FOR I AM A SUBMARINER by John Chaffey Powell, Wyoming
"I served on the Holland over a century ago.
I still serve to this day on the Trident, Los Angeles & Seawolf class boats and look foward to "shipping" on the Virginia, Texas and Hawaii.
Places like Fremantle, Rota, LaMadd, Chinhae, Pattaya, Sasebo, and Subic Bay stir my soul.
For I am a Submariner."
"I rest in peace beneath many seas across this earth.
I was on the Barbel off Palawan, the Scorpion off the Azores and the Bonefish in the Sea of Japan.
We gave them hell in the harbors at Wewak and Namkwan.
I am a Shellback, a Bluenose, a Plank Owner, a MCPO of the NAVY, a CNO, and a President.
For I am a Submariner."
"I heard Howard Gilmore's final order, "Take Her Down!"
"I heard the word passed, "Underway on Nuclear Power!"
"I have done every job asked of me, from Messcook to Torpedoman to Motormac to COB to Skipper. I know "Snorkel Patty" and Admiral Rickover.
For I am a Submariner."
"I have twin Dolphins tattooed on my chest and twin screws tattooed on my ass.
I know the difference between a Lady and a Hooker but, treat both with equal respect.
I know Georgia Street and Magsaysay Drive.
Although "The Horse & Cow keeps moving from port to port, I will always find "Her".
I know the meaning of "Hot, Straight, and Normal."
For I am a Submariner."
"I have stood tall and recieved the Medal of Honor and been thrown in the Brig for being Drunk & Disorderly. I know the reverant tone of "Diesel Boats Forever" and the Gudgeon's
"Find em, Chase em, Sink em.
I was on the Spearfish evacuating nurses from Corregidor and the Skate when she surfaced at the North Pole. I have spent time in "The Royal Hawaiian."
"For I am a Submariner."
"I have gone by names like Spritz, Cromwell. O'Kane, Ramage, Breault, "Mush", Kowalski and Lockwood. I have served on boats like the Nautilus, Thresher, Parche, Squalus, Wahoo and Halibut.
On December 7th I was onboard the Tautog at Pearl Harbor. I was also on the Tusk in 49 and sacrificed myself for my shipmates on the Cochino.
For I am a Submariner."
"I have stood watches in the cold of Holy Loch and the heat of the South Pacific.
I KNOW what the "41 for Freedom" accomplished.
I was on the Sealion at Cavite in 41 and the Archerfish in Tokyo Bay in 45.
I have endured Depth Charges and POW camps.
I was on the Seafox when we lost five sailors to a Japanese ambush on Guam.
For I am a Submariner."
"I tip beers over sea-stories with my shipmates at yearly conventions.
We toll the bell and shed a tear for our buddies who are on "ETERNAL PATROL."
Many pilots have been glad to see me, including a future president.
I have completed numerous highly classified missions during the Cold War.
Because "Freedom is NOT FREE!"
Be assured that I am out there at this very moment...
For I am a SUBMARINER."
This is my Creed!
I wanted to share this with all of you as we celebrate and show respect to the fallen and those on "Eternal Patrol" for this year's Memorial Day weekend.
And with that, this old man should know better and go hit the rack...
You have kept him up far past his bedtime... It's time for old coots to shut and lock eyelids, and dream of a land of big-busted girls, and blind shore patrols ... Where "Cuba Libres" go for a dime and Ray Stone has all the good phone numbers... Aye-Aye Skipper!!!
Good night all and may everyone celebrate a pleasant and safe Memorial Day!!!
Hanklives today!
HCV ANONYMOUS
Author
