Station HYPO

CDR Peter A. Mast
December 16, 1947 – October 7, 1988

Peter Mast enlisted in the Navy in March 1970 after receiving his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees.  As a seaman recruit, he attended “A” school at Corry Station and later served as a Cryptologic Technician at Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Sabana Seca Puerto Rico.  In May of 1971 he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport RI and commissioned as an Ensign in September 1971 and returned to Corry Station as a student.

His assignments as a Cryptologic Officer included:  NSGA Kamiseya, Japan; Naval Reserve Buffalo NY; Naval Communications Station Rota, Spain; Commander Sixth Fleet Staff; NTTC Corry Station (Fleet systems Division Officer); NSGA Keflavik Iceland (as Commanding Officer); Chief of Staff Naval Operations (OP-92); returning to Pensacola in June 1988 in the key position of Program Manager for Cryptologic, Intelligence and Electronic Warfare training for the Naval Education Training.

His decorations included: Meritorious Service Medal, Naval Commendation Medal ( 2 awards), Naval Achievement Medal (2 awards); Naval Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; National Defense Medal; Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2 stars); Overseas Ribbon (3 stars); and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.

Commander Peter A. Mast, USN, made many significant contributions to Cryptologic and Electronic Warfare training.  His initiatives, resourcefulness and enthusiasm were the catalysis for improvements in a wide range of training programs, resources and methods.  His efforts greatly enhanced training and increased operational readiness for thousands of Cryptologic and Electronic Warfare personnel.

CDR Mast died on October 7, 1988 from a heart attack while conducting physical training on Corry Station.  Building 3781 onboard Corry Station, Pensacola FL was dedicated in his honor.

Dedication of the New Cryptologic Maintenance
NTTC, Corry Station (Mast Hall) (1989)

A new $1.4 million Universal Cryptologic Maintenance building was dedicated on 5 June 1989 at Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida.

Rear Admiral James S. McFarland, USN, commander Naval Security Group Command, was the principal speaker for the dedication ceremony.

The new facility, to be known as MAST HALL, will be used to train cryptologic technicians (maintenance) in basic and advanced computer theory and will provide skill level training in which students are trained to perform effective preventative and corrective maintenance on state-of-the-art computer systems.  The building contains 14,200 square feet of space and will be staffed by approximately 50 instructors and have an annual student load of 400.

The training facility is named for Commander Peter Mast, 1610, USN, who attended class “A” school at NCTC, Corry in 1970, and then attended Officer Candidate School,

Newport, Rhode Island, and was commissioned in 1971. CDR Mast sewed in various cryptologic billets in Puerto Rico, Japan, Iceland, and Washington, D.C., returning to

Pensacola on the staff of Chief of Naval Education and Training in a cryptologic billet. He died in Pensacola 7 October 1988.

The colorful ceremony, which included a military Pass in Review, was attended by CDR Mast’s widow, son, and parents. Also in attendance were about 100 invited guests. All

individuals were invited to tour the new facility, and enjoy the dedication cake.

Writer’s comments: I was Commanding Officer, NCTC, While CDR Mast ATTENDED CLASS “A” school and at the time he Was recommended for officer training at Newport, Rhode Island.

“In MAST HALL, Commander Pete Mast’s memory will live on. His service in the Navy will be a shining example for every young sailor who passes through Corry Station.”  – Rear Admiral James S. McFarland.

OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

By George P. McGinnis

Source: NCVA CRYPTOLOG, Summer 1989