When I reported aboard the gator
I was assigned to the black gang
Snipe is what they called me
It has a magical ring
I lay below to my station
And was introduced to the Chief
Boy he said, with a scowl on his face
You got the next watch relief?
Show me what you got he said
And a long list of questions began
And all my training and practice
Would either save me or be my end.
One by one he grilled me
It seemed to take many ages
He questioned me about valves, switches and pipelines
And the endless number of gauges.
What must you do if this happens?
And what would be the cause of this?
When the bridge asks for flank speed
Do you think the engines can take the risk?
When this here gauge says zero or this one reads one hundred and ten
What is your next step boy?
We went over things again and again.
If the ship had a port list, show me what to do
Which valve and pump must go on line?
To bring her back to true?
What if the fire main pressure is low?
or number two generator is off line?
The bridge is calling for ahead slow
What rpms should the shafts be making this time?
What if the starboard engine is smoking?
Or there is a vacuum leak on the port?
It seemed he never would stop
I feared I would go on report.
If you think your gonna touch these engines
Without knowing what to do, you got another think coming
You gotta know em through and through.
After what seemed a lifetime
He looked at me with a grin
I think you know your s*** son
It is time for your watch to begin.
We dont let rookies down here
There is just to much at stake
Only a stout hearted sailor
Will have what it really takes
A ship can not function without its snipes
Unless the deck apes prefer to row
We have come a long way from unfurling sails
To get where we need to go
I may never see the sunshine
Or stand watch above the main deck
But snipes are the muscle of the Navy
And that gives us lots of respect.
bob pointer
LST 325
This message has been edited by FTG2 on May 15, 2010 9:31 AM
