I was on IREX 1960 thru 1961…went to nuke school Jan 1962 and then to SSBN-626, D. Webster until Feb 1965…Out as a MM1(SS)….
Came aboard as EN striker out of sub school…assigned to aft engine room...qualfied in subs on IREX….
She was a great boat and good for me…learned a lot while on IREX… I spent 6 weeks as a mess cook, as part of my duty, I had to blow the after battery sanitary at 5 am every morning at sea (why would a mess cook have that Job, still can't figure that one out).
My claim to fame is I blew it imboard while snorkeling…I neeeever did that again...took about 8 hours to clean the after battery…and nobody offered to help me…check every valve!!! Don't trust anybody…not even the cook when he leaves the shower drain open…. Lesson learned...follow procedures….
Sent back to the aft engine room soon after that incident...for the rest of my time on the boat...
Great bunch of guys on board, from the skipper to the newest striker...
Went to a reunion a couple of years ago in Groton that Wally K. ran...good time...another comming up in 2003...will be there for that one...hope to see ya there...
I have a picture of IREX on my office wall...I still work at 62, and will probably do so until they carry me out of here...we have a family business selling nuclear instruments, shielding, sources and accessories...check it out at atlanticnuclear.com.
I can thank the NAVY for what I have today...gave this guy an excellent start in life...
John Anderson Sr.