The HILGARD lost its Boatswain Mate, Odell Hudgins, when he retired this year on his birthday, January 31, after over 30 years of service. Born and educated in Virginia, he began duty in the Coast Survey as a seaman on the Ship BACHE in 1921. During his many years of vessel employment, he was also assigned on the Ships RANGER, ELSIE III, OCEANOGRAPHER, and HYDROGRAPHER.

Throughout his service, Odell demonstrated dependability and competence in all of his assignments, willingly giving in time of need or emergency. He and Mrs. Hudgins make their home at Susan, Mathews County, Virginia.
In: Personnnel Panorama, June 1957. P. 3.