SHARKHUNTERS Salutes Veterans
CHARLES GUNDERSEN (205-1986)
United States Navy
 | Right after touring aboard USS BOWFIN (SS 287) he joined the U.S. Navy and after boot camp was assigned aboard USS JASON (AR-8) in San Diego. As a Quartermaster, he participated in a WestPac cruise then reported aboard USS MIDWAY (CVA-41), assigned to the Navigational Division. He participated in an overhaul period at Hunter’s Point then a WestPac cruise to Japan, Hong Kong, Hawaii, and the Philippine Islands. It was a calm cruise because Vietnam had not yet started. He was E-3 at the time. Upon his release from active duty, he entered college and restarted the weekly Naval Reserve drills. During graduate school, he applied for a direct commission based on his previous ten years in the Naval Reserve, his status as Quartermaster 1st Class and his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was successful and commissioned as an Ensign, Engineering Duty Officer USNR. He was promoted through the ranks to that of Commander and he retired from the U. S. Naval Reserves after thirty-one years. |