Walton Deck Log Entry: Jan. 1, 1953
There existed a tradition in the Navy, that on New Year’s Eve, the first entry into the Deck Log would be a poem. The poem was often written by the Quartermaster but could also be done by the Officer of the Deck, should he wish to do so, which was then approved by the Executive Officer or Commanding Officer. This was no easy task since the log entry had to have pertinent facts about the ship’s position, condition, etc.
The following is an example of a New Year’s Deck Log entry from Thursday, January 1, 1953, 00-04 hours, for the USS Walton (DE 361) written by LT J.B. Keck. I think you will agree that it is very well done. Bravo Zulu LT Keck.
Moored like a mighty Destroyer
At each spot is a standard line.
Standing port side to and outboard
Of the FOSS, DE fifty-nine.
A brand new year has reported
At this very hour and date;
And Father Time has been transferred,
A retiring old bos’un’s mate.
At this berth, Mike-1, it is noisy
Sirens all over the place,
At Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii,
On the U.S. Naval Base.
Steaming on #1 boiler
And generator to boot,
Used for auxiliary purposes
And steam so the whistle can toot.
Many units of Pac Fleet are present
As every man here will agree;
Most important of which is the WALTON,
And second the PHILIPPINE SEA.
There are craft of the yard and district
To make the picture complete.
They supply many shouting indulgees,
And SOPA in CinCPacFlt.
We remember the staff of the squadron
In the D.E. McGINTY embarked
Is ComCortRon 11 at Sail-13
And we bet that their office darke’d.
And from this sober old duty section,
Who each prefers not to be here;
But since there’s no choice-in a lusty dry voice,
We wish you a Happy New Year!
Tags: Cold War, de361, destroyer escort, Korean War, military, Navy, uss walton, WesPac