Underway Q: What do you remember about your first ship? A: My first ship was the BB-63. I am a plank owner and was part of the re-commissioning crew. That ship was the most historic battleship during that time. The three gun turrets with 16-inch guns were the center of attraction. She served in World War II and the Japanese Imperial Navy. The Declaration of Surrender was signed on board that ship. Q: What’s the funniest eval bullet you’ve seen? A: When I sat on the E-7 board I remember something like “As the urinalysis coordinator, he has tasted (instead of tested) and sampled over 500 specimens with zero discrepancies and 100 percent program compliance.” Q: What Navy program has impacted you the most? A: The physical readiness test – it has kept me in shape and physically healthy for the last 30 years, which is something you need in your career and the most important, in your life. Q: Where did you go on your first port call and what do you remember about it? A: First deployment was a three-month aroundthe-world cruise on board USS Missouri. Our first overseas port call was Panama in 1987. We did what Sailors do during that time which was bar hopping. My first U.S. port visit was San Francisco in 1986. I enjoyed the visit and made time to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Q: What was your favorite port call and why? A: Olongapo, Subic Bay. I was able to go home and spend time with family. My second most favorite port visit was Vatican City, Rome. I enjoyed the city tour. I learned the history behind the Coliseum, Vatican Church and Trevi Fountain . Q: Why did you join the Navy? A: Honestly, it was an opportunity for me to leave my home country. I was sure that I would have a better future and better life when I enlisted. Q: Which Navy aircraft is your favorite and why? A: I have to admit, I love them all. Q: What size ship did you prefer to serve on? A: LHA/LHD or CV/CVN class.
Q: Have you served overseas and if so, how did you like it? A: Yes, I was on board USS Independence (CV 62) in Yokosuka, Japan from 1992-1997. Being overseas is a very challenging billet. We were out at sea nine out of 12 months and deployed every year. Good thing is, we were able to hit some good liberty ports such as Korea, the Philippines, Hong-Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia. Q: Were you ever TAD outside of your parent department and if so, what did you do? What do you remember about it? A: I was sent TAD twice as an food service assistant on my first sea tour. The ship’s supply officer personally requested me back on FSA duty. As I remember, the ship was going on deployment and they wanted someone that had experience to serve as an FSA in the wardroom. So I went back without hesitation. I learned that the supply department, especially wardroom MS’s, appreciated the service I did for them. That’s why they asked for my service again. So, I went back, but this time I used it to my advantage. While FSA’ing I informed the SUPPO that I wanted to strike SK. He replied “Seaman Cubillo, I am pleased that you want to become part of my Supply Department”. Q: Would you do anything in your career differently? A: Yes, I would spend more time studying toward a college degree so that I would have more opportunities transitioning to the civilian work force. Q: Who was your most memorable supervisor and subordinate – why? What stood out? A: My first Chief Petty Officer, SKC Tauilili. He taught how to be a good storekeeper and a better Sailor. I remember our first formal conversation. It went like this: “Good morning Chief, can I have a minute of your time?” He said, “Have you talked to your first classes?” My answer was no. He responded “Go talk to your LPO first.” I said, “Yes Chief, and thank you, Chief. May I go now?” This is something that we don’t see in our Navy now. B: Subordinate, I would say CWO2 Capati. He was my SK2 on board USS Peleliu and my LSCS at our last shore duty at CNAF. He is a hardworking individual you can depend on. He is actually serving on board as the S-6 division officer. What is your favorite uniform? A: Liberty attire.
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