It isn't shore leave, but the
US Navy's renown for the com-
fort of a ship's company is a
lesson to us all, need I say.
And really nowhere does the
fleet's genius for the genial
delectations of a voyage draw
greater delight than in cros-
sing the international date-
line. On such occasions, the
most junior officer on board,
who has not yet leapt the cal-
endar this way, is commanded
to serve the officers and men
a commemorative sweet, which
we take to be a salutary prac-
tice under any circumstances.
Beneath this portrait from a
pleasant naval service, slept
my English Cocker, Whit, for
his whole life; and possibly,
in time, a new incumbent will
succeed him in commanding his
own biscuit from that perch.
I, for my part, draw endless
satisfaction from the faces
of the crew, enjoying such a
respite with tradition's qui-
et ceremony. I remark, that I
respect this, because I see,
their servant did.
To your day, Sailor.
United States Navy
USS Goldsborough, 1967
