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My Name is James (Jim aka Gomer, aka Nemo) Combs. I served on board the Carver from late 1978 to the middle of 1983, almost 4 years on the same boat. I have many fond memories of those years and some not so fond memories. The long hours qualifying, the times away from home are the not so nice memories. The fond ones? Burned into my memory are the many wonderful people that crossed my path during those times.
I am very proud to have served my country along side many of the finest sailors in the world. I am very proud to wear dolphins, (I still wear a set on my jean jacket) and be a part of the American heritage and history that was the 41 for freedom. I believe that what we did contributed directly to the safety and security of these great United States of America and also may have contributed to the safety and the the security of the entire planet.
This web site is my way of sharing what I know about the ship named in honor of the great American scientist George Washington Carver. It's my way of honoring the men that were known as sewer pipe sailors, the woman who supported us, the myriad of support personnel that it took to keep a Boomer running. It's my way of sharing the memories I have of those times.
It is my hope that you might take a moment to remember all the sailors that have paid the ultimate price, those who are on eternal patrol, by never forgetting them, holding them in your hearts and minds, by saying "Thank you for a job well done. We will never forget you. We will honor you whenever, wherever and however possible"
Cold war veterans get little to NO recognition from our government. Much of what we did and were we went is still classified information, even today. So if you know someone who can't join the American Legion because they did not serve during the *RIGHT* times, someone who can not join a Vietnam veterans organization, because he did not serve in combat, or was not in the *RIGHT* place. If you know someone who does not get any veteran tax breaks, or benefits, or someone who has no memorial to relate to... please tell them THANK YOU! There are some of us who know what you did, the dangers you encountered and the sacrifices you made for every American and free thinking person on this earth.