Oftentimes you will hear me refer to someone as Shipmate. I would dare say most of you know I was in the US Navy many years ago. Those of us who served in the Navy have a multitude of traditions, probably more so than any other service. When I was in boot camp and they explained that back during World War II swimming was not taught in boot camp to those who could not swim. The Navy didnt think it was THAT important. That is until we entered the war and many of our ships were sank and many many Sailors died because they couldnt swim. The Navy also didnt teach firefighting until after the USS Forrestal fire in 1967 which killed 134 Shipmates and injured another 161. Why was it so bad? Most all the ships firefighters on the flight deck fighting a fire that had been started when a rocket had misfired ON DECK and went into a fully fueled Skyhawk.. then two 1000lb bombs dislodged from another waiting aircraft. One went off.. taking out most of the firefighting crew by death or severe wounds and concussions. Inexperienced Sailors responded to stop the fires and did so with great courage and valor.. many of them were also injured and some perished. After that incident the Navy started its firefighting training for Sailors in Navy bootcamp, Ill tell you first hand, its NOT for the faint of heart. They realized that EVERY Sailor needed to be able to understand how to fight fires on board ship. Since then the Navy cross-trains many rates so that the overall mission can be accomplished. What does all that mean? It comes back to my term, Shipmate. It doesnt matter what color skin, what ethnic background.. what state they come from. If someone is your Shipmate they are your brother & sister. Often it can come down to the fact that your life is in their hands, or theirs in yours. Just as soldiers or Marines do not leave someone on the battlefield.. a Sailor doesnt abandon their Shipmates. We saw this over and over during WWII when Sailors often died trying to help their wounded fellow Shipmates to safety during and after a battle. So, the next time you someone say Shipmate youll know a little of why were saying that. We are United States Navy Sailors Past & Present.. and we do not leave anyone behind.
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 14:39:30 +0000
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