Garry Coombs - Vietnam War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Mickey Strand - Veterans Series View More Photos Skip to Main Content

Vietnam War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Vietnam War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2025 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
United States Navy Electrician’s Mate Petty Officer Third Class (EM3) Vietnam War Gary F. Coombs was born on April 7, 1938, and raised in San Diego, California. Driven by a desire to serve, he joined the Naval Reserves in September 1955. After graduating from high school, Gary began his active duty on July 1, 1956, reporting to boot camp at the Recruit Training Command in San Diego. This marked the start of his six-year commitment, which included a two-year tour of full-time active duty with the Navy Submarine Service. Upon completing boot camp, Gary reported to the Basic Enlisted Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. The eight-week training introduced sailors to the basic theory, construction, and operation of nuclear-powered submarines, culminating in a rigorous 50-foot underwater evacuation test. Gary remained in New London and reported aboard the USS Croaker (SSK-246), a Gato-class submarine, where he served for two years. While working in the electronics shop, Seaman Coombs was encouraged by his division officer to take the advancement exam. He passed and was promoted to Electrician’s Mate, Third Class (EM3). The Croaker conducted an active tour along the East Coast and in the Caribbean, and participated in NATO exercises in 1957 and 1958, including visits to ports in England. EM3 Coombs spent his final three months of active reserve duty aboard the submarine tender USS Fulton (AS-11). Submarine tenders are vital because submarines cannot carry large quantities of supplies, fuel, or a full range of maintenance equipment; the tender provides these essential services, meeting the submarines at sea or at a nearby port. Upon completing his obligated service, Coombs transferred to the inactive reserve and pursued a career as a pastor. He worked with various churches and became involved with the Military Ministry, providing room, board, and support to service members in Newport, Rhode Island. Gary met and married his wife, Donna, a registered nurse. After spending 14 years on the East Coast, the couple eventually returned to San Diego, where they shared 67 years together.
mickey,strand,photograph,nikon,Z8,portrait,VPS,veteran,california
Garry Coombs - Vietnam War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
United States Navy Electrician’s Mate Petty Officer Third Class (EM3) Vietnam War Gary F. Coombs was born on April 7, 1938, and raised in San Diego, California. Driven by a desire to serve, he joined the Naval Reserves in September 1955. After graduating from high school, Gary began his active duty on July 1, 1956, reporting to boot camp at the Recruit Training Command in San Diego. This marked the start of his six-year commitment, which included a two-year tour of full-time active duty with the Navy Submarine Service. Upon completing boot camp, Gary reported to the Basic Enlisted Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. The eight-week training introduced sailors to the basic theory, construction, and operation of nuclear-powered submarines, culminating in a rigorous 50-foot underwater evacuation test. Gary remained in New London and reported aboard the USS Croaker (SSK-246), a Gato-class submarine, where he served for two years. While working in the electronics shop, Seaman Coombs was encouraged by his division officer to take the advancement exam. He passed and was promoted to Electrician’s Mate, Third Class (EM3). The Croaker conducted an active tour along the East Coast and in the Caribbean, and participated in NATO exercises in 1957 and 1958, including visits to ports in England. EM3 Coombs spent his final three months of active reserve duty aboard the submarine tender USS Fulton (AS-11). Submarine tenders are vital because submarines cannot carry large quantities of supplies, fuel, or a full range of maintenance equipment; the tender provides these essential services, meeting the submarines at sea or at a nearby port. Upon completing his obligated service, Coombs transferred to the inactive reserve and pursued a career as a pastor. He worked with various churches and became involved with the Military Ministry, providing room, board, and support to service members in Newport, Rhode Island. Gary met and married his wife, Donna, a registered nurse. After spending 14 years on the East Coast, the couple eventually returned to San Diego, where they shared 67 years together.