QMCS Heinz Hickethier USN Retired

QMC and Patrol Officer taken while alongside YRBM 16 Sept 1969           2005 Auburn WA Veterans day parade with SwiftBoat Sailors

Tuyen Nhon 1970 on PBR 773 photo by Gary Smith

Alice and I at the Navy Ball at the University  of Pennsylvania  1980. We had just started dating in 1979  ---- me in my dress whites was the turning point --- we have never been apart since.  I KNOW  I liked that Blue dress.

Midshipman John Pope and I at my retirement ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania NROTC building January 1982

 

I joined the Navy in February of 1959 with my twin brother Alex. we were both assigned to the USS Ticonderoga CVA 14 until November 1962. After  a few detours I became a QM and finished the tour as a QM2.

 

We both left the service and I returned to Active duty one year later. I was assigned to the USS Winston AKA 94. While onboard I was promoted to QM1.

 

In June 1965 I volunteered for duty in Vietnam  upon completion of my swiftboat training I was held at Coronado to instruct new trainees until I left for my first tour duty in Vietnam was with Costal Division 14/ SwiftBoats at Cam Ranh bay as a QM1. I served Mar. 1966 to Mar 67. During my stay we started in tents and finally moved into buildings. I served as unit QM and Relief boat coxswain.

 

On return to the states I was assigned to Fleet Training Group as a navigation observer. Making Chief in June of 1968 while still 26. I must scared the hell out of the fleet sailors.

 

The Swiftboats had LTJG’s as boat Captains and I wanted my own boat so in 1969 I went to Vietnam as a QMC to serve on PBRs. I still did not get my own boat instead I served as a Patrol Officer.

 

My second tour started in June 1969. I served with River Division 551. we were on the Vihn Te Canal, Grand Canal, at Go Dau Ha on the Vam Co Dong River, and Tuyen Nhon on the Vam Co Tay River. We turned over our boats in June 70 and I went to Saigon.

 

Completing my tour in Vietnam I was assigned to the Portland reserve station at Swan Island but then I was put on the training ship USS Brain DD 630. Not being the shore duty I expected I complained to the top --- ADM Zumwalt

 

 

A few months later i was at CINCUSNAVEUR in London where I made Senior Chief a rate that I would stay at until retirement. After 4 years I London it was transferred to Sea Duty.

 

I reported aboard the sixth Fleet flag ship USS Little Rock CG 4 at Geata  Italy. and cross decked to the the USS Albany  CG 10 when it took over flagship duties. Leaving Italy in 1978.

 

 

1978 to 1982 I was station with the NROTC at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

The Sailboat Centaurs the NROTC sailboat with me at the helm shirtless but still with my Kaki navy trousers. 

Alice and I in front of her home in Lansdowne PA, November 1979

 

I retired on January 31 1982 as a QMCS after 22 ½ year in the Navy.

 

After Retirement I entered Maritime Training and in 1985 I was joined by my twin brother QMCS Alexander Hickethier. We established Southern California Merchant Marine Training Services in San Diego CA. In 1990 Alice and I moved to Washington State establishing NW Merchant Marine Training Services which I operated until 2004 when I retired again.