He received his education at the Chaldovar school in the Bakai-Ata district.
“In those days, after the 9th grade, many of those who studied well became teachers. I also followed this path and started teaching at the school in the village of Üch-Bulak,” Jamalbek shares his memories.
He was drafted into the Soviet Navy at the age of 22.
“I began my naval career in the Baltic Sea, completing a 9-month course as a navigator-electrician. This profession was extremely important for military vessels. I went to sea on the ship ‘Albatros’ [Albatros].
During my service, I witnessed a historic event—the official visit of Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev to Cuba, where he headed the delegation of the Soviet Union.
For this important event, sailors of exclusively Russian nationality were selected, but I managed to join the team, becoming the only Kyrgyz among the sailors.
Khrushchev noticed my work and was surprised to see a Kyrgyz in the team. He asked the commander about my qualities, and the commander described me as a worthy sailor.
Upon returning from Cuba, Fleet Admiral Semyon Mikhailovich Lobov awarded me a Certificate of Honor. Additionally, at the base, I received a Certificate of Honor from Captain 3rd Rank Nikolai Andreyevich Karpenko,” Mamasaliev recounted.
He added that he completed his service in the Navy with the rank of senior petty officer and became a senior navigator.
Upon returning to his native village, Jamalbek worked as an electrician at the Kayyndy state farm and later retired.
“In 1981-1982, I became the champion of Kyrgyzstan in the game ‘ordo,’ I hold the title of master of sports and have several trophies. I am also a veteran of labor and the Navy,” he noted.
Together with his wife Gulzhakan, they raised 7 daughters and 2 sons.
