USS Andrew Jackson

Upon returning from North Pole in November 1962, Fred was reassigned to USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN619) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA. He was a blue crew leading yeoman responsible for all administrative and personnel matters for 135 officers and enlisted personnel. Trained crewmembers whose assigned to diving operation duties. Acted as career counselor for all enlisted members.


During this tour, Fred has managed to take time out for relaxation and recreation ... as I have known him, he loves to play golf whenever he gets a chance. Guess what??? He made a hole-in-one at the Mare Island golf course. I have kept the newspaper clipping to prove it.

USS Skates

After finishing his submarine course he was immediately assigned to serve on USS Skate (SSN 578) during the historic rendezvous under ice (romancing undersea) with USS Sea Dragon (SSN 584) and surfaced together at the North Pole through an opening in the ice on August 1962.

During this tour, his number four son, Michael Paul was born on April 1962.

Served as Leading Yeoman responsible for all administrative and personnel matters and keeping records for 112 officers and crewmembers on nuclear submarine. Involved in research and development operations in Arctic Ocean at North Pole and in North Atlantic and Alaskan sea areas. He was a battle planesman learning the practical operation of all submarine systems and was designated as qualified in submarines. He was also designed as qualification petty officer responsible for training other crewmembers on submarine diving operations and hydraulic systems in diving operations.

A newspaper clipping from his hometown of Spring Valley, Illinois they were so proud of their native son who made it to the North Pole that they took picture of him and his proud father dining at the local restaurant and put it on the front page when he was home on leave.

He was advanced to Yeoman First Class.

Above is Fred and fellow members taking time out for coffee break while the ship is cruising under ice to the Arctic.

Above left is USS Skate (SSN 578).

USS Skate and USS Sea Dragon have received numerous congratulatory messages from Chief of Naval Operations (George W. Anderson), Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (Admiral Robert L. Dennison), Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (Vice Admiral Elton W. Grenfell), Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet (Admiral J. M. Sides), and Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (Rear Admiral Bernard A. Clarey).

Here is one of the messages from Admiral J. M. Sides:

"By successful completion of the first combined under ice exercise in the vicinity of the North Pole, you have superbly demonstrated the versatility and capability of the undersea forces of both the Pacific Fleet and Atlantic Fleet under demanding and exacting conditions.

The success of your venture is a tribute to the professional competence of our submariners in particular to the competence of the officers and men of SEA DRAGON and SKATE.

Well done and God speed home. Admiral J. M. Sides."

U.S. Naval Submarine School

Upon returning from Germany in March 1961, Fred was immediately entering U.S. Naval Submarine School in New London, CT. Training involved learning submarine internal operations including atmosphere control, hydraulics, ballast tanks, propulsion system including nuclear reactor theory and operation, seamanship, weapons, and navigation.

He graduated 7th out of 110 with a 90.25 grade point average out of a possible 100.

Enlisted Basic Submarine Course
Class 228 - June 1961

Bremerhaven, Germany

He reassigned to Naval Security Group Activity in Bremerhaven, Germany as Petty Officer in Charge, Command Mail and Files (01/1959 to 03/1961).

Picture at left with Fred (in uniform) and his shipmate dressed as Santa Claus was taken on December 19, 1960 at the Storchennest orphanage. Fred and a few shipmates formed a special committee for the purpose to bring food and Christmas gifts to orphanage children during the holiday.

He played on baseball team.

He was elected Secretary Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 149.

During this tour, his number three son Daniel Joseph was born in December 1960.

Washington, DC

In 1955, at the young age of twenty he married Patricia Ann Siebert, a girl from his hometown, Spring Valley, IL.

In 1956 he was assigned to Pentagon as Enlisted Aide to Admiral Raleigh A. Burke, Chief of Naval Operations. Performed administrative duties.

Picture at right. Fred (in the middle) was having coffee with his shipmates in the non-commissioned officer club in Washington, DC.

He was promoted to Yeoman Second Class.

His first son was born in 1957. Frederick (Ric) John.

His second son was born 1958. Jefferey Allen.

Picture at your right is Jeff (on the left) he was 1yr-9mos old, and Ricky (on the right) was 2yrs-10mos old. Both were getting ready for bed.

The Man I knew . . . and love

I will trying my best to describe Fred's biographical as accuracy as I can . . .

He was born in Chicago, IL. At his early childhood he was an alter boy and earned his spending money as a newspaper delivery boy. At seventh grade he was elected as class president, and as a boy scout, he was a patrol leader. Graduated from Immaculate Conception Grade School. He entered St. Bede Academy High School and ...

Alter boys, Fred (L) and Bob (R), his brother. Fred (L) and Bob (R) in their swimming trunks.

On July 1, 1952, at the age of seventeen, Fred signed up to enlist in the U.S. Navy and he was sent off to a recruit training center at Great Lakes, Illinois for basic training. Following a tour of duty at Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. Advanced to Seaman.

In 1953, he completed the Atomic, Biologic and Chemical Warfare School. Also played football and baseball for Jacksonville Flyers.

Above is Fred in his sailor suit

Fred (L) posing with his friend. Fred and his automobile.

In 1954, he reassigned to heavy cruiser USS Columbus (CA74) at Boston, MA. Served in Signal Bridge and Operations Office. Promoted to Yeoman Third Class.