I was assigned as SgtMaj MB Portsmouth, NH upon my return from Korea in Sept 1953, relieving SgtMaj Darvie Pugh. I served under two Commanding Officers-LtCol Greenough followed by Maj Lelon Patrow. NCOs I can recall, were MSgt Hefner, GySgt Kinney, GySgt Chaney SSgt Fields. We had a MB Pistol Team that participated in various matches throughout the New England area with fair results. Monthly Bingo Games were held in the mess hall. We had a PX on the second deck, also a small tailor shop operated by a civilian named Cruz. During this period security was of utmost importance. The Nautilus, top secret first atomic submarine was being outfitted for duty. This put a great deal of pressure on all of us marines guarding the Shipyard. No one was waved through the gate with a salute. Each and every person was required to present their ID card to the sentries, even the Admiral from Boston who issued the regulation, and my six day old son, born at the USNH, on his trip home. Another duty we were assigned was to dispatch armed guards to Fort Kent, Maine to pick up deserters, who were apprehended in Canada by the RCMP and kicked across the border, and return them to our little Brig for processing. I finished my tour at MB in 1955 when I received orders to I&I Staff 5th Supply Co USMCR Huntington NY.
The first words spoken to me by Major Patrow upon assuming command of MB Ptsmh were "Sgt Major your job is to keep me out of the Brig" To which I replied " AYE AYE Sir" He was a fine Marine,one of the very best.
