Saturday, February 17, 2024

John Dodge Miles: "Navy Band Adventures."

I'm always happy to learn about other blogs, online diaries, or other sources of Navy band memories and commentary written by MUs. NavyLyres ain't the only game in town.

I've just found the Sand Hill Muse blog, hosted by former MU John Dodge Miles. It's a cornucopia of information on various subjects--just what you'd expect from a musician specializing in "electro-acoustic, computer-assisted music composition and experimental video," with varied interests in poetry, photography, and writing.

I'm interested in John's writing about his time in the Guam and UNITAS bands. Copious photography and illustrations accompany his recollections of his experiences. You'll find them in the blog's Navy Band Adventures section.

It's good reading that I hope you'll enjoy.


Thursday, November 9, 2023

Veterans Day Message from Frank

 It may seem odd to those who have never served in the military, but, on Veterans Day, we vets join our civilian friends and families in thanking veterans for their service. We do this because we, more than anyone, know the challenges veterans have faced.

Here, CWO Terry Chesson administers the reenlistment oath to me at NETC Newport, RI in the mid-1980s. This duty station was pivotal for me as a petty officer first class preparing for advancement to greater levels of leadership. I am grateful for the leadership opportunities Mr. Chesson gave me at this critical point in my career. He let me off the leash but never gave me enough rope to hang myself.

I thank Terry and all the other leaders and shipmates who made my time in the Navy unforgettable. As I hear at every reunion with my shipmates:

I'd do it all again.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

We Had a Ball at the 2023 NMA Reunion.







And jam sessions, sea stories, concerts, dancing, and a powerful performance by the USN Fleet Forces band. Our newest members included a few active-duty MUs and some salty MUs who enlisted shortly after World War II.



And, oh, the stories...

Saturday, June 17, 2023

NMA Reunion 2023: Taps

Taps. Taps. Lights out. All hands return to their racks and maintain silence about the decks.

Taps.


We have dined together, danced together, and played together one last time. The 2023 reunion of the NMA is now completed.

It moved at light speed; it always does. We meet on Wednesday morning, get coffee, then stroll down the hall to our first rehearsal.

And too soon, it is over. Tomorrow morning, we'll hop in cars and on planes, returning home with memories that will sustain us until we meet again.

I'll be traveling for a few days, Upon my return, I'll hope to post more about the 2023 reunion. But, now:

Taps. Taps. Lights out. All hands return to their racks and maintain silence about the decks.

Taps.

Liberty Call

We play a lot at an NMA reunion, and that playing involves rehearsal. After a few days of hard work, liberty is in order. 

This morning, we held our Membership Meeting, at which we passed the word, solicited questions, and elected a board of directors. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner, dancing, and making our final goodbyes.

So, this afternoon, we're on liberty, a few hours to rest, see the sights, talk with friends, read a newspaper. We've earned some time off.

But not too much time off. After all, this is Virginia Beach, where the path to Navy music begins, adventure calls, and danger lurks around every bend.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Our Ship Has Sailed


When a Navy ship departs at 0900 on a Wednesday morning, everybody is aboard. The rare latecomer will find his berth in a convenient brig.

When an NMA reunion launches at 0900 on a Wednesday morning, most of us are aboard. But, some can't make it at that time. Families, jobs, and community commitments all compete for our time. So we understand that some members will arrive later in the day, on Thursday, or even on Friday night. No report chits are issued--just a hearty "Welcome aboard, shipmate."