11/11/2025
In honor of Veterans Day today, we asked Bob Gaffer, a Professional Engineer (P.E.) who works for MLS Engineering to tell us a little bit about his service in the Navy. We thank Bob and all Veterans for their service and sacrifice for our freedoms in these United States of America.
âI enlisted my senior year in high school, December 12, 1992 under the delayed entry program. I entered boot camp November 3, 1993, and served until August 12, 1999 (6 years, almost). I was stationed in Orlando, Florida; Ballston Spa, New York; New London, Connecticut; and Leonardo, New Jersey. My highest rank was petty officer 3rd class (E-4); I served on board the USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) and the USS Seattle (AOE-3). I worked in the engine room as a machinist's mate (we made the propeller go 'round and provided electricity to the ship). I was a part of 3 Mediterranean Sea Cruise's / Deployments. I visited Norway, Sweden, Greece, Spain, Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands, Antigua, Dubai, Jebel Ali, Yemen, The Suez Canal, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the North Pole (surfaced under the ice).
Awards that I received were: Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Expert Pistol Marksman Medalâ.
