U.S.S. ALTAIR AKS-32

Black Smoke - White Smoke - Don Leypoldt

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One of my favorite took place over in the Mediterranean probably back in 1954 as we were getting ready to start replenishing some of the sixth fleet. We were hoping to once again see the "BZ" fly which back them was spoken, Baker Zebra. The bridge noticed we were making some black smoke and told the engine room and they promptly over corrected a bit causing the bridge to tell the engine room they were making white smoke. Just as the engine room began to acknowledge the message, you could hear in the background the voice of the mustang Lieutenant Engineering Officer, say "Tell those goofy bastards on the bridge they are the only two colors we have". We were the best and had a lot of fun too.

Don Leypoldt LTJG (SC) 1954-1955