The United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program is honored to announce the June 2022 story of the month has been selected to recognize the service of United States Navy Veteran, BMSN Peter Gati. The United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program was privileged to interview BMSN Peter Gati at the Tin Can  Sailors Association of New Jersey DESRON 2 - Phoenix Squadron in the Summer of 2021.

Boatswain’s Mate Peter Gati knew the United States Navy was his gateway to see the world. He proudly shared, "My uncle was a First-Class Machinist Mate, I always admired him, he was the only one in the Navy. My family goes back to 1720 and they were all in the Army. Me and my uncle were all Navy. I couldn’t see myself sleeping on the ground." Gati’s family spans from the Patriots who fought for independence from Great Britain, the Civil War, and through the conflicts of the 20th century. His admiration for his uncle, family patriotism, and meaning of service, solidified his choice to go Navy.

After entering the Navy in 1959, he was sent to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. He shared, “Great Lakes in the middle of the winter, I never knew it snowed that much. March? No, I shoveled snow.  The Navy didn’t believe in show plows. They had a lot of recruits to shovel snow; march a little bit, shovel snow, go to classes, shovel snow.” The weather did not get in his way, as a teenager he was actively involved with the Sea Cadets on Staten Island. His Sea Cadet experiences provided a solid foundation which put him ahead of other recruits as he became a sailor. He spoke highly of his experiences at Great Lakes and the value of teamwork that were stressed and reiterated which turned into lasting friendships, still to this day.

Upon graduation, Gati was eligible for Top Secret clearance and offered to go to sonar school or service as an electronic technician. His mind was already made up and wanted to follow in his uncle’s footsteps as a Machinist Mate. He was assigned to the engine room of the USS Waller DD-466 and quickly realized life below decks was not what he expected. Gati requested a new assignment and became a  Boatswain’s Mate the next day and progressed in his new role. As a new member of the crew, he was also assigned to be a mess cook in the galley. From battling cockroaches to heavy seas, he quickly learned how to navigate challenges and follow the orders of his superiors.  

Gati recalled his service memories as if they occurred yesterday, which showcased his positive outlook on life and making the best of each new situation. From the USS Waller, he was assigned to the USS Strong DD-758.

On the Strong, he would visit numerous ports in the Mediterranean as well as the Middle East. On one occasion, he and a few shipmates encountered Lucky Luciano in Naples. On another occasion, he watched in surprise as a prized bull was given to the captain by a local leader, but fell overboard in the process of being hoisted aboard ship in the Middle East. On that same cruise, the Strong was cast in the Hollywood film, The Longest Day and Gati crossed paths with members of the film industry. Each new story he shared portrayed experiences in which only those in uniform can truly encounter. From the USS Strong, he was assigned to the USS Jonas Ingram DD-938, which ushered in more unique experiences. His engaging way of recalling the past is a true treasure in which future generations will learn and benefit from. The Navy Memorial Interview Team looks forward to meeting BMSN Gati again to record more tales for the Navy Log.

The United States Navy Memorial honors United States Navy Veteran, BMSN Peter Gati, featured within this series titled, Tales from the Navy Log, Story of the Month. Each month, this series honors a Veteran’s story recorded by the Stories of Service Program at the Navy Memorial. To learn more about this story and to explore the Navy Memorial archive, visit the Navy Memorial Stories of Service site at https://www.navymemorial.org/stories-of-service.