Duty-Honor-Country

Boot Camp was a unique experience. I was only 19 and this was my first time away from home. It was here in Boot Camp (Company 623) that I began learning about duty, honor and country.

My transformation from civilian to sailor began here at the San Diego Naval Training Center in 1966. I believe the mission of boot camp was to first break us down and then build us up into an outstanding well-trained sailor ready for the fleet. And that it did.

I eventually ended up aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Providence in Southeast Asia. It was here that I made lifelong friendships. After 30 years, I still have contacts with many shipmates from those “Days of Glory.”

The USS Providence Association website exists today on the Internet that celebrates and honors those who served aboard Providence.

We stood vigilant and strong ready to protect and defend our country as the men and women today that are going into harms way.

May God Bless our military and may God Bless America .

Sam Villa
San Diego , CA

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