While serving as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer and Designated Naval Air Crewman in April 1981, Gordon came to volunteer at the “old Aerospace Museum,” and except for short stints at other museums, he had been working and/or volunteering in one department or another for 35 years. His Navy career included cruises aboard two aircraft carriers and two frigates, as well as isolated duty on an island South of India, a tour in Japan, and visits to 31 countries.

Squadrons he flew in or was assigned to include VS-31, HC-1, HS-5, HS-10, HSL-31, HC-1, PATWING1, HSL-33, CASWWP, and SWATS. The highlight of his service was selection as Sailor of the Year 1988 while serving as a Designated Courier and Instructor at a Wing Staff at NAS North Island. 

His interests included airships and space exploration, and in that capacity, he represented the San Diego Air & Space Museum at local schools and by giving presentations on historical subjects to local civic groups. He also enjoyed interacting with Museum visitors, escorting visiting dignitaries, or giving tours with the Museum’s BEAM – a remote-controlled telepresence robot. 

Link to the collection's Images on Flickr.

Link to the collections Finding Guide.