Texan Eric Smith (above, right), served aboard the USS LOS ANGELES (SSN 688) as a
Radioman from November 1989 through Dec 14, 1993. He arrived while the boat was in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He qualified and received his dolphins while aboard LA and participated in three NORTHPAC, one WESTPAC (91), one RIMPAC and one FUDGEPAC (East, North, Rim combined) deployments.
While on WESTPAC 91, Eric visited the "Mysterious East" as the ship made port of calls in Chinhae, South Korea; Yokosuka, Japan; Hong Kong, China; Subic Bay,
Philippines. On the last night of the port visit in Subic Bay, Mount Pinatubo erupted and covered the boat in volcanic ash. The ship and crew received the Navy Expeditionary Medal for WESTPAC 91.
Eric is also authorized to were a Meritorious Unit Citation ribbon for being part of the crew that completed three NORTHPACS.
The Radiomen in the Communications Division, including Eric, were awarded two subsequent Green C awards
(Communications Efficiency Award) for outstanding performance during cruises in 1989 and 1990.
Eric separated from the USS LOS ANGELES, SSN 688 as an RM2/SS on December 14, 1993 while the boat was completing a Refueling Overhaul at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Mare Island, California. He went on to teach at the Submarine Training Facility in San Diego, CA and now wears a poopy suite on the HENRY M. JACKSON SSBN-730 in Bangor, Washington.
When asked about personal achievments, Eric replied "Went 4 yrs and 23 days, with never having to rig for snorkelling. (Always happened to be doing a message run)".
Texan Eric Smith (above, right), served aboard the USS LOS ANGELES (SSN 688) as a
Radioman from November 1989 through Dec 14, 1993. He arrived while the boat was in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.