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For I am a Submariner
by John
Chaffey
Powell, Wyoming
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, 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.
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