LV sailor lends technical expertise to war effort

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003 | 8:45 a.m.

Navy Reserve Senior Chief Petty Officer Max Templeton, a senior consultant for IT Strategies of Las Vegas, is glad to be home. But he was also glad to offer his technical expertise to the Navy in support of the war on terrorism.

As a reservist from Bahrain Detachment G in Las Vegas, Templeton was called to duty and sent to Singapore for five months. While there he had the opportunity to deploy the portable allied command and control communication systems. He managed the upgrade of critical classified and unclassified local area computer networks in order to enhance productivity during Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Joint Exercise Tandem Thrust '03.

Before he returned to Las Vegas, Templeton was given accolades for his expertise and leadership, vital to the first-ever fielding of the systems he deployed. The systems improved inter-operability through establishing secure communications and a common operating picture with Southeast Asian navies.

Templeton, a Statesville, N.C., native and two-year Las Vegas resident, is an information technician for the Navy. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his role as manager of automated systems. According to the citation, he performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner, displaying exceptional skill and technical acumen.

Aside from technical work, Templeton also had the opportunity to follow in his father, Clarence Templeton Jr.'s footsteps, literally. He traveled to Australia and visited the base where his father, who also served in the Navy, was stationed during World War II.

"I traveled the same route from Singapore to Australia that my father did in 1945," Templeton said. "The only difference is that he did it by submarine and I did it by plane."

While his work overseas was significant and makes him proud, Templeton admits he yearned for the music and entertainment choices he was accustomed to in Las Vegas. A member of his church choir, he also missed singing weekly with the group but kept in touch with them during his tour of duty.

As a civilian, Templeton works as a senior consultant for IT Strategies, where he handles project management software for the Las Vegas Valley Water District.

"I really looked forward to starting work after I returned to Las Vegas," Templeton said. "It's good to be home."

IT Strategies President Mike Beardslee is pleased to have Templeton return safely following his service to the country.

"We have always supported our troops and are proud to have Max serve his country," Beardslee said.

Company Executive Vice President Mike Marriott added, "We're happy he returned safe and sound. We put him immediately back on the payroll and are pleased to have him join our workforce again."

In brief