Posted on 07/01/2014 7:49:59 AM PDT by Saint X
As a flotilla of naval vessels from around the world participates in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) to sustain relationships in the maritime community, a century ago this week international navies converged for a remarkably different occasion—to drink the last of the U.S. Navy’s supply of alcohol. On July 1, 1914 the ships of the U.S. Navy officially became dry under General Order No. 99.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.usni.org ...
I remember my General Orders....................
General Orders USMC Sentry Duty:
1. Take charge of this post and all government property in view.
2. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls [from posts]more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
5. Quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, Officers, and Non-Commissioned Officers of the guard only.
7. Talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions.
10. Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
11. Be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority
Condensed version:
To walk my post from flank to flank, and take no shit from any rank................
That is why sailors try to drink enough to last them a while when on liberty.
Ahh, memory lane....
I seem to remember reading the newspaper article when the British Navy rolled out the rum cask for the last time.
Probably around 1970 or so.
Had a “beer day” aboard my destroyer on our 46th consecutive day at sea in the Indian Ocean. Had to authorized by Fleet Command and we had to be more than five days from next liberty port. Was hardly worth it though. We were served San Miguel outta the PI.
We were served San Miguel outta the PI....I spent 15 months in the PI and drank many each day I was there. Never had two that tasted the same. Wonderful brew.
Thereafter, the sole “drug” of the US Navy became coffee, which sailors derisively named “a cup of Joe” after the hated Secretary of the Navy, Josephus Daniels. He is still despised to this day.
Reading that, I hear R. Lee Ermey’s voice in my head, speaking loudly, especially the last line.
Hope Josephus Daniels is rotting Hell.
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