Another option if you do not have access to your father's discharge papers or DD214 would be to locate some of his former shipmates who might be able to give you the information you wanted. Most of the veteran organizations (Fleet Reserve Association, American Legion, VFW, etc.) have a section in their monthly magazines for such a purpose.
See the following link for information on locating active duty, retired, or former naval personnel: Navy Locator
If you would like some help, I'll be glad to assist you via FReep-mail.
LOL...before my dad died he had me locate one of his old ship mates so he could return a dollar he had borrowed during the time they were shipmates. They had somehow gotten separated before he gave the dollar back and it had bothered him all those years! Yup...that was my dad. I probably have that information around here somewhere as well.
Thanks for the suggestions. I don't think I will have any problem finding his discharge, in fact.....I am going right now to the garage because I think I know where they are! :) brb!