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This page contains true stories from the men and women who served on submarines
The Stories:
After serving twenty-one years in the Air Force, I found employment with a defense
contractor that designed and built fire control equipment for submarines. One of my assignments
with this company was to participate in a technical/operational evaluation of a new fire control
system that fired Tomahawk missiles from vertical tubes on fast attack submarines. Previously,
I had been on board submarines, but only while they were dock side. The first day out was rather
uneventful and soon it was time to turn-in for the night. I thought I was pretty lucky because
I got to sleep in berthing rather than on makeshift bunks in the torpedo room. Once I found where
I was supposed to sleep I climbed in and was immediately aware of how small the bunks were. They
were, I thought, not much bigger than a coffin. However, they did have one feature that coffins
do not, a light. After reading for awhile, I turned the light off and went to sleep. Hours
later, I awoke with a terrible cramp in my leg and sat up very quickly to massage it. BANG!
My head bounced off the wire grate that covered the light. The cramp in my leg didn't hurt near
as bad as my head. The next morning while shaving I noticed that I had red hash marks on my
forehead that matched the wire grate. For the rest of the day, whenever anyone saw me for the
first time all they said was "How did you enjoy your first night in berthing?" Needless to say,
I volunteered to sleep in the torpedo room for the rest of the cruise. I AM A SUBMARINER
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, Chinae, Mattaya, 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 & Crow keeps moving I will always find her.
I know the meaning of "Hot, Straight, and Normal."
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 Nautilius, 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 beer 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.