| The Guided Missile (GM) Division was established on USS Saratoga (CVA-60) as a component of the Weapons Department in 1959 and lasted as a full- fledged division until 1972 - where in the
1972-1973 time period, it was then absorbed into G (Gunnery) Division. The majority rating assigned to the division initially was the GF (Aviation Guided Missileman [1953-1960]) rating,
whose responsibilities included missile guidance repair, missile test equipment repair and missile telemetry equipment maintenance, repair and operation, all of which
was later integrated into the ATR rating (my rating on Saratoga) in 1962. As time went on, the majority rating in GM Division was the AO (Aviation Ordnanceman) rating, along with the support rates of AT (Aviation Electronics Technician) and the AQ (Aviation Fire Controlman) rate. Occasionally. there were "TAD" Temporary Assigned Duty
personnel assigned to GM Division, such as YN's (Yeoman) and AK's (Aviation Storekeeper). At the end of life of GM Division, the AO rating was
the majority rating, since the missile guidance repair and missile test equipment repair and telemetry function was eliminated - the missile testing function was taken over by the AO's, thereby eliminating the need for the AT and AQ ratings. The Saratoga was my first duty station in May 1962 as a "young pup" of 21 (60+
years ago). "Sara" was on the blocks in drydock at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard - and for GM Division, no missiles aboard, pretty stable routine, only the chipping and painting of missile storage magazines was taking place until the notification for our emergency departure for Cuba - I can remember the scaffolding and other items that didn't get
off-loaded in the shipyard, being dumped over-the-side as we headed out from the shipyard and over to the York River to the Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown to on-load missiles and ammo for our Cuban Missile Crisis excursion....the Saratoga adventure was getting ready to start and
my 4 year stay aboard her would end in June 1966
at the carrier piers, Naval Station Mayport, Florida, and then it was on to my next duty station......
Being a part of the USS Saratoga's Guided Missile Division from 1962-1966 was one of my most memorable Navy experiences - GREAT ship and GREAT GM Division
shipmates. This page is dedicated to all the GM Division shipmates who served aboard
USS Saratoga. |
