(Photo: USS JEFFERSON CITY Website)
Ah, my first boat, that on which I qualified Submarines and on which I am a Plankowner.
It was a cold, clear, blustery day at Pier 23 on Norfolk Naval Base.
The crew was formed up in ranks at the back of a pavilion on the pier, when the wind really picked up. The tent posts at the front began to weaken and the lines securing the tent began to come undone. The SUBLANT Chief of Staff, a likeable man name CAPT Al Konetzni (Big Al, the Sailor’s Pal) came back and started grabbing guys to go up and hold the tent posts.
I remember him clearly saying, “A case of beer to everyone who comes up and keeps this thing from blowing down.”
Eventually, the entire crew, with the exception of the Chiefs and Officers was up front, holding onto the tent posts to keep them from snapping.
When the order was given to “Man the rails” we ran across the brow and stood at attention topside, just barely keeping our footing. I remember feeling like we were going to get blown into the Elizabeth River…and did I say it was cold?
No one was knocked off the boat and the ceremony was cut short to allow everyone to head across the base for the reception.
Two days later we got underway for some fun in the VACAPES.
Yes, but did the CofS get you the beer?
So the boat is celebrating its fourth birthday eh?
Wish I had been a plank owner but my boat was commissioned in 1964; just a bit before my time.
Bull Nav,
I visited the Jefferson City in San Diego. I think it was spring of 2001. I did not know you were a fellow ‘bubblehead.”
For everyone else out there:
There are two types of ships in the Navy. Submarines and TARGETS!
GO NAVY!
Richard S. Lowry FTB-1(SS)
USS Ulysses S. Grant SSBN-631
I was also a plankowner holding a tent pole that day. man was it cold and windy.
I was there too. Never use 2×4 as tent post. They explode when bent too far;-)