April 01, 2011
"Haul down the colors and secure the last watch"
Ship commissionings are a big deal in a Navy town as are de-commissioning when a ship is retired and removed from the active fleet. USS Nassau (LHA-4) hung up the cleats yesterday after 31 years of service. Via the local fishwrapper.
This from the Navy Hymn seems appropo:
" . . . When at last her course is run,
Her work for God and country done,
Of all the souls that in her have sailed,
Let not one life in Thee have failed,
But hear in heaven our sailors cry,
And grant eternal life on high!"
Fair winds and following seas to that big grey lady, her crew, past and present, and to all the Marines who embarked upon her.
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