Edwin L. "Jack" Spratt, LCDR, USN, Ret.

LCDR Spratt was born and raised in Weaverville, California, and joined the Navy in 1969. Upon graduation from Recruit Training in San Diego, he was ordered to Radarman Class A school. His initial tour of duty sent him to the Republic of Viet Nam for a year as a crewman on a PCF (Swift) boat, where he saw duty in Operations MARKET TIME, GAME WARDEN and SEA LORDS, and was part of the Cambodian Incursion.

Upon his return from Viet Nam, LCDR Spratt reported onboard the USS Monticello (LSD-35), and after serving two years in the Combat Information Center, was transferred to the commissioning crew of the USS Fort Fisher (LSD-40). During these two tours, LCDR Spratt made four cruises to the Western Pacific, as well as one Caribbean cruise, and was promoted to Operations Specialist First Class Petty Officer.

In 1974, LCDR Spratt graduated from Air Controlman Class A school, and began a shore duty tour at Naval Air Station, North Island. He was a Radar Approach Controller and Control Tower Operator. In 1976, he was transferred to Fleet Composite Operational Readiness Group ONE, located on Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado. He made two deployments while stationed there, one to Japan, and one to the Indian Ocean. In 1981 LCDR Spratt was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, and in 1982, was commissioned an Ensign under the Limited Duty Officer program.

LCDR Spratt's initial officer tour was onboard USS Dubuque (LPD-8) as Electronic Warfare Officer and Combat Information Center Officer. He earned the Surface Warfare Officer designation, and was promoted to LTJG. In 1985, LCDR Spratt began his second shore tour, as an instructor at Fleet Combat Training Center, Pacific. During this tour, he was promoted to Lieutenant, and was a participant in Operation Raleigh, which took him around the world, visiting such unique ports as Capetown, South Africa and St. Helena Island.

In August 1988, LCDR Spratt accepted orders to Special Boat Unit TWELVE, as Officer in Charge of the new High Speed Boat program. During that assignment, he deployed with his High Speed Boat detachment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. Upon his return, he was transferred to Special Boat Squadron ONE as Training Officer. In July, 1995, LCDR Spratt was transferred to his twilight tour at the Fleet Information Warfare Center in Coronado. In December 1998, he was piped over the side for the last time, spending his terminal leave awaiting retirement 01 March 1999.

LCDR Spratt's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", two Navy Achievement Medals with one Combat "V", the Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star, and the Good Conduct Medal (with 2 stars).

LCDR Spratt is married, and he and his wife Karen live in Chula Vista, California. Their daughter, Kristy lives in Hendersonville Tennessee.

After his retirement ceremony, Jack took a few months off to collect his thoughts before becoming a Probation Officer with the County of San Diego. He is now fully retired and living the dream, where every day is a holiday and every meal is a banquet.