Kevin Bemel ·
You Can Sleep Better – Because They’re on Patrol
I miss being with the submarine squadron. Almost every sailor there pulsed with purpose. They were bright, hardworking, and committed. While I have written a couple of times about riding a submarine, I think you will find this story different.
One of our boats was tasked with performing a burial at sea. Seven submariners were going on eternal patrol.
True to their calling, the boat’s leadership committed to doing an exemplary job. So I got a call, “Rabs, what do you know about burials at sea? Can you meet with us tomorrow?” They planned it out step-by-step in writing. We rehearsed it dockside. Special equipment was bought or borrowed. Rifles were cleaned and the bugle shined. Uniforms prepared. The captain sharpened up his video directing and editing skills so the next of kin would have a poignant memento.
Like my other adventures, it started on a Friday. The ocean is never so busy as when boaters see a submarine on the surface. But we could not perform the ceremony until they were a suitable distance away since rifles would be fired and shell casings retained to give to loved ones. The crew was not amused by my suggestion to launch a torpedo in the general direction of the intruders.
As I stood on the deck I noticed most of the hands were wearing their black work boots with their Service Dress Blues rather than the prescribed black oxfords. This puzzled me until the captain pointed out the sea state. Moments later a wave too big for the boat’s deck dampeners hit, filling my shoes with water. Challenged to maintain proper dignity with wet, squishy feet, the ceremony began.
The captain spoke movingly. Rifle shots sounded sharply as late afternoon drew on. Ashes were committed to the deep and blessedly the wind did not change direction. Decorously the flag was lowered and folded. To my surprise, I had a lump in my throat and felt tears begin to well.
What a profound demonstration of excellence. Though witnessed only by G-d and a few sea birds, these sailors treated their deceased colleagues with magnificent stateliness. No wonder they are charged with handling among the most delicate aspects of our national security.
Question – How do you maintain peak performance when no one is keeping track?
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