Pacific Tugboat Service Celebrates Third Renaming Ceremony By Honoring Local Military Heroes

Pacific Tugboat Service proudly honored some exceptional Servicemen by re-naming four of its vessels after them.

PHOTOGRAPHER’S MATE FIRST CLASS (SEAL)

DAVID MARTIN TAPPER

(1971-2003)

The Crew Boat Expeditions was re-named D.M. Tapper after Photographer’s Mate First Class (SEAL) David M. Tapper, who was born on August 16, 1971 in Atco, New Jersey.  David enlisted in the United States Navy in 1989. After graduating from Recruit Training Command, he completed Photographer’s Mate “A” school at Naval Technical Training Center.  He transferred to Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training at Naval Special Warfare Center, Coronado. After graduating, he attended and successfully completed the Airborne Course at Fort Benning Georgia.

He was responsible for instructing militaries from around the world in diving and underwater tactics.  During a second deployment, he helped train his fellow special operations brothers in over 800 hazardous training dives.

In April 1997, David passed the difficult and demanding seven-month training program at Naval Special Warfare Development Group.  He served during a tour where he excelled as an operator and Lead Navigator. After the events of September 11, 2001, David was assigned to a joint task force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  His work ethic and superior attitude led to the success of numerous missions in hostile environments.

During his service, David was awarded two Bronze Stars w/ Combat Distinguishing Devices (one of these as well as his Purple Heart Medal were received posthumously), Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons and numerous other campaign medals and awards.

David is survived by his wife, Tracy, and his four children.

US NAVY SEAL TYRONE SNOWDEN WOODS, SR.,
Senior Chief Petty Officer and Special Warfare Operator (Ret.)
January 15, 1971 – September 12, 2012

The Crew Boat Craig G was re-named Ty Woods after US NAVY SEAL Tyrone Snowden Woods, Sr., who was born in 1971 in Portland, Oregon.  By the time he was 13, he had earned a Hunter's Safety card and was also a certified diver, all indications of what was to come later in life. During his grade school years, Tyrone participated in wrestling, which became a means for channeling his grit, determination, and competitiveness.

In 1990, he enlisted in the Navy. After basic training, he set a personal goal to become a SEAL. Throughout his career, he was the medical corpsman and paramedic and served multiple tours of duty in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He also spent two years with the Navy's exhibition parachute team, the Leapfrogs.  In 2006, he received the Bronze Star (with Combat “V”) for bravery in Iraq. This was just one of many other awards he earned during his 20 year career. In addition to being a SEAL, he was also a registered nurse in California.

After 2010, he began working as a service contractor protecting US American diplomatic personnel in posts ranging from Central America to the Middle East. Tyrone died in 2012 while defending the U.S. Diplomatic Mission and CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya. He was 41.

Tyrone was an avid runner, surfer, and car enthusiast. He loved speed, and was especially fan of fast cars and motorcycles. Ty was the father of three sons.

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

SERGEANT MAJOR J. M. HIDALGO JR.

The Tug Alan G. was renamed J.M. Hidalgo after Sergeant Major Juan M. Hidalgo Jr. who was born and raised in San Diego, CA. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1984 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA.

Some of his versatile duties have included tank commander, section leader, drill instructor, platoon sergeant, and master gunner. In his career, he deployed three times in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

In January 2007, Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Camp Pendleton, CA. In May of 2013 and assumed the duties as the Joint Task Force, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Sergeant Major.

Hidalgo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Park University and is a National Defense University Graduate of Keystone Executive Leadership.

Sergeant Major Hidalgo’s personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (fourth award and combat “V” device), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (third award), Army Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. Sergeant Major Hidalgo and his wife have three children.