Frank Goerlich was born on December 7, 1931, in Long Island, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 9, 1948, and went on active duty to begin basic training on June 16, 1949. Goerlich completed basic training at NTC San Diego, California, in August 1949, and remained at San Diego until joining the crew of the attack cargo ship USS Washburn (AKA-108) in November 1949. Petty Officer Goerlich served as a Seaman and Boatswain's Mate aboard USS Washburn from November 1949 to November 1954, and during this time he participated in combat actions with the ship during the Korean War from July 1950 to November 1951, and from March to October 1953, including the Inchon and Wonsan landings in September 1950. He next attended Underwater Demolition Team Replacement Accession training with Class 014 at NAB Coronado, California, from January to August 1955, followed by service with Underwater Demolition Team ELEVEN (UDT-11) at NAB Coronado from August 1955 to October 1963. During this time, Petty Officer Goerlich attended 2nd Class Divers School from October to December 1955, and was assigned to LCDR Douglas Fane's classified Submersible Operations (SUBOPS) platoon. His next assignment was as an instructor with Underwater Demolition Team Replacement Accession training at NAB Coronado from October 1963 to December 1967, followed by service with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado from January 1968 until his retirement from the Navy on December 2, 1968. After retiring from the Navy, Frank helped develop the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) and worked with Special Warfare Projects at Naval Weapons Center China Lake, California, from 1970 to 1976, and then worked at the Solid Rocket Motor Test Facility (Skytop) at China Lake, where he helped with testing the Polaris and Trident Missiles' first and second state motors from 1976 to 1986. Frank Goerlich died on April 30, 1998, and was buried at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.