Fireman Apprentice Richard Washington, U.S. Navy, is spending 14 days of leave with his family and friends. Richard is the son of Mrs. Frances Washington, who lives at 909 West Coates. He recently completed nine weeks of recruit training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes.

After his leave, Richard will report to the USS Independence (CVA-62) for duty, where he will work as a boilerman. Boilermen operate all types of marine boilers and fireroom equipment, transfer, test, and take inventories of fuel and water, and serve as members of damage control or repair parties. They also maintain and repair boilers, pumps, and associated machinery.

Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August of this year at the Moberly Recruiting Station, according to the Navy recruiter.