The storm ...

From its formerly glassy smoothness, the dark blue water turned a dismal gray as swells began to rise.  A gust of wind carried a couple of sailors’ hats into the drink, which elicited colorful oaths from the hat-less men.  Our previous experience with a typhoon taught us sailors respect for the combination of wind and water, which raised an ominous sense of foreboding in those of us standing on the weather deck.

A penetrating chirp from the boatswain’s pipe was immediately followed by the command, “All hands heave around and trice up!  Prepare immediately for severe weather!  Secure all loose gear on weather decks and below decks.  Air crew, double-check all aircraft lashings on hangar deck and flight deck.”

All interest in fantail swordfish immediately vanished.

“Aw, man, I’ve had enough of these blasted blows!” Smitty complained.  “I hope to heck it ain’t a bad one.” 

“The aerographers must’ve stumbled onto some scary news,” VanWoodrow Wiggs offered.

Occasionally, a sailor will admit that he is totally afraid of water, even when the sea is glass smooth.  Usually, they just bluster and blow a lot of hot air about toughing things out.

The commands to secure the ship were repeated as sailors dashed from one area to another in compliance with the commander’s orders.  Each airplane, already secured to steel pads on the flight deck by three half-inch steel cables from each landing gear, were reinforced by manila line at each landing gear.