CAPT Robert D. Dockendorff, USNR (Ret.)

In June 1962 Mr. Dockendorff (Bob) enlisted in the Naval Reserve as a Seaman Recruit after receiving a (draft) notice to report for a pre-induction physical. He completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. In September 1964 he was selected for Officers Candidate School in Newport, RI. After receiving his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve he was assigned to the U.S. Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS) in Athens, GA in February 1965. In Athens he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the NSCS Oak Leaf, designated volume 170 in recognition of 170th anniversary of US Navy Supply Corps in 1965.

His next assignment was to the re-commissioning crew of USS ASKARI (ARL-30) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA. The ASKARI was designated to become a small boat repair vessel for the Mobile Riverine Forces (MRF). The ASKARI was re-commissioned in August 1966 and Bob had assigned as Supply Officer. The ship sailed for Vietnam via Honolulu, HI. In Honolulu, Bob was transferred to COMSERPAC for three months to recover from an accident. In March 1967 he was assigned to Naval Support Activity, Saigon. In Vietnam he filled dual billets as Supply Officer for the NACSUPPACT, Saigon Detachment Dong Tam and as Supply Officer for YRBM-17 both designated to support the MRF. The Dong Tam base was located on a dredged inlet off of the Mekong River halfway between Vung Tau and the Cambodian border. At the completion of his Vietnam tour he was promoted to Lieutenant and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for meritorious service for his work in support of the MRF.

In April 1968, he returned to Treasure Island at San Francisco, CA for release from active duty.  He was hired by Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) in September 1968 and was asked to continue in the Naval Reserve after declining an offer to go regular Navy. He landed a billet as a Supply Officer in Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 2. He remained with the Seabees until February 1977 becoming very familiar with two week training exercises at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton and the SEABEE training facility at Gulfport, MS.  

In March 1977, now as LCDR Dockendorff  he was assigned to an Advanced Supply Base unit as Commanding Officer. In October 1978 he was assigned to Cargo Handling Battalion 3 as Executive Officer. In October 1979, now CDR Dockendorff, he took over as Commanding Officer of a Navy Material Transportation Office unit. In October 1980, he was again assigned to Cargo Handling Battalion 3 but now as Commanding Officer. Two years later he was moved into the Assistant Program Manager-Supply billet at Readiness Command 20. In June 1985 he was assigned to CO, Military Sealift Command, Pacific Detachment as Logistics Officer and was soon promoted to Captain. In October 1987 he took over as Commanding Officer of a NSC Oakland Headquarters Unit.

In April 1988 he was transferred to the retired reserve after completing 25 years of service in the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of Captain (O-6).

In his civilian career Bob retired as Vice President Communications & Research, Pacific Maritime Association in August 2003 after 35 years at the Association’s San Francisco headquarters.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Iowa in 1960 and attended post-graduate school for several years. He is a life member of the University’s Presidents Club and sponsors a scholarship fund named after him at the University.

Captain Dockendorff’s Military Service Ribbons include: the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” with a gold star in lieu of second award, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (3 bronze stars), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hour glass device in lieu of second award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Expert Rifleman Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Command Ashore pin.

Bob is a life member of the American Legion Alexander Hamilton Post 448, The Naval Reserve Association, the Reserve Officers Association, and the Navy League.

A native of Iowa, Bob has lived in San Francisco, CA since 1968.