I served on the Holland over a century ago.
I still serve to this day on the Trident,
Los Angeles & Seawolf class boats and look forward
to shipping on the Virginia, Texas, and Hawaii.
Places like Fremantle, Rota, LaMadd, Chinhae, Pattaya,
Sasebo, and Subic stir my soul.
For I am a Submariner
I rest in peace beneath many seas across this earth.
I was on the Barbel off Palawan, the Scorpion off the
Azores and the Bonefish in the Sea of Japan.
We gave them hell in the harbors a Wewak and Namkwan.
I am a Shellback, a Bluenose, and a President.
For I am a Submariner
I heard Howard Gilmore's final order, "Take Her Down."
I heard the word passed, "Underway on Nuclear Power."
I have done every job asked of me, from Messcook to
Torpedoman to Motormac to COB to Skipper,
I know "Snorkel Patty" and Admiral Rickorver.
For I am a Submariner
I have twin Dolphins tattooed on my chest and twin
Screws tattooed on my ass. I know the difference between
a Lady and a Hooker but treat both with equal respect.
I know Georgia Street and Magsaysay Drive.
And although the Horse & Cow keeps moving I will always find her.
I know the meaning of "Hot, Straight, and Normal."
For I am a Submariner
I have stood tall and received the Medal of Honor and
Been thrown in the Brig for being Drunk & Disorderly.
I know the reverent tone of "Diesel Boats Forever"
And the Gudgeon's "Find 'em, Chase 'em, Sink 'em."
I was on the Spearfish evacuating the nurses from Corregidor
And the Skate when she surfaced at the North Pole.
I have spent time in the Royal Hawaiian.
For I am a Submariner
I have gone by names like Spritz, Cromwell, O'Kane, Ramage, Breault, "Mush" and Lockwood.
I have served on boats like the Nautilus,
Thresher, Parche, Squalus, Wahoo and Halibut.
On December 7th I was onboard the Tautog at Pearl Harbor.
I was also on the Tusk in 49 and sacrificed myself
for my shipmates on the Cochino.
For I am a Submariner
I have stood watches in the cold of
Holy Loch and the heat of the South Pacific.
I know what the "41 For Freedom" accomplished.
I was on the Sealion at Cavite in 41 and
the Archerfich in Tokyo Bay in 45.
I have endured depth charges and POW camps.
I was on the Seafox when we lost five sailors
to a Japanese ambush on Guam.
For I am a Submariner
I tip beers over sea-stories with my shipmates at yearly conventions.
We toll the bell and shed a tear for our buddies
who are on eternal patrol.
Many pilots have been glad to see me, including a future president.
I have completed numerous highly classified missions during the Cold War.
Because "Freedom Is Not Free,"
be assured that I am out three at this very moment.
For I am a Submariner