Jerry K. Brooke, RM2:

Jerry K. Brooke, USN-RM2
30 Crabapple Drive
Thomasville, GA 31757

Home: 229-227-0504
Cell: 229-224-1332

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Webmaster: USS Charles Berry DE1035

I reported aboard the Charles Berry directly after Radio A School in San Diego, CA, in May 1962. The Berry had just returned from Norfolk shipyard after being out fitted with some new equipment. As it turned out to be the ASW weapons system called the "Terne-Three". I remember immediately being assigned loading stores in preparation for a couple of weeks of gunnery practice off the coast of California. On Thanksgiving Day 1962 we departed for a West Pac "Good Will" cruise.
At the helm

1963

2003

Oh, Yes, you might be asking about the Mad Duck Patch. There was a period of time during our West Pac cruise that we had the opportunity to express ourselves in different ways. One of the patches I had made in Japan was of the "Mad Duck Radioman". I also had a white coffee mug with this same design. I still have both the mug and the patch. With his headphones on, red face, and a radio message in his left hand the Mad Duck Radioman is headed for trouble. I had this patch sewn on my blue-jacket and wore it proudly. I recently found it in my desk drawer and decided to share it with you.

 Mad Duck Radioman


As a matter of fact I did go across the equator, not once but several times. However, the only one that makes a difference is the one that makes you a card carring member of the "Domain Of Neptunus Rex". I became a Shell Back on 18 Sept. 1964, at Latitude 00-00, longitude 165-35W, while on special operations. No longer a polliwog.

West Pac Cruise Nov '62 to May '63  
March 1963 Somewhere in the Philippine Islands.I had hair then... I wonder what this light's for?

Leaning on one of the signal lights on signal bridge looking forward.

One of the 35' radio whip antennas can be seen at my left elbow.
Living quarters on the Berry Living quarters aboard the Charles Berry. Stainless Steel bunks with individual lights. This space accomodates six crewmen. Unfortunatly this particular location was directly under the forward gun mount.