ROCK-daze

Since 03-25-04

From: Jerry Bliss Date: 01 Jul 2003

Well, let's see.... I first joined ROCK as an RMSN in Oct 1958. Boy was I green! I had grand ideas of being the best RM in the fleet... Lotsa book-learning but sadly lacking in practical seamanship.

COB immediately assigned to the Deck Gang under Gunner (GM2) Ludwig - after all, we already had 13 RM's on board - I was a bit taken aback... Huh, didn't they know I had graduated at the top of the class? Raw talent ready to be put to work! (I think the ROSE twins were on the Deck Gang at that time, too - more raw talent mis-spent!) Well, at least, I was gonna be a Sailor!

I was assigned compartment cleaning in the Stern Room. Now head cleaning was not exactly what I spent the last year training for, but it was a start. I was excited about going to sea... "Sailors belong on ships; Ships belong at sea"!

Finally the day came and we got underway; enroute up the coast from SDGO to Esquimalt, BC.. Got out the Pine Sol (spelling?) and head down, butt up in the head shining that CRS Pot when we hit the first swell going out the channel at Ballast Point.... just one up and down and I tossed my cookies!

Good thing I was already in the head! (as I said, I was GREEN). Well two more days of this Rocking & Rolling up the coast and me not eating anything.... getting weaker all the time.

Sure was glad to get up on deck as a Lookout and get that fresh air! About the end of the 2nd day, I was still green, when COB Smith, gave me a little fatherly advice.... Eat something; Saltines, whatever, just get something in your stomach.

I tried it and sure enough, felt better. That night, the evening meal was Steak and trimmings.... Platters piled high like only a Submarine cook could do!

Well, I was born to eat, so I made up my mind to conquer this ancient malady of seamen. Well Smitty was right.... I had learned the secret!

I had not yet conquered it, but I was well on the way to gettng my sea legs!

Jerry Bliss, San Jose, CA