PSC James R. Santos, USCGR, circa 1986 to 1988


Since 11-29-02

PSC James R. Santos, USCGR, circa 1986 to 1988

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In 1985, I passed the Chief Port Securityman Service Wide Exam on the first take and was advanced to E-7.  The time frame of this photo is as stated, since I made E-7 after an Oct. 1985 SWE, and was advanced on 1 Jan 1986.  I subsequently passed the Senior Chief Port Securityman Service Wide Exam on the first take in Oct. 1988, and was advanced to E-8 on 1 Jan 1989.

In 1985, I had to shave off my goatee, and loose weight from about 205 lb to 160 lb, to comply with new standards implemented that year in the Coast Guard.  My standard weight had to be at or below 185 lbs, but I took it down quite a bit more on a rotational diet.  At 160 lbs, I actually then weighed about 5 lbs less than in 1965, when I enlisted in the US Submarine Reserve.

With that extra margin, I stayed within weight standards until I retired awaiting pay on 01/01/1997, as a Senior Chief Port Securityman with a lot more hash mark, medals and ribbons.