USS BELKNAP Association

Newsletter 2006

Where Are They Now? Jeff Milnes

Jeff Milnes is known to many of us as the BELKNAP Association treasurer. This is just a minor facet of the man. Born in Pennsylvania, Jeff had as normal a childhood as you might expect. He graduated from Indiana Area High School in Indiana, Pennsylvania in 1972. In October of the same year, he joined the United States Navy, and went to boot camp in Orlando, FL. He then made his guest appearance in Great Lakes (home to so many other sailors) to attend Machinist’s Mate “A” School. Upon completion of his schooling in July of 1973, Jeff was assigned to the USS PAWCATUCK (AO-108) out of Mayport, FL. He made his first Med Cruise while on the PAWCATUCK. In November of 1973, he went to Nuclear Power School in Bainbridge, MD.

Jeff received his orders and reported to USS BELKNAP (CG-26) in March of 1974. While on BELKNAP, he made a Unitas Cruise and a Med Cruise. He was also aboard during the fateful collision with the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67), a crash which resulted in the loss of seven of his shipmates.

Jeff’s next assignment was aboard the USS L.Y. SPEAR (AS-36). While aboard the SPEAR, Jeff made a Gitmo tour (long before the days when the US government decided to hold terror suspects there). More importantly, perhaps, is the fact that after Jeff got to his next command, he found a sailor that had snapped some photos after the collision of the KENNEDY and BELKNAP, and was able to obtain some of those pictures. He has them, and I am sure will be glad to reproduce some, if anyone is interested. (Okay with that, Jeff?).

Jeff’s tour of the United States Naval service ended with an honorable discharge in August of 1978. I want to note this: Jeff was on BELKNAP during the collision with the KENNEDY—he is willing to talk about it, and I believe that it is entirely appropriate to discuss it with him. This story is one of the most compelling stories in the BELKNAP’S history. I will now let Jeff update you on what he has done since his Navy days ended.

I have worked for the Valspar Corporation, manufacturer of food and beverage coatings in Rochester, PA since 11/78. I received an AA in business from St. Leo College before leaving L.Y. SPEAR.

I have worked all manufacturing jobs at the plant for Valspar. My current job is Pumper, loading and unloading tank trucks. I served 12 years as the financial secretary of our union, USW, at the plant. I served on the negotiating, workers comp, grievance and amalgamation committees.

I also served on the corporation’s charitable contribution committee. Donating money and paint to area charities. Our corporation supplies Habitat for Humanity paint for the whole nation to paint houses.

I have served on the Board of Directors for Beaver County Habitat for Humanity for 8 years, before my term reached its limit. I have also served on the Board for Beaver River Rails to Trails, a Rails to Trails organization for bike trails.

And, of course, I’m serving as Treasurer of the USS BELKNAP Association.