For I am a Submariner, By John Chaffey
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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 forward to shipping on
the Virginia, Texas, and Hawaii. Places like Fremantle, Rota, LaMadd, Chinhae,
Pattaya, Sasebo, and Subic 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. And although the Horse &
Cow keeps moving I will always find her. I know the meaning of "Hot,
Straight, and Normal." For
I am a Submariner.
I
have stood tall and received the Medal of Honor and been thrown in the Brig for
being Drunk & Disorderly. I know the reverent 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" 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. |