Subvet Donald "Buddy" Racquer, a native of
Peace Dale, Rhode Island, joined the U.S. Navy in November 1969.
He reported for basic training at Great Lakes, IL, with subsequent training
at Basic Enlisted Submarine School, Groton, CT in April of 1970.
Following Submarine School, he served on the USS DANIEL BOONE (SSBN 629)
from May 1970 through July 1974, and was awarded his dolphins April 11,
1971 and completed eight strategic deterrent patrols. In September
1974, Buddy was tranferred to Polaris Missile Facility Atlantic and in
November 1976 reported onboard USS SAM RAYBURN (SSBN 635) where he completed
seven strategic deterrent patrols. He was then assigned to Instructor
Duty at Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT in March 1981 with subsequent
transfer to the USS NATHANIEL GREENE (SSBN 636) until October 1986, completing
five strategic deterrent patrols. He then transferred to Naval Submarine
School in Groton, CT where he was selected as Chief of the Boat and assigned
to PCU KENTUCKY (SSBN 737) in August 1989. He served onboard USS
KENTUCKY until August 1992 and transferred to Trident Training Facility,
Kings Bay, GA where he served as the SWS Code Master Chief. In August
1994, he was selected as Submarine Squadron TWENTY Command Master Chief
and served in that position until October 1997. In October 1997,
Buddy was selected as the Submarine Group TEN Command Master Chief and
is still serving in that position.
Buddy enjoys spending his off-duty time with
his wife and sons. Additionally he is an avid sportsman,
enjoying participation in all sports activities. Buddy completed
the New York City Marathon three times, the Marine Corps Marathon four
times, and the Walt Disney World Marathon twice. His last marathon
was the Marine Corps Marathon in October 1997. Buddy is proactively
involved with and supports many programs on SUBASE Kings Bay and within
the community as well as MWR sponsored events.
In July 1973, Buddy married the former Kathy
Ann Sherman of Narragannsett, RI. They have two sons, Matthew Brian,
SPEC 4, U.S. Army Reserves and working in Florida, and Robert Joseph, a
graduate of Fernandina Beach High School who is presently in Navy bootcamp
at Great Lakes.
Buddy just joined Submarine Veterans, Inc.
in April 1998 and has quickly become a valuable asset to the Trident Chapter.
As the Command Master Chief of Submarine Group TEN, he is the Navy Representative
responsible for conducting the Submarine Memorial Service here at SUBASE
Kings Bay.