52nd Veteran of the Quarter, David G. McAllister, US Navy
September 19, 2023
In January 1964, David G. McAllister enlisted in the United States Navy and was then sent to San Diego, California for Recruit Training. Thereafter, McAllister traveled to GLakes, Illinois, and Mare Island, California for additional training and received promotions to Fireman (E3), and Third-Class Petty Officer (E4).
Prepared for deployment, he was assigned to the USS Collett DD 730 in the Tonkin Gulf, where they provided gunfire support, and armed interdiction along the coast of both South/North Vietnam, engaging in armed operations until 1968. He then reported aboard USS Sterett DLG 31 continuing Tonkin Gulf Operations until 1970 and rising to Second Class Petty Officer (E5). After, he was sent to San Diego, California for additional training in air conditioning and refrigeration. Following, he was assigned to the USS Sacramento AOE 1 and was deployed back to the Tonkin Gulf receiving promotion to First Class Petty Officer (E6). This promotion would take him back to GLakes, Illinois, where he was an instructor at Machinist Mate Class “A” School. His instructor role resulted in his promotion to Chief Petty Officer (E7) and continued until October of 1976.
In 1976, McAllister returned to Sea Duty in Yokosuka, Japan aboard the 7th Fleet Flagship USS Oklahoma City, CG5, and made numerous protocol visits to ports of call throughout Asia and the Western Pacific. McAllister was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. After promotion to Chief Warrant Officer, McAllister served aboard the USS Worden CG18 as the Main Engines Material Officer and the USS White Plains AFS4 as the Main Propulsion Assistant; deploying several times to the Indian Ocean in response to the Iranian Hostage Crisis and the protection of U.S Interests during Iran/Iraq War. Following promotion to Lieutenant Junior grade, he continued to serve as Damage Control Assistant in White Plains, and then from 1983 to 1985, as the Chief Engineer. With promotion to Lieutenant, David assumed the duties of Officer in Charge of the Commander Naval Surface Group Western Pacific/CTF73 Detachment, in Yokosuka, Japan in 1985 where he maintained and oversaw the maintenance and operational readiness of both overseas home ported and deployed ships of the 7th Fleet.
In April of 1988, after 24 years of service, LT. David G. McAllister retired from the United States Navy. McAllister received many military service awards and accolades including Surface Officer Warfare Device, Enlisted Surface Warfare Device, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Combat Action Ribbon, and numerous other personal and unit awards accumulated over 24 years of service.
After retirement, McAllister continued to serve in post-military organizations, such as Asia Sailor Westpac’rs Assoc, Veterans of the Ozarks, POW Network, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Fleet Reserve Assoc. With his wife Kathryn, he is a co-recipient of the Capt John Koutrakos Patriotism Award.
THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!