Beaufort’s Dennis Clingerman, 71, joined the United States Marine Corps in Salem, Ohio in 1969. After boot camp at Parris Island and Infantry training at Camp Lejeune, he was sent to Naval Air Station Jacksonville to train as an Aviation Electronics Technician.
His first assignment was with an F-5 squadron at MCAS Beaufort during which he deployed aboard USS America (CV-66) to Puerto Rico and the Mediterranean. He was then attached to the Carrier Air Group when USS America transited around Africa to waters off Vietnam. In 1973 he returned to MCAS Beaufort and later deployed aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with duty in the North Atlantic including Guantanamo Bay and Northern Europe.
His next deployment was to Denmark for seven months. Back at MCAS Beaufort he was assigned to an F-18 squadron. During his time in service, the Corps took him to Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Gibraltar, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. He separated in 1980 as a Staff Sergeant and shortly thereafter began a 37-year career with the Civil Service as an electronics technician and public works employee working at MCAS Beaufort and Parris Island. He finally retired in 2020 and is now a member of both the AMVETS and VFW posts here.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
