YNCM Robert E. Gallagher

FOURTH GOLD LIFETIME MEMBER
AUGUST 1980

cpoa_gallagherRobert E. Gallagher was born in Pawtucket, RI in 1931. After graduating from high school, he joined the USCG and was sent to Basic Training in Cape May, NJ. This was in February 1949. Following basic training, he was assigned to the USCGC BARATARIA, Portland, ME from May 1949 to October 1950. The following years saw him in the Boston area, at the First Coast Guard District Office from October 1950 to December 1950, the USCGC DEXTER until 1951, and then the USCGC SORREL until June 1952. In June 1952, Bob was transferred to the Coast Guard Yard, Curtis Bay, MD where he remained until October 1956 when he was moved to the USCGC AVOYEL upon its commissioning in Baltimore, MD. He sailed with the USCGC AVOYEL to Eureka, CA. In July 1957 he was reassigned to CCGD12, San Francisco, CA. He was there from July 1957 to June 1959, until he made Chief, and was reassigned to the Field Testing and Development Unit, Curtis Bay, MD. In June of 1962, he was assigned to the USCGC TANEY in Alameda, CA and remained onboard until December 1964. He was then transferred to the CG Training and Supply Center in Alameda until he made Senior Chief in December 1965. Upon attaining YNCS, he was reassigned to the Twelfth Coast Guard District office and in 1966, he was moved to the Western Area staff where he remained until he retired in September 1969. He was advanced to YNCM in August 1967 while assigned to the Western Area staff.

While assigned to the Coast Guard Training and Supply Center at Alameda, California, a group of his fellow Chiefs met at noon daily for a friendly game of hearts. This group became known as the “Nooners” which evolved into the CCGD 12 Chief Petty Officers Association, which takes credit for beginning the present day organization. He was the first elected President of the CCGD12 CPOA. Their Constitution and By-laws became the guidelines for the National CPOA which followed in 1969.

In 1980, YNCM Gallagher, CG retired, was nominated for and became the FOURTH GOLD LIFETIME MEMBER of the NATIONAL CPOA. For many years he was a Member at Large and transferred his membership to the Las Vegas Mavericks Chapter in 1992. He was and still is their first Gold Lifetime Member. He endeavors to remain active in the CPOA. After retiring from the Coast Guard, Bob Gallagher worked as Exchange Manger at the CG Training and Supply Center in Alameda and Territory Manager and Region Manager for major brokers dealing with the military. Retired, once again, Bob and his wife Jackie are living in Minden, Nevada.

Bob passed away July 8, 2010.