Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"all hands on deck"
The "deck" for those dry land sailors not familiar with ship langauage, is a main part of any sea going vessel. Example............the deck of a bouy tender is where bouys are prepared to be placed in the water.
My, my, my, boy did that ill punctuated dissertation bring back memories. As a member of the crew of an Alaska based bouy tender, one of our responsibilities was to make sure that our rock squating, light tending, dry land sailors were well cared for with food, supplies, and mail from home. Of course, this was in addition to maintaining the many important aids to navigation, towing in stranded boats, and rescuing anyone in distress. When their vacation tour of duty on the light house was complete it was the bouy tender that brought a replacement dry land sailor. Not hardly the work of a waiter or waitress. We never received any tips and seldom a "thank you."
The most hilarious portion of the story and the part that really hit home was the reminder of the actions of those we removed from light houses. Once getting these guys on board the bouy tender we would attempt to talk to these lost soles and get nothing except a blank stare. They would spend most of their time on the fantail trying to talk to seagulls or on the mess deck writing letters to their mermaid lover that they had left behind. Fortunately, after a year or so on board the bouy tender these guys became somewhat normal. My big concern is that our handsome sailor, Billy, has been away from the light house for over 50 years and still claims to understand the squwak of a seagull and reminisces about his close contacts with mermaids. Should we be concerned?
Well, what more can I say? I have responded to Uncle Bill's comments as any true sea going Coastie would. If for any reason there are still doubts I recommed you contact Uncle Leo. From what I understand he spent two years aboard a bouy tender in, of all places, Alaska. He could tell you of sailing in the Bering Sea where there are some of the roughest seas in the world and believe it or not, no light houses to guide your way or should I say ......get in your way.
Being aboard ship is a unique experience. You work hard, depend on your shipmates, and no one has time to make their own coffee.
Petty Officer, 2nd Class
U. S. Coast Guard
