The engines purred, the ship sped on, hold to course 90 left of the rising sun.
She isn't a speedboat, that's for sure, but at eight or nine knots she does endure.

All hands had looked to their ship's need well and their hard work in port
     was beginning to tell.
Minor casualties were rapidly fixed with a fine stock of spares
As sweat, hard work, know how,  and pride were quickly brought to bear.
Meanwhile the cooks were doing their stuff with the skill and ability to
     serve tasty hot meals.
Although the roll of the ship scalded Whittington and sometimes set the
     messcooks back to their heels.

The radio gang had it made from the start--they had only to listen and copy skeds
But to the transmitter keys their hands couldn't dart.
However, to keep us informed of the world's current state and beat
They put out with great style the press and the puzzle and the mighty "Bool Sheet"

The ET's and sonar group were glued to their seats ensuring no discovery
     which would lead to Growler's  defeat.
Their ear-phone's and eyeballs were our first line of defense and through their

The bridge force, too, came in for some praise as their alert vigil continued for days;
And even as colder and wetter it got, they kept in good spirits and we didn't get caught.
skill we slipped through the Barrier fence.

GS and torpedomen and NW ratings made sure their weapons and gear were peaked
Just in case we should be called upon the Russian Bear's tail to tweak.
While the EN's and EM's kept the boat running and lighted
Like a 17-jewel watch, so the Captain wouldn't  get excited.
The QM's came through with the fixes that right through Adak Straits  let us
    glide with the fishes.
The Navigator said he never had  doubts--that is, when the sun, moon and stars were out.

The two stewards working with officers eleven kept mighty busy but did a job
     good enough to get into heaven.
Meanwhile the Yeo and the junior Doc requalified and worked on qualification
And did other jobs so they had no vacation.
While Doe Thompson as Chief of the Watch, kept a firm hand, steady as a rock.

The mighty "G" entered Adak in a pretty good gale, and was met by the Commissar,
But sadly,  no Quail........
Only the ingenious bearded Pierre located a date, while the others did stare.
Then after quenching several thirsts--main1y the fuel tanks' but also the
     wardroom's and crew's--
We once more set sail, some with shaky hands, red eyes, and heads about to burst.

(over)
see page two

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