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 7^th 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.