PART II
THE BROTHERHOOD OF DOLPHINS, PEA SOUP & MACARONI
Once the boat is out of the harbour the diesel engines start and the boat is on its way to its patrol area. The wind is picking up and the boat starts to rock. Some new sailors turn a bit white as they are not used to the strange swinging of the boat.
Suddenly the siren goes, this means the boat has to be closed and water tight. The XO* times how long it takes for all compartments to report back that the task is done. The XO is happy with the time and makes a broadcast on the tannoy. This was only an exercise but next time you hear that siren it will be for real!
At 1130 dinner is served for the off-duty crew. As is tradition in the Navy on a Monday it is pea soup and macaroni. After dinner the off-duty crew releases the crew on duty so they can have their dinner. When dinner is cleared away, in most messes, a video is shown. Some sailors start to study for their dolphins, the proud mark that you belong to the brotherhood of the dolphins, a worldwide community of submariners.
At 1400 there is an atmosphere of calm in the boat. The off duty crew has gone to bed as they will be woken up at 1700 to have their tea and release the on duty crew at 1800. The rhythm of 6 hours on, 6 hours off has started and will last till the boat enters port again after 6 weeks.
*Executive Officer
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