USS LEXINGTON Former Crew Member

Name: Vitito, Richard R.

Service Dates: 1969 - 1973

Rank/Duty Assigned: BT3 / #2 Fireroom

Description:
I worked in #2 Fireroom for all 4 yrs. as a Boiler Technician 3rd Class. In 1972 I was awarded the Lexington Minuteman of the Year award which should still be in the awards case today? I was told that it was the first time that an engineer from B-Div. had ever won the award since 1943? I believe that I could still lite-off the boilers and the plant to this day! I’m still in contact with several of my shipmates to this day. On Christmas week 1973, I went to the bridge and ask the Captain if I could steer the ship, seeing how I operated the plant for 4 yrs., why couldn’t I steer the ship for awhile, the Captain agreed with me and let me steer the ship that night, of course the Helmsman was right next to me. Long ago, Great ship, God Bless America . . .

I retired from the Navy in April 1993. I believe I was the last of the true boilermaker rate. Repaired over 406 ships in my career. Worked with the finest boilermakers in the Navy. All of them were great patriots. God Bless them and God Bless America.