From an A B Unlimited that let his docs expire and left the industry for over 6 years. Sailed with him on the Patuxent. He was often teased by the Mates and others that sailed
with him in the pass as the most qualified OS at MSC.
It was something he didn’t mine talking about if asked. He was also a hack at night and sextant navigation. He also showed me how to find different star systems, nebulas and Andromeda by follow certain stars from from point to point with the watch binoculars.
We would often steer the ship by the stars…until the 2nd Mate asked him to stop because he would be off at times my 5 to 7 degrees. His kills and knowledge were impressive. But yea…he was an OS.
My god…those times were great. The telescope parties, the clear night skies and lost sleep!
Fond fun memories of a different time.