Hmm I guess that funny looking Crow I had on my sleeve for over ten years was just for show.
Were you there? Why wouldnt a ship's company Marine know whats happening? What are some of the things Marines aboard a ship of this type use for?
Maybe things like courier duty or walking around with the Captain making him look important. (Captains guard)
Its his story. And he doesnt say what duties were. But I think a Marine assigned to a cruiser. Would have a better chance of knowing whats going on that most of the ship's company.
If you want his full story. Get the book and read it. But if you must know the reason he gives for the Northampton being delayed. Is they were conducting carrier towing exercise with the Enterprise And later refueling Destroyers in rough seas.
An aft line parted and fouled there screws. So they had to send divers over the side to unravel the mess
And yes I can see a dispatcher telling them to delay entry to the next day instead of opening the nets at night.
OK you tell us were was the Enterprise due to tie-up.
Japanese pilots were ordered to ignore the UTAH.
Yes I have read those other books. And just because there the big official book dont mean everything there is the gospel truth.
If you take the time. You will find out you can learn more about history thru oral historys Than the official storys.
Yes they can contain errors too. But put together with others and the official ones. A more accurate picture emerges.
There are other accounts that backup what he says.
http://www.lkwdpl.org/lore/lore45.htm
http://www.chiseledincloth.com/cgi/YaBB.pl?board=nora_cat;action=display;num=1091630730
You just may not have the whole story of why the Enterprise was late.
http://www.chiseledincloth.com/NHamptonnavigation.html