It was during a logrep (logistic Replenishment) our ship was steaming at a constant
Fifteen knots with two destroyers alongside. We were off loading supplies to both ships,
We were a general stores ship which meant we carried everything from razor blades to
Candy and smokes. Supplies needed to keep the sixth fleet happy and underway.
I was working with a deck crew by the number three hole starboard side. We had just
Received the hook back and were about to attach the third cargo net when the Claxton
Alarm sounded and the word was assed for emergency breakaway. I had seen this drill
Done many times. The number two man was supposed to hit an emergency quick release
Devise with a crowbar (known as a cro baaa to my Bonstonian shipmates) that released the
Romeo ships cable allowing it to pull away. This drill was carried out in case of loss of
Power or attack. There was too much tension on the wire so the release could not function
properly.
I put the cable under my right arm and grabbed it with both hands determined to gain
Some slack so the release would work. I was only 5 ft 6 inches and weigh 127 pounds so the
Destroyer had no trouble pulling me to the gunwale. I put both feet on the bulwark and
Was horizonal with the deck. I watched the other ship move away and the cable getting tighter.
I knew I was only seconds from being snatched overboard.
Then a booming voice from the 02 level just above out station yelled “turn the G-D
Destroyer loose mighty mouse”. It was out executive officer Commander Woodard loving
Known as Bull Moose. The not so quick release had finally worked. I threw the line over
The side. The destroyer gave a whup whup signal with her horn and moved faster to her
next drill. Boatswains Downs use to say, -War is Hell and so is the Peace time Navy-.
I was from then on, known as mighty mouse. -HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY-