USSVI Dallas Base

I AM A SUBMARINER

I can still hear the klaxon horn in my mind and still know how to do

a hand dive on a diesel boat.

Remember "blow negative to the mark"?

USS SEA ROBIN SS407

I served on the Holland over a century ago.

I still serve to this day on the Trident, LA & Seawolf class boats

and look forward to shipping on the Virginia, Texas, and Hawaii.

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON SSBN598 IN HAWAII

Places like Fremantle, Rota, LaMadd, Chinhae, Pattaya, Sasebo,

Holy Loch, and Subic stir my soul.

For I am a Submariner.

USS TANG SS306

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.

USS NAUTILUS SSN571 BRIDGE

I have done every job asked of me, from Messcook to

Torpedoman to Motormac to COB to Skipper.

STIFFLER MESS COOKING ON

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON SSBN598

CHRISTMAS 1962 OFF COAST OF RUSSIA

I know "Snorkel Patty" and Admiral Rickover.

CAPTAIN JAMES B. OSBORN AND

ADMIRAL HYMAN 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 my Dolphins 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.

ADMIRAL "OZ" JAMES B. OSBORN 2004 (RIP)

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.

FIRST 41 POLARIS SUBMARINES

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.

USS SEADRAGON SS194 WWII

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.

SUBMARINE RESCUE AT SEA

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.

SLEEP WELL FOR WE ARE ALWAYS ON PATROL

"The American submariner is the main reason the bad guys rarely get to
peek under Lady Liberty's nightie and your kids don't eat sushi at school."