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For
I Am a Submariner.
by John Chaffey
Powell, Wyoming
Some times we
need a reminder!
This one has
been around for a while.....brings a little moisture to the eye
DIVE DIVE
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, Chinhae, 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, Texas 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, Providence, 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.
by John Chaffey
Powell, Wyoming
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