| Subject: Sub Service 108th Birthday
Received this from a classmate submariner. You've probably already seen this, but I'll post it anyway.
Happy birthday to the Submarine Force from an appreciative Marine.
Dirck
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I received this from a Seawolf fellow submariner:
Happy 108th Birthday, Submariners and Force
April 11
For I Am a Submariner
By John Chaffey
SSN639, SSN687, SSBN619
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 Gilmores 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 Torped oman 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 Gudgeons "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, OKane, 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 5 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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Sub Service 108th Birthday
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