Connie: The USS Constellation and the Last 50-Star Union Jack

Growing up in Sea Bright, New Jersey, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Gregory Martinez became engrossed with living by the sea. One day, he received a very distinguished letter addressed to him from the President of the United States. The Selective Service Department of the United States, had directed him to serve in the Armed Forces and report for active duty on July 14, 1970. Seeking guidance from his father, he was told "Go join the Navy. Do what you have to; get something positive out of the experience. Learn all you can." This became Greg's first mission.On April 16, 1971, Greg reported aboard the 4.4 acre aircraft carrier, USS Constellation (CVA-64). By September 1971, the ship and her crew, including the air wing, were combat-ready for deployment. Interspersed with combat duties, Greg experienced riveting life adventures both onboard and ashore during his years with Connie.After his Honorable Discharge, Greg began to feel the "calling" of his ship. Unsure what to make of these feelings, he slowly permitted himself to be drawn in by her. It eventually became clear that Greg needed to learn more about Connie and what was occurring during her tenure at sea.Connie-a ship that cannot and will not be forgotten-had a profound and lasting effect on Greg and others who have sailed aboard her. Greg's final mission and its results are revealed in the concluding chapters of the book; a mission which no one, not even Greg himself, could have ever predicted.

Author: Gregory Martinez
Publisher: Hellgate Press
Published: 04/26/2018
Pages: 258
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.77lbs
Size: 9.02h x 5.98w x 0.54d
ISBN13: 9781555719036
ISBN10: 1555719031
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Military

About the Author
Gregory Martinez began his ocean adventures as a young man in Sea Bright, New Jersey. The Atlantic Ocean was his playground. When drafted in July, 1970, Greg enlisted into the United States Navy for four years. After boot camp, he attended USN Engineering school, becoming a ship's engineer, and air conditioning and refrigeration technician. Greg earned numerous combat awards for his Vietnam service, including a Presidential Unit Citation. Connie: The USS Constellation and the Last 50-Star Union Jack contains much of Greg's life story, inter-woven with his ship and her spirit beckoning to him. It also became his destiny. Greg has flown several high-performance aircraft, including two Air Combat USA flights. During his 35-year air conditioning and heating career, he reached the level of Certified Master Technician. He retired in 2011, and still resides in central New Jersey. Greg's daughter, Lt. Commander Jacqueline Martinez, is currently in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Greg's son, Michael, is currently working

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