Convoy to Panama Canal Zone
The Champlin escorts the USS Indiana and the USS Columbia to the Panama Canal.
Convoy to Naval Station Argentia
The USS Champlin leads a convoy to Naval Station Argentia in Newfoundland.
Leaving US Waters and Heading to War
The USS Champlin leaves New York with a task force of 38 total ships and are now officially a part of the overseas American forces of WWII.
Robert is Promoted to Seaman 2nd Class
Robert receives his first promotion of the war when he is promoted from Apprentice Seaman(AR) to Seaman 2nd Class (S2c)
Training at Sea
The USS Champlin spends the months of October and November 1942 doing drills and making training runs up and down the United States’s east coast as they prepare for their upcoming missions [...]
Robert Boards the USS Champlin
In Boston, Robert is assigned to the USS Champlin(DD-601). On September 12th, 1942, he boards the USS Champlin for the first time. The Champlin is a brand new ship and Robert is a member of the [...]
Back to Yonkers as a Sailor
After graduation, Robert gets seven days leave to visit his family one more time before joining his future ship. He heads to Yonkers, NY as a proud member of the United States Navy. After seven [...]
Robert Graduates Basic Training
Robert completes his basic training at Newport NTS and is now officially ready to join the war.
Robert Attends Basic Training
Robert is sent to the Naval Training Station in Newport, Rhode Island to begin Naval Basic Training.
Robert John Maitre Enlists in US Navy
Robert John Maitre enlists in the United States Navy only one month after his 17th birthday. His father Frank signs as his guardian, officially giving Robert his consent to join the Navy. He is [...]