From College to the USS Walker: Bob Carnes on Growing Up in the Navy (1961–1965)

Bob Carnes recounts leaving college after poor grades and, after being told he was “too smart” for the Marines, enlisting in the Navy in 1961.

Though initially signed for electronics and nuclear training, he chose deck force work instead and found he loved the sun, physical labor, seamanship, and life at sea aboard the USS Walker out of Pearl Harbor, including typhoons and West Pacific ports like Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

He reflects on Honolulu’s sailor districts, friendships and racial dynamics aboard ship, memorable incidents involving shipmates, and respect for a few standout leaders. He explains why he didn’t make the Navy a career, notes near-miss involvement in early Vietnam-era operations, and says the Navy helped him mature, value teamwork, and appreciate hard work.
00:00 College Detour
01:09 Accidental Navy Enlistment
02:33 ET School Ultimatum
04:15 Pearl Harbor Arrival
04:56 Deck Force Life
06:34 Sea Wonders and Storms
08:18 Liberty in Honolulu
09:54 Cars Dating and Growing Up
11:04 Rank Tests and War Rumors
12:32 Officers Worth Respect
14:49 Tough Chiefs and Odd Bosses
18:02 Carl Cobb and Race
20:07 Purvis Stories and Close Call
24:27 Why Not a Navy Career
26:14 NYEP Offer Turned Down
27:11 Interview Reflections
32:31 Vietnam Near Misses
35:02 Service Thanks and Closing

From College to the USS Walker: Bob Carnes on Growing Up in the Navy (1961&ndash;1965)
Bob Carnes recounts leaving college after poor grades and, after being told he was &ldquo;too smart&rdquo; for the Marines, enlisting in the Navy in 1961.
Though initially signed for electronics and nuclear training, he chose deck force work instead and found he loved the sun, physical labor, seamanship, and life at sea aboard the USS Walker out of Pearl Harbor, including typhoons and West Pacific ports like Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.
He reflects on Honolulu&rsquo;s sailor districts, friendships and racial dynamics aboard ship, memorable incidents involving shipmates, and respect for a few standout leaders. He explains why he didn&rsquo;t make the Navy a career, notes near-miss involvement in early Vietnam-era operations, and says the Navy helped him mature, value teamwork, and appreciate hard work.
<ul>
<li>00:00 College Detour</li>
<li>01:09 Accidental Navy Enlistment</li>
<li>02:33 ET School Ultimatum</li>
<li>04:15 Pearl Harbor Arrival</li>
<li>04:56 Deck Force Life</li>
<li>06:34 Sea Wonders and Storms</li>
<li>08:18 Liberty in Honolulu</li>
<li>09:54 Cars Dating and Growing Up</li>
<li>11:04 Rank Tests and War Rumors</li>
<li>12:32 Officers Worth Respect</li>
<li>14:49 Tough Chiefs and Odd Bosses</li>
<li>18:02 Carl Cobb and Race</li>
<li>20:07 Purvis Stories and Close Call</li>
<li>24:27 Why Not a Navy Career</li>
<li>26:14 NYEP Offer Turned Down</li>
<li>27:11 Interview Reflections</li>
<li>32:31 Vietnam Near Misses</li>
<li>35:02 Service Thanks and Closing</li>
</ul>

In The Least of These, Bob Carnes reflects on a life shaped by curiosity, service, and gratitude. From his early days as a Navy veteran and engineer to his years as a journalist, oilman, and photographer, Bob has worn many hats—but through them all, he’s remained a keen observer of people and purpose. With warmth and humility, he honors the teachers, neighbors, relatives, coworkers, mentors, and his beloved wife Silvia, who shaped his journey. This memoir is both a personal testament and a tribute to the everyday heroes who quietly make life meaningful.

In The Least of These, Bob Carnes reflects on a life shaped by curiosity, service, and gratitude. From his early days as a Navy veteran and engineer to his years as a journalist, oilman, and photographer, Bob has worn many hats&mdash;but through them all, he&rsquo;s remained a keen observer of people and purpose. With warmth and humility, he honors the teachers, neighbors, relatives, coworkers, mentors, and his beloved wife Silvia, who shaped his journey. This memoir is both a personal testament and a tribute to the everyday heroes who quietly make life meaningful.

The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes

The Least of These
by Bob Carnes

In The Least of These, Bob Carnes reflects on a life shaped by curiosity, service, and gratitude. From his early days as a Navy veteran and engineer to his years as a journalist, oilman, and photographer, Bob has worn many hats—but through them all, he’s remained a keen observer of people and purpose. With warmth and humility, he honors the teachers, neighbors, relatives, coworkers, mentors, and his beloved wife Silvia who shaped his journey. This memoir is both a personal testament and a tribute to the everyday heroes who quietly make life meaningful.

The Least of These by Bob Carnes
In The Least of These, Bob Carnes reflects on a life shaped by curiosity, service, and gratitude. From his early days as a Navy veteran and engineer to his years as a journalist, oilman, and photographer, Bob has worn many hats&mdash;but through them all, he&rsquo;s remained a keen observer of people and purpose. With warmth and humility, he honors the teachers, neighbors, relatives, coworkers, mentors, and his beloved wife Silvia who shaped his journey. This memoir is both a personal testament and a tribute to the everyday heroes who quietly make life meaningful.