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Boat Transfer - Nassau by Patrick A. Hendren, RM2/SS - USS Phoenix (SSN-702) |
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The USS Phoenix (SSN-702) was at anchor in
the harbor at Nassau. Three days liberty at Paradise Island isn't a bad thing!
Everyone had to be back aboard by 0800. Unfortunately, the weather didn't
cooperate, and we were stuck at the pier, looking at 8-10 foot seas, and the
water taxi operators refused to leave their slips. None of them were going to
risk their wooden hull skiffs slamming against HY-80 in 8' swells.
The CO, CDR Mike Feeley asked CINCLANT for a 24hr delay. CINCLANT refused. We were expected to be at AUTEC on-time. The local Coast Guard station agreed to risk their fiberglass hulled 24 footer. God bless 'em. It was the perfect craft for the job. Enter the hero of our tale, TM2/SS Dave Draper. There was a line of personnel secured to the track topside to aid the transferees; we had to climb up the sail and down through the bridge due to the swells washing over the decks, but the COB needed a volunteer to take the unenviable position of first in line. Dave didn't hesitate. While alongside the Phoenix, the CG boat raised high above the deck with every swell, and bounced off the steel hull with every trough. One slip of hand or foot, and the sailor would be crushed between the hulls. To make matters worse, the jump had to be timed perfectly. Jump to early, and you come crashing down on the wet deck, jump too late, and you would miss the ladder and Dave's outstretched hand. Dave's was the first face we saw as we stepped up on the rail of the CG boat, the first hand we clutched as we jumped to the canvas and wood Jacob's ladder. There was no levity in Dave's eyes that day. Only serious concentration. He knew the consequences should he fail just once. The CG boat made four trips to get everyone aboard. Dave ensured the lives of over half the crew that morning. Not one person fell. Not surprisingly, Dave made TM1 shortly thereafter, and was awarded a NAM before we pulled into port. If I forgot to say it before, thanks Dave. This is a Genuine no shitter. ;-) Patrick A. Hendren formerly RM2/SS - USS Phoenix (SSN-702) |
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