Welcome Aboard,
This section of the Providence Website allows sailors the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas on selected topics of interest.

Below are comments from Providence sailors who served onboard from
1945 to 1973.
Sam Villa
Webmaster

Topic

MASTER & COMMANDER

11/16/04

I am watching the movie on TV and thought about you.

A young shipmate just fell off the mast into the sea..man overboard was
called...he was hanging on to part of the mast that broke off the ship but
still being dragged...it was starting to act like a sea anchor and
compromising the integrity of the ship with danger to the ship and
crew...the Captain knows that he has to cut it away to save the ship but
cutting away will mean the end for the lad overboard...a moment of
realization for the Captain and crew...the Boatswain's Mate takes the lead
and does what has to be done...he retrieves a axe and starts to chop away at
the lines that connects to the dragging debris and young mate...a lump in my
throat..doing what has to be done...we are sometimes called upon to perform
beyond ourselves...

"The most versatile member of the US Navy crew team is the Boatswain's Mate
(BM). Boatswain's Mates are masters of seamanship. BMs are capable of
performing almost any task in connection with deck maintenance, small boat
operations, navigation and supervising all personnel assigned to a ship's
deck force. BMs have a general knowledge of ropes and cables, including
different uses, stresses, strains and proper stowing. BMs operate hoists,
cranes, and winches to load cargo or set gangplanks, stand watch for
security, navigation or communications."

Hats off to you all,

Sam Villa
Webmaster

11/16/04

Subject : RE: Master + Commander
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I've been reading that series of books off and on for about 5 years or so.
It's a really great series of stories, but not for the faint of heart. The
stories were toned down a little for the movie. One interesting point.
These stories are all true. They were researched from old logs, trial
transcripts, and British admiralty papers.

Jack Reighley

11/16/04

Subject : Re: Master + Commander
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To add to this message,
While working on the Flag Bridge of the Prov. I remember looking down at CWO
Bosen Craft standing on the ships folksill giving hand instructions to the
ships bridge on where to steer and where to drop anchor in many ports where
accurate harbor charts could not be relied on. Bosen Craft could steer us
and land us in heaven, never mind tie a knot!!

Al Pelletier , formally RD2nd class serving with Com 7th Fleet aboard the
greatest fighting flag ship, the USS Providence CLG-6.

11/16/04

Subject : Re: Master + Commander
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...after reading your letter I'm ready to do another 20 year.

Bill McCubbin

11/16/04

Subject : Re: Masters + Commander
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Well said, Sam. Boatswain's Mates are the only rating in the Navy who do not rely on computers. Boatswain's Mates are Seaman. They are leaders.

Al Olsen

11/16/04

Subject : Re: Master + Commander
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Hear, Hear, Sam. We should respectfully acknowledge the skill and fortitude
of the boatswain's mate. I enjoyed being Ship's Doctor to all, while I was
aboard. Thank God for the boatswain's mate!!

Harry Bennert
(Ship's Doctor 1967- 1969)

11/16/04

Subject : Re: Master + Commander
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Bill and Sam -- It's a darn good thing the Navy has BMs and QMs or they
would never get the big stick to the party... Since I came out of Cal
Maritime Academy where seamanship and navigation were the main focus of
our training I was shocked to see that the other Jr Officers in my bunk
room knew next to nothing about either subject.

These skills are as old as Merchant and navy ships that have been going to
sea centuries ago. There is no substitute for Good Seamanship. - For those
in peril on the sea - send'm a good BM and the hand of the Lord.

Jim Cozine

11/17/04

Subject : Re: Masters + Commander
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Sam:
Bravo...But do he know where the FLOOR is on the ship?
Red
(Clyde R. Stephens)

11/17/04

Subject : Re: Masters + Commander
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Red,
You present a challenging question.
Your shipmate always,
Sam

11/17/04

Subject : Re: Masters + Commander
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Sam:
Gotcha...
You should also have one on your boat...
The lower most portion of the ship, down next to the keel is called
the "FLOOR". Davy Jones Sez.. Noah Had One also.
Take care
Red

11/17/04

Subject : Re: Masters + Commander
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Gee Whizzzz,
I am not expected to know stuff like that. I was an FT assigned to Missile systems.

The only BM type duties I ever had were working parties during Underway Replenishments at sea, Liberty call and singing sea chanties after a good night of drinking.

Respectfully yours,
Sam

11/17/04

Subject : Re: Masters + Commander
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From: Reddstep@aol.com Save Address | Headers
To : <sam@star77.com>
CC :
Date : Wed, 17 Nov 2004 11:43:08 EST
Subject : Re: Masters + Commanders
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Sam:
I thought about it and maybe some background in my "FUNNY REMARK."
In 1936, at the young age of 12, I really got to know a sailor or sorts.
My Dad was US Army and my Uncle was US Navy during WW1.
My uncle retired in 1936 as a GM2/c. We spent much time together and
I learned to love the NAVY. No problem when W.W.II started there was
only one place for me.
Now to the FLOOR.
If you can come up with a copy of Naval Orientation of December 1948,
on page 189 you will come upon a "Structure of a Cruiser."
In the lower most portions of this drawing you fill find terms such as Stiffener,
Flat Keel, "A" Strike, Rider Plate, Inner Bottom Plating "Open Floor" and
another Floor with arrow pointing to a Longitudinal.
Year ago a singer made a comic recording of "It's In The Book," It's In The
Book, Really.
Take care
Red

Red,

As you talk about the hull, I am reminded of my Holiday Sloop and noticing the rusty metal and salt water sitting in the bilges.

I can see that all those braces and metal connections must have had names to ID them.

The salt water seemed to cure the rust and actually the salt water helped maintain the integrity of the wood hull on my sloop. The hull must have swelled up enough to reduce the leakage.

In regard to "its in the book", I guess there are 3 good books..
..BM Book..Blue Jackets Manual..and the Bible.

Our country is honored by your service and the military tradition of your family. You have a lot to be proud of....You were a Master in your time.

Sam

Sam:
One last word.
Had we been on Pro at the same time, with your humor and my good looks
we would not have had time for work details. When you are in the brig on
limited rations (wine and cake) you don't get any details except before the
Mast. Some skippers had a sense of humor but not many.
Take care
Red

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