Page 71 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

BRADLEY F. KEITH
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RESIDENT NAVY
My Naval career started out rather disastrously. In 1953 I was commissioned Ensign, US Navy. Upon graduation from the University of Kansas, I married my high school sweetheart, Donna, and headed for Mare Island Naval Base in California.
Driving through Nevada, we were involved in a one car accident that nearly took Donna’s life. She was in a coma for a month and was told she would never walk again or have children!
She was air-flown to California just a short distance from my ship, the USS Rochester, a heavy Cruiser. The Cruiser was in dry dock. Thankfully, I was able to visit Donna daily in the hospital.
By the time the Rochester set sail, Donna was in rehab. She eventually walked, and even gave birth to 3 beautiful daughters. Sadly, our fourth, a son, died at birth.
The Rochester was the flag ship of the US Navy 7th fleet. We were stationed off the coast of Korea for 6 weeks, defending South Korea against North Korea and Communist China.
My primary responsibility was a cryptographer. Every message received was decoded and delivered immediately to the Admiral (on board because we were the flag ship), or the Ship’s Captain. I loved this assignment and took it very seriously.
After completing my service in the Navy, Donna and I moved back to Kansas. I received my master’s and Doctorate degrees. Later, I served as Athletic Director and Dean of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania.
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