David Alvey served as a U.S. Navy Journalist (JO3) on the USS Saratoga (CV-60) 1977–1980. He is shown here in 1978 in traditional sailor uniform. (Courtesy photo)
“Join the Navy and see the world!”
That was the recruiting line that attracted David Alvey of Murphy when he signed up for a 4-year hitch, and his service turned into one of the major defining points of his life.
“I have great pride that I served,” the veteran said. “To me, it helped shape the person I am today.”
His hitch ran from 1977-80, and during that time he served as a navy journalist, writing stories and taking pictures for the daily newspaper published aboard the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier. More traditional military duties were as a member of the damage control team.
Although Alvey served in the peacetime navy, it was during his service that the Iranian Hostage Crises took place and his carrier, which cruised the Mediterranean Sea, was on alert. Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held 52 embassy personnel as hostages for 444 days.
By Joe Reavis • Staff Writer • [email protected]
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