I lost a Shipmate and a Friend Today

torpedochief · 04-12-07, 05:53 PM

Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:48 pm Post subject: In Memorial

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/04/ap_commander_death_070410/

The war came home for me today. Death showed me who is boss, I'm not sure if it is the saddness I feel or hatred toward people such as those we are fighting, or maybe and hopefully it is pride to have known such a man.

I remember the day he checked on board. Even though he was an Officer and a non-qual, I knew at once he was one of us. He moved fast into his quals. He stood Diving Officer and Contact Coordinator. Not many Supply Officer's could come close to what this young man did. I checked him out on weapon systems, escape and rescue, high pressure air, and forward DC. He never had a lookup! I was Chief of the Watch once when we gained a high priority contact. The tracking party was stationed and it was this man who led the party and did one hell of a job.

There are those who join and wear the uniform for a while, and then there are warriors. This man was a warrior.

I'll miss you CHOP. Good and Nobel Sailor Rest YOur Oars, We Have The Watch.

MMC/SS Donald C. Meadows
Weapons Dept. LCPO
USS DALLAS SSN 700
1992-1996

04-12-07, 05:53 PM	#1
torpedochief Seaman Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 31 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I lost a Shipmate and a Friend Today Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:48 pm Post subject: In Memorial http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/04/ap_commander_death_070410/ The war came home for me today. Death showed me who is boss, I'm not sure if it is the saddness I feel or hatred toward people such as those we are fighting, or maybe and hopefully it is pride to have known such a man. I remember the day he checked on board. Even though he was an Officer and a non-qual, I knew at once he was one of us. He moved fast into his quals. He stood Diving Officer and Contact Coordinator. Not many Supply Officer's could come close to what this young man did. I checked him out on weapon systems, escape and rescue, high pressure air, and forward DC. He never had a lookup! I was Chief of the Watch once when we gained a high priority contact. The tracking party was stationed and it was this man who led the party and did one hell of a job. There are those who join and wear the uniform for a while, and then there are warriors. This man was a warrior. I'll miss you CHOP. Good and Nobel Sailor Rest YOur Oars, We Have The Watch. MMC/SS Donald C. Meadows Weapons Dept. LCPO USS DALLAS SSN 700 1992-1996 __________________ Author of OF ICE AND STEEL