Former Eastern Regional teachers and coach Jon Batchelor has never been one to turn down a chance to learn something new.
By: Alison Lowery
The Sun
Haddonfield resident Jon Batchelor has never been one to turn down a chance to learn something new.
“I have learned that a lot of opportunities come up to learn and do things, and you need to take them,’’ Batchelor said.
Born in Camden, Batchelor moved to Haddonfield and played football at HMHS before being recruited to play football at the Naval Academy, a chance he couldn’t pass up. Upon arrival, Batchelor admits he wasn’t fully prepared to withstand the challenges presented on the football field and sustained a few injuries, including a ruptured ACL, before graduating in 1959.
Although football wasn’t in the picture, Batchelor would continue to take on new opportunities after graduation. Batchelor’s first duty was to serve on board the U.S.S Forrestal CVA 59. Less than a year on board, Batchelor decided he wanted to work in a more intimate environment.
“It way too big to for me,’’ Batchelor said. “So I went to submarine school in New London, Connecticut.’’
For six months, candidates go to school to get into the submarine force and have to pass an array of rigorous, hands-on and written tests that prepare participants for all situations to graduate, according to Batchelor.
“It prepares you physically as well as mentally,’’ Batchelor said.
The tests include learning how a submarine operates, dives and surfaces. Batchelor also learned how to handle emergency situations and was challenged to handle critical situations. Batchelor applied his training in a series of hands-on tests in a submarine, leaving those who successfully completed the tests “well prepared.”
After Batchelor completed his tests, he went to the U.S.S Piper, designation SS 409, in New London, where he held the position of weapons officer and first lieutenant for two years. As a weapons officer, Batchelor was in charge of 24, 2,000-pound torpedos on board.
As first lieutenant, he also was responsible for the external appearance of the ship.
“I learned how to contribute my part for the final solution of a shot,” Batchelor said. “I learned all that I had to.”
It wasn’t long until Batchelor transferred to the U.S.S. Entemedor SS 340 in New London, where he took on yet another role as engineer, during which he had a multitude of responsibilities. For several years, Batchelor helped maintain the ship’s engines, propulsion, hydraulics and electrical systems, which he says wouldn’t be possible without teamwork.
“I had a lot of help,’’ Batchelor said. “We all worked as a team.”
Whether he was below or above the surface, one struggle remained the same.
“The separation from family is the downside to the military,’’ Batchelor explained.
Often, Batchelor would be away for months at a time, ranging anywhere from several months up to six months at sea. Although it was a long time to be away from home, Batchelor said the distance did not get in the way of his relationship with his family, and he has been married for 59 years.
Batchelor is not only a military man, but also a scholar.
Batchelor had the opportunity to go back to the Naval Academy and teach, in addition to coaching football, boxing and baseball, which he gladly took. He eventually attended George Washington University to get his master’s degree in education, graduating in the summer of 1967.
After teaching at Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden for a few years, Batchelor found himself at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees where he taught math for 35 years. While at Eastern, he coached freshman baseball and football.
‘’There’s lots of days I miss the coaching and the classroom,” Batchelor said.
As a past commander of American Legion Post 38 in Haddonfield, Batchelor enjoys staying connected to representatives from all services, in all of the wars.
‘’American Legion has been a great experience for me,’’ Batchelor said.
Batchelor now holds yet another position as a retired Naval captain, after serving eight years in active duty and 22 years in the reserves. Batchelor can still be found coaching, as he spends time with his seven grandchildren, practicing football with them.
