I
like to think I was the normal midshipman in the mid-1960s. I remember some of
the upheaval, but quite frankly, I was too busy studying and trying to keep out of
the way of the upperclassmen to really take much of the politics aswirl at the time
to heart.
Sure, there were tough days then and following graduation, but the lingering memo-
ries of my time at the academy are good, real good.
Even though I was reduced to tears on one of my first ships as an AB, the academy
had made a man out of me, shaped me without me knowing it, gave me pride and confi-
dence to last a lifetime.
Perhaps the regimental staff cadets felt the pressures more, but I found a niche for
myself in Castine. I babysat for Cmdr. Philbrick’s daughters, I dated Adm. Rogers ’ oldest
daughter, I cut grass for the Breene’s and the old dentist across the street, and was support-
ed in my musical efforts by Lt. Jordan.
I inherited a large marching band when I became bandmaster after Lou Dunlay ’
and, it’s noteworthy, we quickly integrated new music and drums into our repertoire. I
absolutely loved to spend the Friday drill marching the band around town and playing our
music.8 MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 3
Keefe was assistant bandmaster as the group marched along the streets of Bangor in 1965.By Timothy D. Keefe ’