Naval Efficiency
A young ensign had nearly completed his first
overseas tour of sea duty when he was given an
opportunity to display his ability at getting the ship
under way. With a stream of crisp commands, he had the
decks buzzing with men. The ship steamed out of the
channel and soon the port was far behind.
The ensign's efficiency has been remarkable. In fact,
the deck was abuzz with talk that he had set a new
record for getting a destroyer under way. The ensign
glowed at his accomplishment and was not all surprised
when another seaman approached him with a message from
the captain.
He was, however, a bit surprised to find that it was
a radio message, and he was even more surprised when he
read, "My personal congratulations upon completing your
underway preparation exercise according to the book and
with amazing speed. In your haste, however, you have
overlooked one of the unwritten rules -- Make Sure The
Captain Is Aboard Before Getting Under Way."
