With parental permission I enlisted into the U.S. Navy at Glens Falls, New York during October 1953 and received orders to report on January 4, 1954 at the Naval Offices at Albany, New York.  After the customary swearing in procedure I boarded a train which departed for the U. S. Naval Training Center at Bainbridge, Maryland where boot training would begin. I commenced training on January 13, 1954 with Company 3, 13th. Battalion, 1st. Regiment.  While at Bainbridge I requested duty with my older brother,  Dexter R. Campbell, Boilermaker Second Class, who at this time was serving on the U.S.S. Markab AD21. 

My brother, Dexter, recommissioned the Markab in February 1952 in Orange, Texas, with Captain Melvyn H. McCoy as Commanding Officer. After thirteen weeks of Boot Camp I received orders on April 4, 1954 to report for duty on the U.S.S. Markab AD21 at Newport, Rhode Island.

On April 26, 1954 I reported for duty and was immediately assigned as a fireman to the machine shop and soon I began to operate pumps, motors, gauges, machinery of every description. I didn't like this assignment and requested a transfer to the "Repair Office" where I would spend the next two years as a Yeoman. The Repair Office was located on the main deck starboard side next to the typewriter repair shop. If s there I would perform clerical work such as typing letters, directives, forms, and reports which were more interesting than repairing a gauge or motor. 

Shortly after boarding the U.S.S. Markab, the ship received orders to sail for the Brooklyn Naval Yard, New York City for repairs.  After spending some time in New York, we received orders for a shake down cruise to Portland, Maine and then to Miami, Florida.  After spending a few days in the warm Florida sunshine, the helm was set for a Caribbean Cruise (1955) to San Juan, Puerto Rico, the islands of St. Croix, and St. Thomas. I have some vivid memories of this cruise with lots and lots of pictures.

    The Markab returned to Newport, Rhode Island and then to Fall River, Massachusetts tied up to a pier where it will remain until its decommissioning. During the decommissioning process I traveled with the Markab to Norfolk, Virginia and was reassigned to ComSubLant, U. S. Atlantic Fleet, New London, Connecticut during the summer of 1956(?).

    I was discharged early on October 4, 1957 just short of four years in order to attend the Fall Semester at a Massachusetts College.  On March 11, 1961 I married the former Janice Marie Brennan of Hudson Falls, New York. After a short honeymoon, my wife and I attended Buffalo Bible Institute for three years.  I attended Houghton College (a Christian Liberal Arts College), Grace Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary.  I was ordained to the Gospel Ministry on August 14, 1973.

         If you would like to purchase an official Markab hat or coffee mug with the Markab insignia, contact the Phil & Ida McCollum, 1152 Jones Drive, Salem, Ohio, 44460.   There is a roaster of shipmates plus other biographical information available.  The annual due is $15.00 which can be paid to President Phil McCollum at the above address.

    I found the words of this beautiful poem tucked away in an old used book that I purchased.  The note is dated August 31, 1966 and it was sent to a friend as an encouragement.  I hope you will enjoy it also.

"Christ Is Your Pilot"