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Dear Dad,
Well, we are still out at sea, with little direction as to what our next priority is. The
remainder of our port visits, which were to be centered around max liberty and goodwill to
the United Kingdom, have all but been cancelled. We have spent every day since the
attacks going back and forth within imaginary boxes drawn in the ocean, standing
high-security watches, and trying to make the best of our time.
It hasn't been that fun I must confess, and to
be even more honest, a lot of people are
frustrated at the fact that they either can't be
home, or we don't have more direction right
now. We have seen the articles and the
photographs, and they are sickening. Being
isolated as we are, I don't think we
appreciate the full scope of what is
happening back home, but we are definitely
feeling the effects. About two hours ago the
junior officers were called to the bridge to
conduct Ship handling drills. We were about
to do a man overboard drill when we got a
call from the LUTJENS (D185), a German
warship that was moored ahead of us on the
pier in Plymouth, England. While in port, the
WINSTON S CHURCHILL and the
LUTJENS got together for a sports
day/cookout on our fantail, and we made
some pretty good friends. Now at sea they
called over on bridge-to- bridge, requesting
to pass us close up on our port side, to say
goodbye.
We prepared to render them honors on the bridge wing, and the Captain told the crew to
come topside to wish them farewell. As they were making their approach, our Conning
Officer announced through her binoculars that they were flying an American flag. As
they came even closer, we saw that it was flying at half-mast. The bridge wing was
crowded with people as the Boatswain's Mate blew two whistles- Attention to Port- the
ship came up alongside and we saw that the entire crew of the German ship were
manning the rails, in their dress blues. They had made up a sign that was displayed on
the side that read "We Stand By You".
Needless to say there was not a dry eye on the bridge as they stayed alongside us for a
few minutes and we cut our salutes. It was probably the most powerful thing I have seen
in my entire life and more than a few of us fought to retain our composure. It was a
beautiful day outside today. We are no longer at liberty to divulge over unsecure e-mail
our location, but we could not have asked for a finer day at sea. The German Navy did an
incredible thing for this crew, and it has truly been the highest point in the days since the
attacks. It's amazing to think that only a half-century ago things were quite different, and
to see the unity that is being demonstrated throughout Europe and the world makes us all
feel proud to be out here doing our job. After the ship pulled away and we prepared to
begin our man overboard drills the Officer of the Deck turned to me and said "I'm staying
Navy." I'll write you when I know more about when I'll be home, but for now, this is
probably the best news that I could send you. Love you guys.
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Urban Legend Zeitgeist: We Stand By You: Example