Darrel Gene Turner

Darrel is a long-time friend of our family. He’s easy to talk to and has always entertained us with interesting stories from his past. It seemed like a no-brainer to sit down with him and unpack some of his life journey, which includes growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, learning how to stay out of trouble by watching his older brother, serving in the U.S. Navy, and working in nuclear power for 38 years. From being positioned off the coast of Scotland with missiles pointed at Red Square in Russia, to standing in Red Square 30 years later, Darrel shares a powerful and impactful story about his visit. Thanks for your service, Darrel! And Cheers for being a great friend and example of kindness to so many people along the way.

Darrel, during his Little League tenure in the suburbs of Chicago. Through his high school baseball years, season tickets to Cubs or White Sox were offered free of charge. Listen to more of Darrel’s baseball stories at minute 3:08 of the interview.

Darrel, 2 years old.

Darrel, 2 years old, and his 4 year old brother, Jim. 1951.

The views outside the old Comisky Park on 35th and Sheilds were all too familiar to Darrel where the Chicago White Sox won the 1959 World Series.

1959 Chicago White Sox line-up, including the great Nelly Fox, who was kind enough to sign an autograph for Darrel.

1959 Chicago White Sox team.

Charleston, South Carolina living in Navy housing after Vietnam and a year of nuclear power school. Jane’s 1965 Mustang in the background, which they would eventually drive to CA. 1971.

Darrel, Age 22.

USS Dubuque, the 569 foot Naval ship Darrel served on during the Vietnam War.

A Chinook helicopter takes off the USS Dubuque during the time Darrel served aboard. 1970.

Darrel, age 22, in Danang harbor, Vietnam aboard the USS Dubuque. Six 4” 40mm guns adorned the boat like the ones behind him.

Darrel and Jane after Darrels first deployment. 1971. in Vallejo, CA. This was during the time he was attending nuclear power school for 6 months of classroom training.

Darrel and Jane all smiles when they lived in Idaho falls, ID where Darrel was going to nuclear power school. 1970.

USS Daniel Boone, the first submarine Darrel served on. At 425 feet, it was the first ballistic missile submarine included in the Pacific fleet.

Darrel at the reactor control panel of the USS Daniel Boone Submarine.

USS Seahorse SSN-669, the second submarine Darrel served aboard. At 292 feet, the Seahorse was the 47th nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the U.S. Navy. As described in minute 42 of the interview, Darrel’s job was to control the heart of the submarine.

A tribute to Darrel on Veteran’s Day. Saaaaalute!

Mom, Florence, Jim, Darrel and their Dad, Earl drinking a Tab and taking it all in. 1971.

L to R, Darrel, his Sister Arline, Mother Florence, Brother Jim, Sister Gayla, and Dad, Earl, 1975.

Darrel and his brother, Jim. 1975.

Darrel, Jane and their two kids, Mark and Beth, during the time they lived in Midland, MI. Darrel was working at the nuclear plants. 1980.

Darrel holding his daughter Beth and son, Mark, at his side. Midland, MI 1980.

USS Seahorse recognition.

USS Daniel Boone recognition.

Missle launch testing from the USS Daniel Boone to check telemetry and accuracy. They shot/tested 4 missiles (without warheads) off the coast of Africa toward Cape Canaveral, FL. Once the hatch is open, steam explosions in the tube push the 30-foot missle to breach the water. Then, the accelerators kick in on the rocket boosters.

Vietnam war recognition. Honor our veterans!

Red Square, Russia, once ground zero, where Darrel and his mates aboard submarines had missiles pointed during the Cold War. “Ironically”, 30 years later, Darrel would stand in Red Square, and become friends with many Russians. Visit minute 1:30:00 of the interview to hear the rest of the story.

While serving in Russia. L to R, Larry n Bette Johnson, Jane n Darrel Turner, and Russian friends in Vladimir, Russia. 2001.

Darrel testing all the instruments aboard the zodiac airplane he piloted. He spoiled himself and many people with rides flying over West Michigan.

Darrel pulling the lightweight Zodiac plane out for a ride.

3000 feet over West Michigan enjoying the flight.

Darrel’s family. 2013. Son Mark in upper left with his wife, Natasha, 9 months before she passed away from cancer. Natasha’s daughter Zoe next to her. Beth, Darrels daughter holding Francine and Beth’s husband Jamey, holding Vivian.

Darrel and Jane with two of their three grand-daughters, Francine and Vivian.

Darrel’s pride and joy; 2016 Ford F150 and Jayco camping trailer.