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Captain Grant and Dorothy Walker - 2001 Reunion |
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Captain Grant J. Walker |
Captain Grant J. Walker was born in Ramey,
Pennsylvania. He attended Pennsylvania State University and Georgia
Tech in the Navy V-12 Program and then entered midshipman training at
Columbia University in March 1945. Upon commissioning in July 1945, he
served on the USS CHANDELEUR (AV10) in gunnery billets. Aboard the
ROCKINGHAM (APA 229), he participated in the initial atomic bomb tests at
Bikini Atoll in 1946. In 1947, he attended the General Line School in
Newport, Rhode Island, going from there to the USS YOSEMITE (AD 19) as
Communications Officer, then to the USS NEWPORT NEWS (CA 148) as CIC Officer
for two years and Fire Control Officer for an additional year.
From June 1953 to June 1955, he instructed at the CIC Officers School in
Glenview, Illinois. After this tour, he assumed the duties as Squadron
Operations Officer in DESRON SIX. From August 1957 until November
1958, he served as Executive Officer in the USS C. P. CECIL (DRR 835).
On completion of this tour, he reported to the Staff of Commander Destroyer
Force, US Atlantic Fleet as Personnel Representative, Enlisted Personnel
Distribution Office, US Atlantic Fleet.
In June 1961, Lieutenant Commander Walker assumed command of the USS JOSEPH
K. TAUSSIG (DE 1030) leaving in July 1963 to attend the US Naval War
College. Upon completion of the Naval Warfare Course, he remained on
the War College Staff as an instructor in the Senior Foreign Officers
Course. In January 1966, Commander Walker assumed command of the USS
WADDELL (DDG 24). During this tour, he was awarded the Bronze Star
Medal and a gold star in lieu of a second award and the Navy Commendation
Medal. In July 1967, Captain Walker reported to the staff of Commander
Cruiser-Destroyer Force Seventh Fleet (CTG 70.8/CCDF 3) as Operations
Officer. In this assignment, a second Navy Commendation Medal was
awarded to him.
In January 1969, he reported for duty in the Strike Warfare Division in the
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In May 1970, he commissioned
and was First Commanding Officer of the USS CORONADO (LPD 11).
Following tours included Chief of Staff, PHIBGRU 2, staffs of PHIBLANT and
SURFLANT. At SURFLANT, he was lead project officer for it's
establishment. His final tour was Commanding Officer, Inactive Ships,
U. S. Navy.
Captain Walker retired in July 1976 after 33 years service. Captain
Walker has four married daughters and currently resides in Virginia Beach,
Virginia with his wife Dorothy. |
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