For 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, 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.

By John Chaffey