I stand relieved

[HawkerHurricane]

The Watch


For twenty years
This sailor has stood the watch

While some of us were in our bunks at night
This sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch

Yes... even before some of us were born into this world
This shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would case an eye ashore and see his family standing there
Needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood that watch

He stood the watch for twenty years
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood that watch

Today we are here to say
"Shipmate... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained, Guided, and Lead
Shipmate you stand relieved... we have the watch..."

"Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Our Shipmate's going Ashore"

[never cry wolf]

1. Did you make your decision HH?

Or still pondering?

[HawkerHurricane]

8. I'm feeling foolish...

Which decision were you talking of?

[Jack Rabbit]

2. Have one on me, Hawker

. . . from an old soldier . . .
:toast:

[5thGenDemocrat]

3. You're retiring, HH?

Heartiest congratulations and a snappy salute from this ol' ground pounder!
John
I know one doesn't salute enlisted doods -- but, if you don't mind, I think you have one coming. Good job and thanks again.

[HawkerHurricane]

9. Accepted and returned

As they told me way back when, and as I taught others... a salute is mandatory to supiorior officers, but is a sign of respect that can be given to anyone... and of course, all salutes rendered must be returned.

[latebloomer]

4. Not to be disrespectful, HH

but your caption brought up the image of you finishing up at a urinal.

Congratulations!

[11 Bravo]

5. Congratulations and thanks from an ex-grunt.

Permission to go ashore. HawkerHurricane, departing.

[ewagner]

6. Congrats and thanks Hawker!

I'll bet the eyes will get just a little moist when they pipe you over the side...it's a very touching moment for all good sailors.

I watched many of those ceremonies in my youth and I'm very touched by them to this day.

[Burma Jones]

7. Thanks, Me and Mine appreciate your work

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

10. They read that at my retirement. I could hardly keep from crying

How would it have looked for BMCS to cry at his own retirement?

[HawkerHurricane]

13. Typical.

Every BMCS I watch retire cried.

A salute to the 'Boats', who make the ship work.

SM1(SW)

[bubblesby2002]

11. That's a moving tribute to sailors

my dad was in the navy and spoke often of standing watch. He was in the North Atlantic during WWII on destroyers and corvettes. He wouldn't say very much but he did say that when it was really late and he was alone he could hear the voices of all of history's dead sailors coming from the ocean.

[Catshrink]

15. My dad was also in the N. Atlantic...

He has some fascinating stories to tell. He provisioned subs. They'd lower his little boat over the side full of food and stuff and he'd have to find the sub. No lights, no cigs, just his 6th sense.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

12. Civilian here....

Thank you and thanks to all servicemen for helping keep us here at home safe.

[VelmaD]

14. Thanks Hawker

Thank you for your years of service.

Good luck in your retirement. :toast:

[Catshrink]

16. Thank you, HH...

for your service. And Congratulations!