yes, there is some unique Chemistry going on in this crew! If the Navy ever knew; truly a Secret Weapon…..
As someone else at the picnic observed, it’s great to reconnect with people you really liked and really respected. Amen!
Dah DiDiDit, Dah Dah DiDit!
Thanks for all your hard work and contributions…!!
Tim
Thanks to all of you on the set up crew who made this event possible. Tim and Mike for a no relief watch in the galley. Sea stories/stroll down memory lane; had I thought we would get into those… (I could’ve slid into some of the time slot left open by the absence of Ray Martinez). Next time.
Herb
Hey guys! I sure have fond memories of yall!
Was in MIUW 103 for a few years before high year tenure caught up with me and I retired. I retired with MIUW 103 in 2002. That photo of the change of command were MIUW 103 was changed to Maritime Expeditionary Boat Detachment 113: That bell and stand I made and gave to the unit because we were out in the field and Chief Anderson retired and we used a jack stand as the bell. I could not see that happen again so I made the bell and gave it to the unit. Glad it still being used. I was in SBU IX – would be great to be in the new unit with boats again/ They do it after I leave the unit – nothing like being on a patrol boat.
Hi Boats – Thanks for checking in! Yep, your Bell and Stand are still on active duty – but I liked the idea of using a jack stand for a bell during a “field retirement” ceremony! Improvise, Adapt, Overcome – in the finest MIUW tradition…..
Thank you for your service!
Tim
Surfing the web and came across this site. Wow, what a trip down memory lane. I’m old school and probably not remembered by many. I was part of MIUW 103 from 86 – 89, known then as RM2 Warren. Those days are remembered fondly and I often think of those I served with. Good times had by all!
Hi Sparks! You can tell I should have been an RM (well, I am a former CT) – hope you had some fun with it!
“Old School”? Old School means REAL !
If you are in the area in Sept we will have another unit reunion picnic so stay tuned. the Usual Suspects show up.
Thanks for stopping by the website and Thank You for your service!
Tim
Thank you Tim,
Of all the MIUWU I knew and worked with over the years I was pretty sure that 103 and its antecedent along with 104 would provide the most detailed site of their times. I enjoyed serving with both units.
Hi Curtis –
As you know, these units have done some interesting, necessary things over the years. We had some really superb people doing the work and I just happened to be around with a camera – it’s their story. The photo’s resurfaced so I thought I’d put some of them up with some sea stories for old times’ sake.
Thanks for stopping by!
Tim
I was in MIUW-103 during Desert Storm.
Indeed you were Boats! How the heck are you?
Glad you checked in….
Tim
Hey there Patrick,
I remember you! You and I bunked in the same tent during our deployment. If I remember correctly you used to live in San Leandro back in 1990-91, how are you these days?
John Mantey
SK1
Can anyone tell what medals & ribbons we got in the Gulf War? I never found out. Being and old war Vet i would like to get a shadow box made. Where do I go to log into the MIUW 103 web-site?
Hi Patrick !
For your service during Operations Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, you were awarded the following medals and ribbons:
Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 bronze star attachments (one for each Campaign, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Awarded by the Government of Kuwait)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Awarded by the Government of Saudi Arabia – they are different medals)
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Ribbon)
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
I think you also had a National Defense Service Medal, previously awarded. Your mobilization authorizes you to attach the bronze star (second award) and the bronze “M” device denoting Mobilization.
Take a look here for images and the precedence order for wearing or displaying them in your shadow box:
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregulations/Pages/NavyAwardsPrecedenceChart.aspx
Your DD-214 “should” show these awards but it is likely it does not show some, maybe any of them. That’s because the form was signed on or about the date you were demobilized and some or all of these awards were approved AFTER that date. (the wheels turn slowly) They should be in your Service Record, Page 13. If you need to, contact the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis and send then an “SF-180” form requesting a copy of your awards. Look here for details: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Our records are in a box in that vast warehouse, right next to the “Holy Grail” that Indiana Jones found !!!
Since the MIUW units were decommissioned and then re-designated as part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, there is no “official” US Navy website for MIUW 103 or the other MIUWU’s. My webpage here is just a very un-official “cruise book” for our shipmates, veterans, families and friends….
You did a great job over there shipmate – Saddam lost, a lot of innocent people were spared. We are proud of you!
Tim
Great Blog Skipper,
I was one of the guys up topside standing roving patrol during mid-watch when the SCUD missile nearly hit our unit, that sight will stay in my mind for as long as I live. The vision of that incoming missile that appeared to be zeroed in on us only to miss our position by a few hundred yards as it whizzed overhead by what appeared to be a couple of hundred feet was a lot to take in.
Right after the explosion, I remember passing the word to all those down below to go to MOPP level 4. I made a very personal decision at that moment not to don my gas mask so that I could ensure everyone in their tents could hear my voice while I was passing those instructions along to them. I remember the smell of the missile of what I thought was VX gas at the time, I thought that I was a goner.
That explosion took me off my feet as I had never heard such a loud explosion in my lifetime. I gave MIUW 103 everything that I had to give on that fateful night and I will never forget it.
John Mantey (SK1)
Hello to all, it has been some time since I muttered the words MIUW 103. A unit I proudly served with for approximately 6+ years. I have many, many photos of our tour in 1990-1991 I would love to share with. I will check back periodically.
Seeing this site brought back found, funny and loving memories.
Thanks to all.
Tim Wilson AKA “Boats”.
The only one to receive a ticket for passing a full bus of MP’s in Saudi. Little did they I know I was a civilian Cop
Holy Moly! Tim Wilson,
It’s so good to hear from you!! If my memory serves me correct, you were/are a police officer in Richmond or Vallejo, right?
I have a ton of photos from our GW deployment as well. Some of them with you doing your famous Tim Wilson WAVE. You brought so many of us much needed laughs with your great spirit of comedy and humor when we all needed it the most.
I hope to see you again sometime.
Your Friend,
John Mantey
John, yes your right, it was Vallejo. I took a leave of absence from then and now work for the fed’s.
Is there a web site other than here set up for photos? Has there been any or any in the future reunions?
I left the Navy in 1992 and lateralled over to the Air Force. I went into EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).
Retired in 2008 after 23 yrs. 10 months.
I just returned from my USS New Jersey BB-62 25 yr. reunion in Philadelphia.
Hope to hear (okay read) from all MIUWins.
Take care.
Tim W.
Hi Tim – You’ve been busy! BZ!
I don’t know of an MIUW 103 website beyond this simple Blog…I don’t do any of the “social media” stuff so maybe there is something there that I wouldn’t be aware of. We have been having periodic reunion picnics at Coast Guard Island (Alameda); last one was Sept 2012. Nothing immediately in the works for this Sept so the next one will likely be in Sept 2014.
Anyway, MIUWtants are welcome to stop by here!
Tim
Here is the website for George MIUW: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/miuw103-104assn/
Please come and join us!
Alan
Hi all –
I served as an EMFN with the USNR-TAR component of MIUWU103 from the summer of ’88 until the fall of ’89 when I received a fleet appointment to the Naval Academy Preparatory School. While assigned, I made it to BRIM FROST in Alaska and a joint operation with MIUWU-208 (Miami) to Fort Story, VA. I missed BRIGHT STAR in Jordan due to my orders for Newport, RI.
EN1(SW) Craig Kemp was my LPO; I remember SK2 John Mantey, EM2 Garcia, RM1 Tony Milligan, and STG2 Matt Kelly on the active duty side. CDR Griffin was the CO and LCDR Carter was the XO; we were still wearing Seabee Greens then and working in the compound outside of Building 2 at Treasure Island.
I graduated from NAPS in 1990 and USNA in 1994, serving as a Captain in the Marine Corps until I resigned my commission. I believe MIUWU-103 was knee deep in DESERT STORM when I was in Plebe Summer, wishing I could be back in the fleet instead of sweating my rear off in Annapolis.
I remember a lot of names and faces that are probably long gone by now . I have an 8-year old son who wears my old OD green field jacket with the IUW shark patch on it.
If anyone is ever in Philadelphia, please drop me a line and I’ll try to repay the hospitality I was shown by a great group of west coast Sailors!
Pat Turner
EMFN, USNR-TAR (MIUWU-103, ’88-89)
Capt, USMC (3rd FSSG, ’94-’99)
Captain, Philadelphia Fire Department
Good lookin’ website. Very informative, really nice to learn a little bit about what happened to MIUWS ops since the Vietnam days — you fellows have been busy, eh? On the other hand, reading between the lines, there’s a general flavor that you’re pretty much the same kind of misfits that populated the early teams. Well done. Anyhow, just saying, it’s a nice website.
Just another old Deckape,
MIUWS-12, ’65-67
Hi Deckape! Welcome aboard…. Thanks for visiting the website! You guys established the fundamental operating scenarios in a tough environment, we just continued with the missions in lots of other places. It continues….
Well, you nailed it. Someone once observed that “The people who join MIUW don’t join it because MIUW’s are different. They join because THEY are”.. Proud to be a MIUWtant LOL
Thanks for your service shipmate – you done good
Very respectfully, Tim
Tim
Great write up and pictures. I will try to make this Reunion. Again great pictures, WELL DONE.
Jim
Hi Jim! Sure hope you can make it down here! Haven’t seen you in a long time – and I want to see if your toe has finally recovered!! HaHa…
Take care buddy – & thanks for visiting the website..
Tim
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me,
Shall be my brother forever.
Many fond memories of the Unit 103 on Treasure Island. Was transferred in 90 to Philadelphia Unit 203 and Lewes, DE 204. Have many pictures of Brimfrost. Just a note, My husband SKC Tony Tremarco who was the active duty support at the Rescen passed away May 24, 2007. I retired in 2007 as an SKCS. Miss all my friends. The one and only unit that your shipmates were your family.
Hi Pat – Thanks for checking in – and very sorry to hear about your husband.
I had not returned to 103 until after the Brimfrost exercise – but heard all the stories. Good training…
Yep – 103 was very much a “family” – if you are in town in May, stop by for the picnic!
Take care, Tim
What an amazing history and flood of memories! Shame on me for not keeping up more often.
Like everyone else here, becoming a MIUWtant was the high point of my 28+ Naval Reserve career.
See you at the picnic.
Wow, what a great page. I was lucky enough to share some time with 103 in 2003/4 and beyond….
Thanks for stopping by Shipmate!
MIUWU-104 San Jose, CA August 1992 to August 1994. Pascagoula,Mississippi, Treasure Island, Alameda Island, Sacramento River, Mare Island, and San Diego Field Exercises.
Lots of long hours, late Friday and Sunday nights and hard work are what I remember about my two years at the best place I ever served. Great people volunteered to be part of the MIUW.
I remember the day that the day the Commanding Officer’s wife, Mrs Carter and kids brought cherry cheesecake cupcakes to the active duty staff at the San Jose Reserve Center.
Little things like that are the memories I enjoy most.
Hi John – Thanks for checking in – and for being a “MIUWtant” HaHa. Yep, great people doing important work. And having some fun along the way as well….
Hope you can make it to the picnic on 16May if you are in the area – it would be nice to meet you and I know that Brant and other 104 Vets will be there too..
HOOYAH! Tim
I was the HM2 (assigned to Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 1 – San Diego) who was sent to augment MIUW 103 because of a Corpsmen shortage in Oct. 1989. The discussion about the Air Force C-141 stopping at Rhein-Main in Frankfurt was somewhat my fault. One of the crew members on-board developed kidney stones and wouldn’t have been able to tolerate the rest of the ride to our destination. It was while waiting in the Emergency Dept. at Rhein-Main that I first heard of the Loma Prieta earthquake on CNN.
I am not in any of the posted photos ’cause I kind of avoid cameras. But I do have some great pictures, particularly of Petra. I also seem to remember the bus ride from hell and Mr. Goede. And The Latrine…
MIUWs 204, 206, 210 and 211 were also included in my career.
Thanks for the reminder to others that Coast Watchers survived long after WWII.
I was with reserve unit MIUW 1519 out of Terminal Tsland, Long Beach, Cal. From 1981-1985. We went to Jordan. Anyone on this site remember that trip??? Or that unit???
Great pictures, I wish I would have known about the reunion :(.
BM3 Evana Henderson MIUW 103 Operation Desert Shield
Hi Evana! Glad you checked in – how are you? Been a LONG time ago, time flies…
Well we have been having these little reunions pretty much every year since forever so check into my website for information on the planning for the future ones. We have a mailing/EMail list for the unit but it is tough to keep it updated so this is a good way to find stuff out.
Also, check into our Yahoo Groups for more info and general chat from the crew. Subscribe here:
miuw103-104assn-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Take care – you did a great job out there!
Tim
Had no idea that so many of us stayed in touch. Too bad I missed yet another reunion. I’ll be sure to stay in touch.
Hey John Mantey, I remember that night pretty well myself.
Great site, Tim, and congrats for rounding up and keeping the herd together. My last gig with IUWG-1 was Command Master Chief under CAPT (Commodore) Curtis McKee in SDiego. Then came my 5th recall to active duty as Pacific Fleet Subject Matter Expert in Counter-Terrorism. Offered to extend my active duty and USNR service for 2 years beyond the mandatory age of 60, I opted to hang up my fatigues. The Navy hired me back for a civilian instructor tour at FTC, SDiego, from ’85 to ’88, when I up and resigned. Spent the next ten years as volunteer rifle coach for NROTC and NJROTC. Retired, sort of, to Lake Havasu City with M5, My Marvelous Magical Mysterious Marlene to continue our world-wide adventures. Will be docent one last time next month at Portland’s Fleet Week about the former USS PT658. Full circle from the PT103 in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea 1943 to 1945. http://www.pt103.com/PT_Boat_Veteran_Stories.html
massacheepjack Yes, smartie! 93 in June!!!!
I was assigned to MIUW11 in 1973 to 75 at Coronado. Our primary duty was to train reserves and we did that well. I searched for the website on a whim and am pleased to see that the unit survived in some way.
Hi Bruce – Yes, MIUW 11 was still active into the early 1980’s but may have been renumbered at some point. In those days IUW Group 1 was active duty, it transitioned to all Reservists in the late 70’s if I recall. The individual units were eventually Commissioned with a reserve crew and about 6 active duty members as well. That’s how we mobilized…Lots of changes!
Thanks for checking in…Tim
MIUWU207 (Jacksonville Florida) 1995-2009 (14 Years!)
Loved this! MIUW people were one of a kind! The experience we had from on the outside gave us a very wide pool of talent! I miss these days… ET1 (ESW) USNR (Ret.)
I was the Active Duty Liaison attached to MIUW 1920 on Treasure Island 1982-1984. My office was in Hangar 2. Loved taking the communications van everywhere! I also remember hitching rides on the Coast Guard Cutters to drop Sona-Buoys outside the Golden Gate Bridge.
I remember being told that shortly before I joined the team in 82 that 1920 had made National news by [- redacted -].
Loved the old Quonset hut… I used to hang out in there quite a bit. Plus I got to wear “Greens” when I was with y’all!
Hi Bill – Yes, those were good times with a good crew and interesting mission. The hanger and Quonset hut are still there although now commercial properties, sad… That story you related is true (national NAVY news) – but still not for publication – Sorry – I had to delete that part…!
Take care shipmate! Tim
Hi Tim,
Great photo of God’s best warriors, patriots, plankowners and feather merchants. Looks like a good time was had by all 2019 picnic attendees. All of the sea stories that MIUW 103 & 104 have experienced or merely fantasized about should be written up in book form. At least get your individual history recorded with the Veterans History Project which keeps a permanent copy of your A/V presentation in the Library of Congress. It helps keep our memories alive for succeeding generations.
Special thanks to Brant Carter for keeping me in the loop.
Bern Juracka CWO-4 USNR (ret), member of MIUW 104 from 11/68 to 8/90 and member of MIUW 103 from 9/90 – 5/91- thank you Desert Storm.
Hi Bern – PM sending…
I was a SKSN 1980, with MIUW 1519, reservist, Long Beach, CA.
Welcome aboard – Thanks for visiting!
Great to see all the able MIUWtants out in the world! Best memories made with my shipmates in the sandbox MIUW 104 NCWG-1 Det 6 KBOT ABOT & Mina Ashuiaba.
Hey Guys and Gals, thought I’d drop in and say hey again. Well, looks like I missed another outstanding reunion. I’ll make one day (hope fully the next one in 2020 and bring a hundred or so pic’s (and maybe a story or ten). Does the reunion also get posted in the VFW magazine? Glad to see a great turnout.
BM2 Tim (aka) Teedubdub Wilson
Hi Boats! Looks like we will be mustering every-other year now. (and a good thing with this virus running amok right now…) So next one will be in the fall of 2021. Stay tuned here for details (we have not been posting it in VFW or other publications..and Yahoo has stopped our inputs to the MIUW 103/104 Assn. Yahoo Group)
Hooyah! Thanks for checking in..
Tim
Hi Tim,
It has been a very long time since I looked up anything MIUW. This year being the 30th anniversary of our Desert Storm Mobilization, it was on my mind.
Of all my life experiences, being in Desert Storm with the men and women of MIUWU-103 is right behind my 30 years of marriage to my wife, Mary and watching my daughters grow into adults.
I hope all of the unit has had fair winds and following seas as we grow old. Please pass along my best wishes to all of my fellow shipmates from 103. Glad to see everyone in the reunion pictures. Although,
I am a little disappointed that all the funky shots we took did not keep us all young looking 😉
Bob
Hi Bob! Been awhile for sure – looks like you have been out of Radio Range!
Yep, ODS was quite an adventure for all of us but I think we were well prepared and I know that the unit did the job extremely well. Especially you and the other Watch Officers helping the crew to do the work. I still couldn’t be more proud of the team! On the Line for 180 days straight – with no breaks or Liberty.
We will be looking at another possible reunion into the future after this Bug has been tamed.. Until then, it’s electronic haha.
Take care & thanks so much for checking into the Net…
Tim
Hi Tim: I love your site and as a newly certified General license holder and an old USMC 2531 RTO, I was going through your posts and stumbled across this one on your time in the Service. I was shocked to read about the Scud missile Incident at Al Jubayl, I was also there at that exact time in Al Jubayl when that took place! I was on guard duty in a tower at the ammo dump close to the beachside and watched the whole thing happen. That is the first pictures I had seen of the actual missile since 1991. (Seems like a lifetime ago!). Anyway, thank you for the tremendous website and I would love to hear back from you if you have time to PM me.
Thanks again and Semper Fidelis!
Mike C.
KF0CAQ
Hi Mike – Thanks for stopping by…Yep, ODS was long ago and far away! My website seemed to be a good place for me to stash some old photo’s and sea stories before I forget it all! haha.. We were running surveillance systems at the port at the time, I got a good look at the Scud debris (it was a short walk!) and what it took to retrieve and disarm it. Who knew? We had a couple of minutes warning of its impending arrival – not that it helped much.
Congrats on your General ticket – a fun and useful “hobby” Those skills served me very well while in the Navy…
Thanks for visiting my site & thank you for your service!
Cheers,,Tim
miuwu 23/208 1985-1988
I was attached to MIUW 201 at the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Lawrence, MA and as a Legalman First Class was put in charge of the Admin Department and assisted with the Perimeter Defense Team.
Made Legalman Chief Petty Officer with the unit and still ran the Admin and Perimeter Defense Team.
Stayed with the MIUW and did some great active duty training periods. But it combined with the MIUW in Portsmouth, NH so I was out of a position and moved on to the Mobile Construction Battalion 27.
Had a great time, great memories, and great friends. Miss the MIUW and wish I could have finished my career with 201.
Stay Safe, Al
Hi Chief! Welcome aboard!
What happened to MIUW-11 based in San Diego? I was in that unit from 1980 to 1982. Now there appears to be no historial record of that unit? Also the Long Beach unit is using our patch???
Hi Steve – Well the MIUW units that we knew were all disbanded, reconfigured and then absorbed into “Naval Coastal Warfare” and its follow-on morphs. So they are long gone. Not sure about the Long Beach unit patch although I think we all used the Shark triangle officially and some units had “morale patches” for non-uniform fun. Good times! Thanks for visiting…
I was at MIUW Group Command at TI in the mid-70’s and came there from San Jose via an invite from then Capt. Bill Langenberg to help set up the personnel admin system. Sadly, Capt. Langenberg left us in 2018. I believe the CO at the time was Radm. Rush? I then was xfer’d to MIUW1920 until 1976….then I punched out… I still have my foul weather jacket with insert and my Pea Coat….both still fit! Our office for the Group Command was, if I remember correctly, on the third deck, left side of the Admin Bldg. #1. On one day, the film crew and actors for an episode of “Movin’ On” with Claude Akins….a delightful gent, invaded Bldg. 1…I believe it was the episode, “Tattoos.” We were invited to have lunch with the crew and actors…..beans, bread, veggies, pasta…..quite tasty. The MIUW 1920 offices were at, I think, Hanger 2? Best, PN2 Squid
Hi Tim,
I have visited this site occasionally over the years but never noticed the comment section down at the bottom so here goes!
First of all, I hope this finds you and any reader in good health and spirits. It’s been over thirty years since Desert Storm and we ain’t getting any younger!
This year I started a new volunteer job as a forest fire lookout. There is a national group, the Forest Fire Lookout Association, and we staff lookout towers all over the country. Fire lookouts are making a comeback because the technology that had caused many to go out of service – satellites, civilians with cell phones, mountaintop cameras – were found to be inferior to the Mark I Mod 0 human eyeball (as long as it’s connected to a functioning human brain, that is!).
My group is the San Diego-Riverside Chapter of the FFLA. We staff two towers throughout the fire season, both on Palomar Mountain in northern San Diego County, home of Palomar Observatory and the Hale Telescope, for many years the largest in the world (200″). Our tools include a pair of binocs and the venerable Osborne Fire Finder plus VHF radio equipment that was new, oh, about the time we were in Saudi Arabia. We are under the Forest Service for fire lookout duties and one tower, Boucher Hill, which is inside Palomar Mountain State Park, is a California historical building, visitors allowed, so we are also State Parks volunteer docents when on watch in that tower. The other tower, High Point, is under the Forest Service.
The work brings back fond (?) memories of RSSC watch standing…the constant radio chatter, the long periods of boredom broken up by moments of intense activity, and the camaraderie, at least when there are two of us on watch as is often the case. I recommend fire lookout duty to anyone who has the time and opportunity. Our lookouts come from as far as two hours away for their shifts. I believe there may be some active fire lookout towers in and around the Bay Area, such as Copernicus Peak.
But back to MIUWU 103. What a great unit, and Tim, you were a fantastic CO! So many memories from the four plus years I served in 103 before moving north to 110 from which I retired. I couldn’t believe how long the Quonset hut lasted before they finally tore it down. Year after year, there it was, just like it always was, but now just a memory. But the “newer” 103 HQ over by the brig and the sewage treatment plant (prime digs) still exists, though the M&R building is now just a forlorn slab. Seems like somewhere on the island there should be a memorial plaque for 103, no?
Anyway, thanks for maintaining this site and keeping the candle burning, Tim. As I’ve mentioned before, we have a 103/104 Facebook page for anyone interested. It’s private so no BS from spammers or what not. https://www.facebook.com/groups/114922036249
Commander Bob
Hi Bob! Looks like your training in Surveillance has become permanent! haha… Sounds interesting, we’ll have to stop by next time we are in SD…Roger on the Quonset Hut disappearance. I didn’t know that but sure enough, Google Earth reports its demise in late 2020…
Plaque? I dunno, we are pretty low-key but the RESCEN had that big wooden display with engraved Desert Shield/Storm participants installed in Building 2, just inside the front door. It may still be there!
It was a great honor to have been given Command of such a great crew of professionals* doing a difficult technical job under some very tough conditions.
* and Hotshot Pirates. Very proud of you Guys&Gals!
Thanks for checking in, PM to follow… Tim
YN2 Lopez
Is this site still active? Started out with IUWG DET 220, San Jose in 1976 or so. I walked into the recruiter and told him that I was allergic to Haze Grey and Underway.
Moved to MIUW (#??) when the IUWG DETs were reassigned. Left MIUW when they couldn’t figured out were to put an MM2. Great memories, Jerry Borden RMCS, Bern Jurracka, ETC, I think).
Hi Greg! Yep, we are still guarding this freq. After the MIUW’s were “redesignated, reabsorbed, reenlisted and rejiggered” they became mostly present as history, as you see here. Thanks for checking in. GEO MIUW
This has been very interesting. I didn’t know of this organization despite being in the USMC 20 years and USN 4 years. I knew about beachjumpers and went to school with a LCdr from BJU.
I did my best time in RVN as an infantry man, never a communicator. At the start of Desert Shield I was asked to join the merchant marine. I expected USMC to recall me since I had spent two years scouting all over the Muslim world from Morocco to Bangladesh, headquartered in Karachi, where I learned the language. I even wrote CMC and offered my services and never got an answer. He must have seen my records. So I went as a sparks, first on the SS Cape Ann, and then USNS Capella, Oct 90, first to Ad Dammam carrying stuff we loaded in Bayonne. It was Capella’s third voyage of the war; she was the first cargo ship to arrive from the USA to the game. We ran at 35 kts. We went to Bremerhaven and loaded what looked like a mile of railroad cars of army gear and went to Al Jubail, arrived before Christmas. Wc scraped bottom leaving and went to Fujayrah where some divers spent a few days trimming our port propeller so we could run at a decent speed, then to JAX for another load. We arrived on St. Valentine’s day in Ad Dammam. We turned around to go get another load and by the time we got to the Atlantic the war had started and ended so we went into Gibraltar to pick up a propeller that our sister ship USNS Antares was holding for us.
Since you were at Al Jubail about the same time you may remember the SCUD alerts. I was visiting the sparks on a Lykes ammunition ship when an alert was announced. Her cargo was either aboard or on the pier. What fun! I met RAdm Francis R, Donovan, COM MSC a couple of times and he and I agreed it was the best time of our lives. After returning to my civilian job from sea I became unhappy and after a couple of years I quit and went to NWS Concord and signed on the MV Buffalo Soldier, which was a pre-positioned ammo ship for the USAF, and sailed to Diego Garcia where she was parked semi-permanently. That was April 1996.
You might have known my older brother, Bill Kelly. He was a TAR at Treasure Island from about 1984 to 1988. He lived on the island. He had been at San Bruno in the 70s.
John
Hi John – Well you’ve been around and we certainly crossed paths several times. Our unit ran the shipping access to Al Jubail harbor and the USCG escort boats. We were also the unit that issued the Scud Alerts as we had direct comms with “those who knew” Ahem…
I’m thinking that your brother was with us on our deployment to Jordan in 1989. If he wasn’t actually on watch at the time he is probably in that group photo that I posted. He was the Unit Commedian – funny guy! I’ll send you some PM’s.. Thanks for visiting. Tim
Hi John – Thanks for the note! Yep, fun times… PM’s sent.
Thanks for visiting..Tim