I am a Submariner

By John Chaffey

I served on the Holland over a century ago. I still serve to this day on the Trident, LosAngeles and Seawolf class boats and look forward to shipping on the Virginia, Texas, and Hawaii. Places like Fremantle, Rota, LaMadd, Chinhae, Pattaya, Seasbo, and Subic stir my soul.

For I am a Submariner.

I rest in peace beneath many seas across this earth. I was on the Palawan, the Scorpion off the Azores and the Bonfish 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 Motorman 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 Magsaysay Drive. And although the Horse and Cow keeps moving I will always find her. I know the meaning of “Hot, Straight, and Normal.”

For I am a Submarine”

I have stood tall and received the Medal of Honor and been thrown in the Brig for Drunk and 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 Spritz, Cromwell, O’Kane, Breault, “Mush” and Lockwood I have served on boats like the Nautilus, Thresher, Parche, Squalus, Wahoo and Halibut.

For I am a Submariner                                                                

On December 7^th I was onboard the Tautog at Pearl Harbor. I was on the Tusk in 49 and sacrificed myself for my shipmates on the Cochimo

For I am a Submariner

I have stood watches in the cold Holy Lock and the heat of the South Pacific. I know what the “41 For Freedom” accomplished. I was on Sealion at Cavite in 41 and the Archerfish in Tokyo Bay in 45. I have endured depth chargers and POW camps. I was on the Seafox when we lost five sailors to a Japanese ambush on Guam.

For I am a Submarine

I tip beer over sea-stories with my shipmates at yearly conventions.

I 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 president I have completed numerous classified missions during the Cold War.

Because “Freedom Is Not Free,” be Assured that I am out at this very moment

For I am a Submariner

DIVE DIVE

When I read this my first thought was to copy and share it

Enjoy

Bob Roberti