R. W. Bishop

Joined the US Navy in 1969 at the age of eighteen. Served aboard an aircraft carrier, cruiser, destroyer, amphibious assault, tender and at the assault craft facility at Little Creek, Va. During his service he saw many foreign countries in S.E. Asia, S.W. Asia, Africa, Europe and South America.

He had the opportunity to meet famous people and those who would someday be famous, including a future president of the United States. He relates a story of meeting Barbara Bush during a reception on board USS Yorktown (CG-48). Her husband was the vice-president of the United States at the time. While on Yorktown Mrs. Bush was very gracious in allowing ships crewmen to be photographed with her and took the time to speak with every one of them. After one such session with Bishop she turned to him and asked if he had tried the meatballs. When his answer was that he had not she got a concerned look on her face and sternly asked "Did they tell you boys not to eat?" He quickly offered "No, ma'am, they didn't. We can eat anything on the table." With an even voice she smiled and said, "Well, then go try the meatballs."

Bishop writes about a crew member who smelled his dirty socks in the middle of the night before putting them on and assuming the mid-watch. In his book he covers crossing the Equator celebrations, chiefs initiation, attending fire fighting school, ships inspections, exotic locales for liberty and more concerning a navy career.

R. W. Bishop retired from the US Navy in January of 1992 after twenty-two years of service. He earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a retired Oregon State worker, where he assisted veterans in their job search. Bishop and his wife, Donna, live near Portland, Oregon.