Navy Log: Crossing the Line

(WHACK) "Move along, Arrg." (WHACK) "Crawl! You lily livered Pollywogs! Crawl!" (WHACK!) ouch "Move along, Arrg." (groveling) (crawling) (WHACK) ouch (worming) (creeping)"Move along, Arrg. You (beep) Slimy WOGS!" (WHACK!!) eeeyouch (crawling) ("Don't lollygag" WHACK) aaugh

Crossing the Equator

I probably shouldn't be telling you this. Shh! Don't tell the Shellbacks.  But you are about to find out what happens when the Navy crosses the equator.

The "line-crossing ceremony" is a seafaring tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.  For me, I was still young, only 18.  It was more fun the second time, even the third.
 Few ships are the same but some things never change.  (Trusty)Shellbacks (those that have been initiated and sometimes call 'Sons of Neptune') meet as soon as they know for sure of the crossing and decide what and how to do everything.  Some can get really visious but their ideas are quickly out-voted. The hazing, and that is what it really is, depends on the size of the ship and it's resources.
 There is really only one rule - Physical hardship, in keeping with the spirit of the initiation, is tolerated, and each Pollywog is expected to endure a standard initiation rite in order to become a Shellback.  It is to be a fun time.  A time to remember, and we do.

An old (Shellback) captain had this to say about the crossing:
 "Its effects on the minds of those engaged in preparing for its mummeries, who enjoy it at the time, and talk of it long afterwards, cannot easily be judged of without being an eye-witness."

Let's get the geography and important Equator  myths out of the way before we get into the ceremony.  I'm not a teacher so there will be no test later on and you needn't take notes, unless you want to though I don't know why.

In the Navy, the primary Navigator is usually the XO, with subordinates doing the mundane daily tasks.  The captain has to take the Navigators word for the ships position.  There is no line marking the equator, an imaginary line on the Earth's surface equidistant from the North and South Poles.  Exactly when it is crossed is, more than not, an estimate.  If you were asleep when you crossed then at some point your head would be in a different hemisphere than your feet.  It is just there, accept it.  The captain may even adjust his course if he is close to an important point - International Dateline (Golden Shellback) or (Emerald Shellback) crossing the Equator at the prime meridian.

About those myths.  Some people will believe what they want.  There is even those who swear the world is flat, at least they don't have to worry about an equator so they probably aren't reading this.

1. Water rotation changes.  This is the primary belief. Large bodies of water are affected by the Coriolis Effect - when the rotating earth causes the winds to deflect to the right in the northern hemisphere and the left south of the equator.  Key word is 'large' bodies of water which leaves out water rotation in the sink or toilet.
2. Equator is the hottest place on earth. No it isn't.  Folks say "it is the closest to the sun so it must be the hottest."  Sorry but “Death valley “in the United States holds the record, with a sweating temperature of 134 degree Fahrenheit. Of course this doesn't mean equator is cool, it’s just not the hottest.
3. Moon appears to turn upside down.  I guess this has happened, but never been documented and just not at the Equator... oh, and it isn't permanent.  I've never seen it but then I haven't seen a lot of things. 

There may be more but darn if I've heard them so let's get back to the ceremony.  And besides, if you decide not to believe me and believe, instead, the myths take comfort in knowing that there are others out there who think the same way... you are not alone.

At the beginning, old 'salts' (Gobs, Tars, Sea Dogs, Swabbies, etc.) needed to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long, rough times at sea.  Now it is just a ceremony.  To be a (slimy)Pollywog, or 'Wog', was to be a newbie, an unseasoned sailor, in the early 1800s they were also called griffins.  But once the initiation was complete those slimy Wogs became trusty Shellbacks.

 

The whole ceremony is presided over by King Neptune and his Royal court, which includes Davy Jones.  You remember Neptune.  He was a Roman god, King of the Sea, who is always shown carrying his trident, a three-pronged spear.   The most senior Shellback is used for the ceremony as his stand-in, complete with trident.

 

While I'm thinking of it, that Davy Jones is nothing like the character in the Pirates of the Caribbean feature film series.  There are no tentacles coming from his face or stuff like that.  True, he is the captain of the Flying Dutchman, roaming the seas in search of sailors to serve upon his vessel for a century. In the story, his original purpose was to carry souls of those who died at sea from this world to the next on his ship.  But for the crossing he is King Neptune's assistant, ready to claim any 'wog' that fails the initiation and carry him/her down to the briny deep, Davy Jones' Locker.

Any ways, King Neptune's court includes her Highness Queen Amphitrite, the Princess, the Royal Baby, and a Barber.

While the Shellbacks met and decided what was needed, the Pollywogs, by far the majority, were busy picking someone from each division to be the princess in King Neptune's court. Of course because there could only be one the final choice was preceded by a beauty contest of men dressing up as women, each division of the ship being required to introduce one contestant in drag.  It was surprising the unusual clothes sailors were able to find in those days.  I never could figure out where guys would get dresses, bras, the whole works.  Maybe cross-dressers. Wonders never cease.

The day before the crossing a boatswain's mate announces the arrival of King Neptune and his court.  The formal meeting of the CO and the King  signals the beginning of the festivities and all (beep) brakes loose.  The established order changes to a controlled "chaos" as the Pollywogs revolt!  Shellbacks beware!  With the exception of senior officers no Shellback is safe. 

During this time I've seen guys tied up, hosed down, kidnapped, and things better left unsaid.  Shellbacks expect some kind of Pollywog Revolt they just never know what form it will take and what will happen.  I remember one crusty sea dog who had to lock himself in the electrical shop. He had to make a head call and that ended that siege.  And there was a Chief who was suddenly jumped by those working for him and tied to a chair for hours.  I, myself, was among a group of Shellbacks taking refuge on the bow against a horde of Pollywogs with a fire hose.  We got very, very wet that day.  They say that revenge is sweat... it is.

The day of the crossing should have been named Shellback Day.   We would normally awake  at 0600 to a recording of a bugle playing Reveille but on the morning of the crossing a voice followed the bugle with "All right you slimy Pollywogs, get up!" Breakfast for Shellbacks was sumptuous but for Pollywogs it was as green, tastless (bleep).

All (Slimy) Pollywogs formed up on the focsle, most of us (stupidly) in shorts or cutoffs, and from there crawled to the stern.  Crawling wouldn't have been too bad if it wasn't for the gauntlet of shellbacks along the way, each with a sheleelei... er, cutoff sections of firehose with one end taped and used as a handle.  These paddles were soaked in saltwater and when used by the right person the 'WHACK' can hurt!  In my case crawling was hazardous because the ship used homemade deck-tread on the weather deck - sand mixed with deck paint to cause coarseness and eliminate sliding - which does a number on bare knees.

Just before reaching King Neptune's court everyone visited the Royal Barber.  Fortunately the next port stop was too close to allow for hair to grow back so his cutting was limited to 'pretend', although I do remember a young lieutenant who was disliked and ended up losing half of his moustache.
 

 

Now was the time when you finally met King Neptune.  Groveling at his feet every Pollywog was charged and interrogated.  The ONLY outcome was "guilty", regardless of the offense.  Every once in a while someone would deny his offense.  Mistake.  Davy Jones would have to administer a "truth serum" (hot sauce + after shave) or put whole uncooked eggs in their mouth.  Amazing how fast initiates became 'guilty'.

After the interrogation one crawls sideways a few feet to meet the Royal Baby, the fattest of the Shellbacks.  He would be sitting there wearing only an oversized diaper with a (axle grease, hair chopping, etc.)-covered belly.  The mixture might vary but it was always yucky.  A Pollywog had to 'kiss' his belly button.  Not just a light peck but a full-faced 'smack' was required or one might get a raw egg smashed on the head and a Royal assist.  Heck, depending on his mood, you might get that egg anyway.  It's not all bad, it is almost over.

 

Pollywogs have to make amends for the charges just read by King Neptune.  Some had stocks you had to stand in. Others thought a long bag would be just the thing.  In my case it was the bag, a laundry chute that the cooks had been filled with food garbage and kept hidden for over a week.  In the local heat it was gross.  The closed end had been cut-off and you were told to crawl through.  What you weren't told is that (1) someone would be standing on the other end so you couldn't get out and (2) earlier Pollywogs had gotten sick and the bag included vomit to the ingredients.

 

Picture this, you're covered in (bleep), your hairs is a mess from seeing the Royal barber, there is (bleep) on your face and up your nose, and you are tired and sore from all that crawling.  One more stop awaits... the Royal Bath.  A nylon parachute, or maybe it is a large piece of canvas, has been filled with water.  At it's edge are three large Shellbacks.  You are asked "What are you?" and given the heave ho.  Your natural response is "I'm a Pollywog."  Wrong answer, and down you go again.  When you yell "I'm a Shellback!" they let you out and you are down.   Now, wasn't that fun?

 

Here is an Pollywog-to-Shellback intiation video: USS Callaghan DD-994 - Crossing the line ceremony.

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Navy Time 3

Fiske Time : Hello, Africa

 Previously, the ship had transited the Panama and Suez Canals, transited around the world, completed six war patrols off Vietnam while visiting various foreign ports in the process, and conducted (too) many underway replenishments (UnReps), including an 'unrep triple play' receiving oil, ammunition, and supplies all at one time from USS Sacramento (AOE-1).  On the way home the ship entered King Neptune's realm and when the equator was crossed all Pollywogs were ceremoniously initiated.

 It was time for a much needed rest.  A time to visit with our family.  Time to renew old relationships, maybe even make new ones. 

 

 Newport was a sailor's town.  Always had been.  Yes, there are mansions, homes of the rich.  But Thames Street attracked the sailors.  It wasn't wide street, a single lane with room to park, but ... friendly.  The city has long been entwined with the United States Navy.  Home of the Naval War College, Officer Candidate School, even hosted until the early 1970's the Cruiser-Destroyer Force of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and subsequently it has from time to time played host to a number of warships.  For those interested the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) is moored in an inactive status at the docks previously used by the Cruiser-Destroyer Force and shared the pier with USS Forrestal (CV-59) until June 2010.  Now, the town wants the tourists, it's a shame but happens.

  I guess too much rest and recreation wasn't good for us because a lot of time was spent at sea, to the chagrin of spouses and sweethearts.  Someone said that the sea was where sailors belonged, probably said in a whisper and not very often.

 There may be some who read this who aren't all that familiar with WW2 destroyers so I'll try to give you some idea.

 'Haze grey and underway' says it best.  The Fiske, home for about 336 people, was not too long, only about 390 ft.  Not too wide, maybe 40 ft.  at the beam.  Not too deep, a 14 foot draft.  Her  living accommodations, "quarters or compartments" as we called them,  were  nothing to brag about. No wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood floors, not even a rug, just noisy sailors berthed by division in 3-high tiers of canvas bunks with  horizontal and (some) upright lockers. The practice of placing portholes in the side for ventilation had gone away and there was no air conditioning. It usually wasn't hot enough to worry about anyways.

 The Chief Petty Officers had their own mess. But their berthing was not much better. "Officer's Country", where the Officers lived, was more inviting but even their accommodations were not very sumptuous either usually in small two man staterooms. The Captain had his own cabin and head. It was only the Executive Officer who warranted his own stateroom.

 As I had said, we were at sea a lot.  There were a variety of exercises we might be called upon to perform. As a sonar technician I was primarily concerned with  anti-submarine exercises.  During these times we were given a submarine to play around with but there was also the usual shore bombardment period, though we had done a lot of that in Vietnam, and to keep us on our toes a variety of internal ship drills such as fire, flooding, man overboard, etc. Periodically the captain saw fit to conduct engineering casualty control drills.  These were normally held  after hours or on weekends so as not to delay daily work requirements.  They were made as realistic as possible and were often the method of qualifying engineering watch standers.



Liberty Card

 These were the days of Liberty Cards.  All sailors going ashore were issued a “Liberty Card” at the division-level which had to be shown to the OOD when departing the ship and collected each morning at division quarters. A sailor’s worst fate was to have his liberty card revoked.  Unfortunately they were often locked away or 'accidently' lost when those in charge didn't want certain sailors to leave.  Yes, we abused their use and that was one of the reasons for their being done away.



Good-bye Newport

  A few months had passed and we were now into the new year, 1967 I believe.  It was time for another deployment.  Time to head over to the Mediterranean Sea.  A cruise that proved to be a little bit different and not to our liking.  Most of us had just gotten used to being around our family life and it was time to disrupt them again. Maybe the Atlantic wouldn't be quite as rough, we hoped.  Dumb us.

 Like all other ships the Fiske entered the Med from the Atlantic through the Gates of Gibraltar, a familiar sight to many.  After a routine service stop at Gibraltar we head for Malta, a liberty stop we didn't make last year.  Not everyone was happy about the idea and you could tell by their face they were missing those they left behind.

As most of you know, Malta is an island country south of Sicily.  She had only gained her independence from Great Britain a few years prior to our arrival and had yet to become a "Republic".  Because of its warm climate, numerous recreational areas, and architectural and historical monuments liberty was welcomed.  Although few thought about anything other than the heat and the booze.

 The CO announced that the port visit to Malta would serve as an important event in promoting and strengthening maritime partnerships with European nations.  Few of us really cared.  The only question in our minds was "Were the girls friendly?" Later, some said 'yes' others didn't comment... wise decision.  The whole episode is sort of hazy to me so I can't go into any detail.  Probably just as well.

 The whole purpose of this cruise was to "show the flag" as we steamed around the Mediterranean; playing war games, visiting friendly ports, etc.  That was our intention.  Other nations had other ideas, Egypt and Israel to be exact.  Due to escalating conditions between those to countries over who would control the Suez Canal our Malta liberty was brought to a close and Fiske was ordered to transverse the canal.  Now!  But since there were still people on the island we waited until the following day to leave.

 Leaving Malta behind we made for Port Said, the point where all ships wanting to transit the Suez had to wait.  Including USS Dyess (DD-880) which transited some days after us. Port Said, an important harbor for exports of Egyptian products, was a fueling station for ships that passed through the Suez Canal.  No liberty just get in line and wait, a favorite past time it seemed.  The captain took the opportunity to remind us that the next few days (days, right.. little did he know) would be used to "protect US shipping interests ands also monitor all ship traffic in and out of the Persian Gulf."  As we left Suez Port, an Egyptian port located at the southern boundary of Suez Canal, in our wake we headed through the Gulf of Suez for the Red Sea, our patrolling area.

 The contrast between Egypt (known at the time as the United Arab Republic, UAR), on our right, and the Sinai Peninsula, on our left - green and fertile on the one hand and dry desert on the other - is something that has always stayed with me.

 Keep in mind that a big difference between the Panama Canal and the Suez is that the latter has no locks, too flat.  Therefore when it was Dyess's turn everyone  was a surprised at the greeting received from the citizens along the banks. The tension between the UAR and Israel was known, but it was felt that the "flag-showing" missions were far removed from expressions of hostilities. No incidents marred her transit although protesters followed the ship in boats wherever they could and shouted jeers from the banks along the canal. Subsequently all military objectives along the canal were bombed by Israel cutting us off from the Sixth Fleet.  The Red Sea was to be our Med Cruise.

 Now the Red Sea lies between Africa and Asia with the Gulf of Aden at her extreme southern end.  Our new home port would be in Ethiopia, a place called Massawa.  Our purpose had now been expanded.  Besides looking out for US shipping interests we also had to be ready if needed to evacuate American citizens.  Although I'm not sure where we would evacuate anyone to, maybe Massawa.  It could use the new faces.

 I should be fair to Massawa.  Today it has become a nice, modern African city. However, when the Fiske visited this city it was still part of Ethiopia. When Eriteria gained its independence in 1990 Massawa went with it.  Shipping port it may have been but we saw it as a hot, do nothing, place.  I'm sure there were some who thought they'd died and gone to heaven.  Most of us thought we had gone in the other direction.  The ship's on-board movies were more popular than going ashore.

 There was an opportunity that most of us jumped on and that was the chance to ride up to the Army's Kagnew Station at Asmara.  During WW2 the the U.S. Army took over and refurbished a pre-existing Italian naval radio station.  More important to us was their enlisted club where the cold beer replaced any lack of female companionship.  Unfortunately it was to be a one-time round trip, returning before dark... early enough to see a ship's movie.

 We did go to sea.  USS Dyess greeted us and off to ASW exercises and an eventual stop at Bahrain.

Then, Bahrain, a small country situated near the western shores of the Persian Gulf, was completely alcohol free (dry) and the only place for us to indulge was on the military facility.  Today, it is a favorite place for the Arab-rich. Knew a sailor that was stationed aboard a ship homeported there and he loved it.  Times have sure changed!

 I don't want to make it appear that we never travelled.  There were ports to visit. Just not ones common for sailors.  Port of Calls included Djibouti in French Somaliland, Karg Island of Magagascar, even Mombasa, Kenya.  If you are ever in Mombasa take a riverboat ride.  We did and there were hippos galore.  Natives stood on the river banks just to watch all those crazy sailors in boats playing tourist.  Sadly we had to return to Massawa.  Time to rejoin the world.

 Time was about up and we were due to return home.  This time we would have to go around the southern tip of Africa instead of through the Pillars of Hercules,  that was okay we'd already seen Gibraltar.  Besides, we were going to Caracas, Venezuela on our way back.  Plans change.  This was when the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) had a problem.

 While serving in Vietnam USS Forrestal suffered a devastating fire and series of chain-reaction explosions on 29 July 1967, that killed 134 sailors and injured 161.  New orders came in for the Fiske.  We were to rendezvous with Forrestal off the coast of South Africa and escort her to Mayport, Florida where she would remove aircraft and squadron Florida members before going on to Norfolk.  Investigation of the mishap revealed that an electrical anomaly discharged a Zuni rocket on the flight deck.  A video about this disaster came be seen here.

 Escort her we did but said good-bye when she turned towards Mayport and when head on north for a long awaited reunion with family and friends in Newport.

 

EPILOG

  That was my final cruise on the Fiske, I left the following year.  But it wasn't the end for me.  I went on to report aboard the Charles P. Cecil (DD-835), Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833), USS O'Callahan (DE-1051), and USS Fox (CG-33), along with a few shore stations and a couple schools mixed in.

 

  The Fiske got a new captain, Cdr. James S. Brunson.  After a few month she was sent to the Naval Shipyard at Boston for a complete overhaul before making another Med cruise, this one less eventful.  She went on to complete A Middle East cruise before being reassigned to the Navy Reserve Force in 1973 and relocated to the Military Ocean Terminal, New Jersey.  After reserve cruises she was eventually stricken from the U.S. Naval Vessel Register in 1987.

 

 The Fiske is gone now.  Ran aground in 1996 and heavily damaged.  But she was my home for many memorable years.  She kept me save, broaden my horizons, promoted me, was/and still is something I proudly called "My Ship" to anyone who asked.

Navy Time 2

FISKE TIME 2

  Previously, a few months after reporting aboard it was off we go on an 'Around The World' cruise.  Another chance to widen my horizons, to see the Panama Canal and Central America, return to the Pacific and revisit San Diego, get a little tan and watch the monkies at Pearl City Tavern, Hawaii, and sail to the Philippines.

work, work, work

 I finished Part 1 having crossed the International Date Line (IDL).  The only indication that the IDL was now behind us was the need for us to relive a day, in other words all clocks were reset 'back' 24 hours.  I would not have complainted if we crossed on a Saturday of Sunday, that would give me a 3 day weekend.  But didn't happen.  We had a longer work week.

 

  The sea at night is, well, it is dark.  On a cloudy night, really dark.  At least, being with other ships - DesRon 12 - there were running lights so you knew where you were and, during the day, those ships provided us with something to see.

  To breakup routine there was always the tropical cyclones, or typhoons as they are called in the Pacific.  These were/are like the Atlantic Ocean's hurricanes.  Time to break-out the Saltines, the crackers that quelled many a stomach.  Not a lot of eating during typhoon times, at least not greasy foods.  Walking would present a challenge and was never, ever, straight.  Balance... that was the key.  One hand touching something solid as you moved along and to hold you steady.  Ever seen a dog with a rag toy?  Try being in that toy and you might have some idea how it is was to ride out a typhoon. Going out on deck was a no, no.  Being outside could be hazardous to your health.  I remember one guy who simply laid on the deck in our head (restroom) during this time, saved him trying to hurry on a rolling ship.

  After almost two weeks we finally rounded the northern island of the Philippine Archipelago and the next day made port at Subic Bay, a bay on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines.  It has since been transformed into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone by the Philippine government but then, for us, it was home of the Naval Base Subic Bay, a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility, with emphasis on the 'rest and recreation' part, and it's liberty city Olongapo.  Olongapo, our first foreign port in the Orient.  Olongapo; dirty river, door-to-door bars, and all ours.  Our home port and home away from home.

 We didn't come all this way just to visit the honeys or go for a swim at the bay's Grande Island.  Vietnam awaited.  Besides, don't forget Hostile Fire Pay.  All it took to qualify was a short stay inside the war zone.  The extra pay wasn't much but it paid for all that Olongapo beer or gave us a little extra when we visited Hong Kong and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

  A few days into our first War Patrol we were told that not only would we get qualify for a tax exemption but also the Vietnam Service Medal, which was okay but that Hostile Fire Pay was more important.  When we weren't offering gun fire support they had us escort and plane guard the carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) or sometimes other carriers that were on 'Yankee Station'.
 Seems I remember that it was during this time thy had us breakoff and accompany a USS Enterprise helo for a pilot pickup.  This was considered Search and Rescue (SAR) duty even though our assistance wasn't all that much and the pilot rode back on the helo.
 It was during that SAR duty we came under fire from a North Vietnam heavy shore battery masked behind coastal hills.  Told not to engage, we just turned away and resumed our SAR patrol.  OK, back to Subic Bay!

 Still only line handlers to greet us but this time most knew where to go.  Dumb Navy, it was common practice before we'd enter port for someone to read off all the places Shore Patrol outlawed.  If we didn't know where the action was this sure told us.  Now, Olongapo would only do something with that brownish (beep) River and those young divers, but they didn't.  Thank goodness there was Grande Island.

 Grande Island, located at the entrance of Subic Bay and included Fort Wint with its' WW2 gun emplacements that the Army provided as part of the harbor defenses of Manila and Subic Bays, became a popular place for us 'war torn' sailors to have a ship's party.  The ship would provide the small boat transportation, liquid refreshments and food to barbeque while the island was ours to roam and the ocean to swim.  Today it is named "Grande Island Resort" but we just knew it as Grande.

 The significant event of our Subic Bay visit was the ship's Change of Command ceremony.  When we left Newport Cdr. Ewing was our CO but now Cdr. McKinley was to relieve him.  It was a spit and polish period of time and a chance for us to eyeball our new captain.  Thinking back on it today, it doesn't make a lot of sense for everything and everyone to look so great knowing that within a few days all will change.  I'm sure the new guy knews this but, hey, everyone did it.


 I'm not going to bore you with details about other war patrols we went on, they were all pretty much the same.  Oh, the ships may have changed but the details don't.  But I do remember that after leaving and doing our Vietnam thing it was time to rejoin the Ranger and escort her to the Naval Station at Yokouska, or Yoko, in Japan.

 Yoko would have made a better homeport than Subic Bay, at least in my opinion.  I'd been here when I was stationed on USS Coontz (DLG-9) and little had changed... where sailors go, anyway.  The was a small bar area called 'Submarine Alley' that was frequented by many of us.  Never saw any submarines, tho.  Saw lots of stands selling just about anything you'd want, lots of hostesses, but no submarines.  After two weeks it was time to head back and qualify for Hostile Fire pay.

 Another war patrol, our fourth, and more shoot'um ups and NGFS, Naval Gunfire Support, like before.  Word quickly got around  - scuttlebutt,  you got to love it - that we would go to Hong Kong next.  Suddenly time slowed down.  It seemed like we were on the line forever.  It wasn't, of course, but seemed like it.

 At that time Hong Kong was a British Crown Colony. Later, the first of July, 1997 I believe, Hong Kong became the first Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. A short ferry ride away was Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, place we were warned to stay clear of... didn't work tho.

Hong Kong has a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade, and the currency, Hong Kong dollar was almost $8HK to the dollar which made shopping a popular activity.  The one objection I had was the lack of a pier.  We always had to anchor.  Probably made Marry Soo and her side painters happy but having to catch a liberty boat wasn't convenient.  Speaking of liberty boats, many a drunken sailor would ride back on the wrong one only to wakeup the next morning on a strange ship.  Lol, that was probably worked faster than strong coffee.   But, after a short stay it was time to return the Vietnam.

 This war patrol proved to be a little more interesting than others.  We got a unique chance to witness nighttime 'Arclight' raids, B-52 Stratofortress that did close air support, and what was called 'Puff' firing of AC-47 gatling guns in the area of the Mekong River delta.  Impressive. But not as impressive as the long-legged girls of Kaohsuing, Taiwan, our next port of call.

 I think the best liberty ports, for me, had to be Hong Kong and Kaohsiung.  Why were all the good places so brief?  But then R&R (Rest & Recuperation but we called it 'Rest and Recreation') had to be taken where ever it was offered.  Kaohsiung eventually become the second largest city of Taiwan in the late 1970s but in 1966 all we cared about was how much it cost to take a hostess out of the bar, eh... not much.  After about eight days we left for Subic Bay.

 Subic was, well, Subic.  The monsoon season had started so we often got pretty wet, but sailors won't melt.  People must have gotten tired of the place because we didn't stay long but instead departed for our last war patrol, also a shot period, before heading home.  Not Subic but our real home, Newport.  Of course it wasn't back the way we came but "Westward Ho" but we had to cross the equator to do that. 

  As we transited the Singapore Strait it was announced we would soon cross the equator and enter the domain of King Neptune.  The day before we crossed the 'Pollywogs' took over the ship, as was custom, but the 'Shellbacks' got their revenge the next day.  This time I was a proud Shellback, having been initiated aboard USS Coontz.  For those not in the know, Pollywogs (sailors of all ranks who have never crossed) only become Shellbacks after an initiation.  In other words, they must suffer the pain and torment required when entering the realm of King Neptune, accompanied by Davy Jones.  Most will recall this period as a fun time... humiliating, yes, and yucky, yes, but fun.

  With short stops in less than memorable places like Penang, Malaysia and Cochin, India we joined the fifth fleet for the transit through the Red Sea then took our turn through the Suez Canal before entering the Mediterranean Sea.  At this point we said hello to the six fleet who had us anchor off Piraeus, Greece - port of Athens - before heading for the "Pillars of Hercules", Gibraltar.  Next up... the wondrous Atlantic Ocean and home.

 Many of us wondered if we would EVER see to this ocean again.  A few were sorry we did. Those of us who had family or friends waiting in Newport couldn't wait long enough, 'channel fever' was rampant. We had been around the world.

Welcome Home

 

Navy Time

FISKE DAYS

  My judgement has gotten the better of me.  Not through coercion or extortion.  A lady's request did it.  All she said was "please" but that was enough.  So here I am, back reliving my days aboard the USS Fiske (DD-842) - a  Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy.  I'm too old now to try and report back on board.  Besides, I'd probably get seasick, anyways.  Don't have the stomach that I used to.


A Normal Day in the Atlantic

  Another thing I forgot, what it was like being at sea.  Having served on USS Coontz (DLG-9), a West Coast ship,  the Pacific Ocean is a lot calmer than the Atlantic, as the gif shows.
 

  October 1965 was when I first laid sight of her at the U.S. Naval Station pier, Newport Rhode Island. Tied up snugly in a nest with other destroyers she was going to be my home. They had me join Chief Williams to run A/S division, a mixture of Sonar Technicians, Torpedomen and ASROC-gunnermates with a few ETs thrown in.  I'd just left the Fleet Sonar School in Key West, Florida having completed a short 'C' school.

  It was while I was there that I got my first whiff of an Atlantic hurricane - Betsy, they named her.   California earthquakes were common and I've been through many but those hurricanes get scary!  Wet, too.

 You might want to skip this next part because I am going to digress for a moment and talk about Navy schooling.  Oh, not the types, because there are hundreds, but the difference between 'A', 'B', and 'C' schools.

 When I first joined the Navy they sent me to the basic school, an 'A' school it is called to learn a trade.  In my case it was at the Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare School in San Diego California and I was going to be an SO(G), Sonar Operator (Surface).  Later I attended the advanced school, labeled a 'B" school.  It was about this time when the Navy changed our designation to Sonar Technician (ST).  Guess they didn't like people saying they attended an SO(B) school.  Actually, to be as technician was more inviting than simply being an operator so, zippo-changeo, we were technicians.   Oh, the 'C' schools was, and still are, for 'specialty' training.  Now, back to the Fiske.

 Shortly after reporting to my new home the Fiske underwent to Gitmo for Operational Readiness Inspection but better known as 'sea trials'.  Gitmo is short for Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba. This was not a fun period.  Lots of drills, GQ, setting condition Zebra and stuff.  After successful completion, she returned to her home port to join the rest of DesRon 12, at Newport.  Nest-time again.  I didn't care but nesting was a hassle for those on the Quarterdeck.  We must of had lots of light bulbs, I doubt it was favorite time for Electricians.

 

Gatun Lake, Panama

 We were expecting lots of liberty and relaxed time but someone decided they needed us in Vietnam so come January (1966) we said good-bye to family and friends, cast-off all lines, shifted colors, and set sail for the Pacific heading south into the Caribbean towards the Canal Zone.  Of course, being an Atlantic ship it meant via the Panama Canal and transiting Gatun Lake. Liberty in Balboa became our first foreign port.  Not the best in the world but interesting.  Our first big change... we were now a member of the 3rd fleet.  No biggie, but a requirement.  One belong to the 2nd fleet while in Newport but Pacific ships took their orders from Commander of the 3rd fleet.

32nd St Naval Station, San Diego

 It was while standing at sea-detail, preparing to meet the pier at San Diego's Naval Station and seeing all those other grey monsters that I wondered "just why did the Navy need us?"  I mean, there were ships everywhere all belonging to the sixth fleet.  The Navy certainly didn't need an old WW2 destyroyer to come all the way from the east coast just to help out in Vietnam.  But I guess they did because here we were.  But not for long.

 

 It is sort of sad when you pull into a beautiful city like San Diego and the only people waiting for you are line handlers.  No family. No friends.  Just guys wishing the ship would hurry up so they could go back to whatever they were doing. I guess that is why one of the first things we did was take on supplies.  Never anything one really wanted just things to keep the ship running and all of us fed for the next couple weeks.  We even had to change piers inorder to take on fuel. Great! More sea detail and line handling.  So after a few days we were off to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

 It takes a week to reach Pearl.  For some that is seven days of sea sickness.  For most of us that was seven days of late-night watch standing, old movies, and tilted decks.  You can always pick the new guys.  They are the ones who leave their food tray unattended when they get more (whatever) only to find it waiting for them upside down on the deck.  Happens everytime.

 A day away from Pearl we and USS Dyess (DDR-880) separated from the rest of DesRon 12 to rescue a pilot of a small plane that had run out of fuel.  The pilot had to ditch and was picked up by the Dyess.  We rejoined the squadron, gave a salute as we passed USS Arizona Memorial and for the next five days enjoyed the warm air of Hawaii.

 It was my visit to Hawaii that introduced me to PCT, Pearl City Tavern.  Now a lot of guys hit Waikiki or patrolled Kings Street looking for working girls.  Those in the know took me to PCT and I was sold. PCT was a combination of tavern and Chinese restaurant.  Not just any old tavern but one with life monkeys behind the bar.  You could sit there for hours and watch them roam around. Food was good, too... especially after that shipboard chow. 

 

 Enough R&R! Goodbye Pearl.   Two days after we left we crossed the International Dateline and entered the Realm of the Golden Dragon.  Now we could truly say "Subic Bay, Philippines here we come!"

 

(to be continued)

Rooftop Bars

7 Of The Worlds Best Rooftop Bars

The view from the top is always the best. Chic rooftop bars with high-quality cocktails and food are the place to hang out this summer.

 

There is one good thing about humanity's obsession with building enormous numbers of buildings it means more rooftops, which means more rooftop bars.  Perhaps second only to beach bars, rooftop drinks remind us that life didn't turn out so bad.  In fact, it's pretty great.

 

Here are some five contenders for the greatest al fresco drinks high above the streets.

 

Of course, as always, we welcome your own picks in the comments.

 

1. High Rooftop Lounge, Hotel Erwin (Los Angeles)

 

High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin in Los Angeles has a 360-degree view, in this case it is Venice Beach. The surfboard decor in the lobby of the Hotel Erwin sets the tone for this elevated hideout in one of the most eclectic, gritty and downright mellow beach/surf/skate towns in the United States.

The payoff comes when you step off the elevator and walk onto the High Rooftop Lounge on the sixth floor.  The vista includes some of the best public beach in Southern California, and a prime sunset viewing.

 

Order a Summer Crush, a drink made of: Grey Goose citrus vodka, orange juice, cranberry juice, fresh lime, and fresh mint, with club soda.

 

2. Sugar, East Hotel (Hong Kong)

 

Sugar's view from atop East Hotel in Hong Kong.  It's rare to find a high-octane cocktail bar with a killer view in the lesser-known parts of Hong Kong Island, and Sugar's view contains fewer garish fluorescent billboards than you might expect in this neon mecca.  It's best to visit the lounge-y outdoor deck before sunset to enjoy the skyline by the soft light of dusk.  This way you can also avoid Sugar's garish pink and purple lighting that takes over once it's dark.

 

The scene outside is made up of ocean-going vessels floating in the harbor with a backdrop of the old airport, Kai Tak, now a cruise ship terminal.  Maybe even a Navy ship at anchor or a sampan family going by will add to your view.

 

While you are there you might try a Mojito Reloaded, made of: Havana Club 3 years rum, lime, peach, mint, and cava... enjoy!

 

3. Sir Elly's Terrace, The Peninsula Shanghai

 

Sir Elly's Terrace at The Peninsula Shanghai promises good drinks, light snacks and the sense that the whole city is looking up to you.  If you were to imagine a rooftop bar with gleaming skyline views, a glowing bar and full of movers and shakers, you probably wouldn't be far off Shanghai's standout rooftop drinkery.

 

With 270-degree views over the Huangpu River and The Bund, this establishment can't guarantee the views you get in the photo above (there's no such thing as a "smog forecast"), but it will promise good drinks, light snacks and the sense that, for an evening at least, the whole city is looking up to you.  For example; try their Up In the Clouds, made of: London No.1, lychee liqueur, homemade jasmine tea nectar, and lemon juice.

 

4. The Lighthouse Bar, The Oyster Box (Durban, South Africa)

 

The Lighthouse Bar at Oyster Box Hotel in Durban presents a surprise on the verge of being awesome. After a few minutes walk from Umhlanga Village Centre and a relaxing visit to The Spa for the hotel's authentic Turkish Hammam, the rooftop ‘Lighthouse Bar’ offers sunset views of the iconic lighthouse with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean along Umhlanga Beach. This is a top spot for for unwinding with exotic cocktails and great music.  This bar,on the hotel's ninth floor, even has its own oyster bed. These are truly spectacular surroundings,

 

So if the views, fresh ocean air and cocktails fail to tug on your romance strings, you know what to order... a Umhlanga Schling, made of: Mainstay Cane, sugar syrup, pineapple pieces, mint leaves, mango juice, and sugar cane, with crushed ice.

 

5. Vertigo and Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Bangkok

 

The 61st floor Vertigo and Moon Bar, on the roof of Bangkok's Banyan Tree Hotel, specializes in barbecued seafood, though it also grills a mean steak and has a good vegetarian menu.Walk a few steps and you're at Moon Bar, which has a solid cocktail and wine menu and a small seating area.

 

The vertigo-inducing views are rivaled only by those at the Sky Bar at Sirocco, another of Bangkok's drinking "high points" placed 63 floors up.  Many a fiery debate has occurred between die-hard fans of the two hotels over the years; we've gone with Vertigo because at two stories lower, you can get to the bar a few seconds quicker.  Maybe even order a Vertigo Sunset, made with: Malibu, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

 

6. Rooftop Lounge, Thompson Toronto Hotel (Toronto)

 

The Rooftop Lounge gives breathtaking 360° views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario and is considered Toronto’s premier rooftop, providing a chic and exclusive retreat for hotel guests and lounge members. Guests can dip in the infinity pool by day and lounge in cabanas by night, enjoying creative cocktails far above the fray. The terrace that wraps all the way around the Rooftop Lounge bar gives views of Lake Ontario that whip you away from the city-feel in an instant.  Twist your head just a few inches, and you can see the CN Tower and all its chameleon color changes.

 

There are a couple drawbacks, a surprise for the first-time visitor. It can get cold -- coats are recommended -- or get there early to grab a spot by a heater and... well, the lounge is open only to hotel guests and lounge members. But while you are there order an Ellipsis, made of: Bacardi 8 rum, creme de peache, Riesling, fresh lemon juice, and egg whites.

7. Le Bain, The Standard (New York)

Le Bain is a penthouse discothèque and rooftop bar featuring world-famous DJs, a state of the art sound system and superlative-inspiring views. During the summer, there's a plunge pool on the dance floor and a crêperie on a "grass" covered rooftop... oh and it's got those views, an NYC vista you can gawk at from funky pastel-shaded chairs that seem to adapt to whatever shape is slouching into them. The staff  will even lend out binoculars to ensure gazing, which is 100% operational.

 

Don't take our word, here is a comment made by a recent visitor: "My girlfriends and I made it a point to visit The Standard just to check out their rooftop bar called Le Bain. It was recommended to us by a local bartender. And let me tell you... it did NOT disappoint! Floor to ceiling windows give you an AMAZING view of New York and the Hudson River. "

 

Their most popular drink? A Fraise 76, made up of: Vodka, lemon, syrup, strawberry, and champagne.

*****

Did we miss your favorite rooftop bar? Share your pick in the comments.

20 Amazing Animals

 

20 Amazing Animals

Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.   ~ Groucho Marx

 

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
~  Mahatma Gandhi

*****

Our affinity with animals is nothing new. Some have trained goldfish and others have refused to kill mice, insisting on releasing them into the wild. One gentleman nursed a pigeon back to health after setting its broken wing. The same man befriended a bull by sitting in the mud with it for hours. Today, pets or livestock become companions and/or partners, and are treated as members of the family.

Shown below are 20 animated animal images, mostly dogs and cats because they are the most common pets.  The images are shared from many different sources, seen in small italics, and included for your enjoyment.

 



1. The Great Corgi Vacuuming

The Corgi is a small type of herding dog that originated in Wales. Two distinct breeds are recognized: the Pembroke Welsh corgi and the Cardigan Welsh corgi, with the Pembroke being the more common.  Be aware; They are typically good with children, but due to their herding behavior, may nip at their heels during play.

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2. Rocking Panda

Looked upon as the ambassador for all endangered species, the panda is a well-recognized symbol of international wildlife conservation.  Being a rare wild creature and endangered to boot, it is against some laws to have one for a pet!  I'm sure there is probably someone who doesn't care about the law so... if so, that person should take heed: a  New York Times Article noted "That a Panda Bear's up keep was 5 times more expensive then keeping the next most expensive animal, the elephant!"

 

3. The Caracal/Lion Grooming

The caracal, also known as the desert lynx, is a wild cat.  The image shows the presence of a long tuft on the tip of the ears, exceeding half their length and typical of the breed.  It is a slender, long-legged cat of medium size with a relatively short tail.  While resting, they may be busy grooming or taking brief spells of sleep.
 

 Lions, in this case it is a cub, still... well, you know about them.
 

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4. Sleepy

This little guy is an American  Long Island duck, after a small number were imported to Long Island from China in 1873, and is the most popular commercial duck breed in the United States.  Ducks can be both outdoor and indoor companion animals. They are successful indoor pets because they are adaptable to house life.

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5. "Let Me Touch Your Body!"

Sloths are related to anteaters and this cat need not worry... sloths main food type are leaves.  They are not very fast, moving at maximum speed, for the tree-toed sloth, of about of the three-toed 2 m or 6.5 ft per minute.

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6. Happy Little Penguin

Penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Antarctica.  The little guy is probably an Adelie Penguin but it is hard to tell if it won't stand still. There are at least 17, possibly more, types and this may be a young Emperor but one thing is sure, it likes the snow.

7. "My Teddy!"

It’s the tactile qualities of stuffed animals which make them so appealing. They offer a cuddly heft which mimics another mammal, and a highly textured surface which holds scents well. A cat’s sensitive nose can recall layers of memories in a well worn toy.  Their own special stuffed toy can become their “security object” that we can use to reassure them during stress and anchor them through changes.

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8. The Otter Nailing A Layup

This is a North American river Otter, with a diet based on fish.  Otters are playful animals and appear to engage in various behaviors for sheer enjoyment, such as making waterslides and then sliding on them into the water. That basket looks pretty low... or is that me?

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9. “Go Home, You’re Drunk”

Cats sleep an average of fifteen hours a day, and some can sleep up to twenty hours in a twenty-four hour period.  Beer, liquor, wine, any food containing alcohol -- none of it is good for your cat. Alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage.

 

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10. Hang On, Buddy!

A cat's claws are versatile, multi-purpose tools. Cats use their retractable claws every day, for climbing, scratching, pouncing, turning, balancing, or defending themselves against other cats, dogs, other predators, even humans who might try to harm them.  What is needed is a cat post. Cats should have at least one post that's tall enough for a full vertical scratch, sturdy enough to stand when he puts his full weight on it, and covered with a nice rough material like sisal.

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11. Thar She Blows!

Whale watching day trips and vacation packages are perfect for family fun.  You might consider the Pacific Northwest, home to a huge diversity of wildlife, incredible scenery and calm protected waters.  Or you might consider the San Juan Islands.  They provide one of the best whale watching opportunities anywhere in the world, offering calm waters and a huge variety of wildlife which include resident Orca whales.

12. The Dog Who Rolls Himself Up

You say you want your dog to do this?  Why?  Doesn't matter, here is one way.  Start your dog in the down position and put a blanket next to him. Grab a corner of the blanket and tell your dog to “Take It”. Treat time!  Once your dog has a hold of the blanket instruct him to “Roll Over”.  Treat time!  

Keep practicing until your dog can do the trick in one motion.  Treat time!   Treat yourself, too.

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13. Hi!!

Why do we as humans find dogs to be SO cute? I mean you'd think it would be counter productive to evolution to have such feelings of care and nurture for another species.   When it comes to playing, well, because their instinct is to live in a pack, they are very social and so they find things to do within the pack which, more likley than not, is to play with you or other dogs.

 

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14. A Day At The Beach

This is definitely an elephant on a beach. That is all you need to know. Yes, there is more information available somewhere about the elephant, why it was there, what was going on, et cetera. But stop for a moment and ask yourself: Do I really want to know why the elephant was there? Will that information help me in any way? It’s an unusual animal sighting. There is a type of beauty in that self-explanatory concept.

15. The Puppy Who Can’t

Most dogs are non drinkers, so they never have a good excuse for losing their balance, especially when you consider that they have four, not two, legs to stand on.  A dog that suddenly loses its sense of balance could in fact be suffering from a serious health problem -- one that requires immediate veterinary attention. But here, this is not the case.  This mutt is just uncoordinated.

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16. The Tuck-Me-In Bird

I bet you are probably wondering if a bird really wants a blanket. Well, it depends on the situation. In my experience, I've met birds that simply couldn't sleep without their "security blankets".  On average, birds need about 12 hours of good, quality sleep each night to remain in peak condition.   As long as a dark, quiet, and somewhat secluded area is provided for a bird to sleep in, most will thrive without a blanket at night. Remember, however, that sleep is vital to a bird's well-being.

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17. Sooo Tired !

No, this isn't the White Rabbit in Lewis Carroll's book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. The average sleep time of a rabbit in captivity is said to be 8.4 hours. This one has had a rough day and is more than ready to call it a night.  Maybe even giving up his evening carrot.

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18. Peek-A-Boo Cat

This is Maru (まる), a male Scottish Fold (originally called lop-eared or lops) cat in Japan who has become popular on YouTube.  He even has his own blog, written by his owner, Mugumogu.  My first thought was that Maru was untouchable just because he's been internet famous since 2008,  but I was wrong. Maru now has a new buddy and she is fearless. As of August 2013, a female tabby kitten named Hana (はな, "flower") joined Maru's family.

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19. "Wait For Me... I'm Coming!!"

Another American  Long Island duck.  I didn't realize they could move so fast.  Be aware, these guys can imprint on a human and when they do can provide enduring companionship. This breed of duck is very intelligent, and capable of a lifelong, strong and loyal bond with humans, and often preferring human company over the company of other ducks.

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20. Misuse of a Stability Ball

A stability ball is an exercise tool, and like all tools must be used properly for safety reasons and to get the most out of it.  Although the stability ball is promoted as a gentle workout tool, certain types should avoid using it.  While pictures of standing on stability balls might appear on the Internet, do not ever do this unless you plan on joining the circus. Don't risk falling while exercising.

 

Honorable Mention

I wasn't going to include this but the gorilla got huffy that his video wasn't among the 20, so here it is:

 

 

*****