~ LIFE ON A NAVAL SHIP ~
by Rufus C. Porter
Retired US Navy Captain
contributed by Warren Law

Duty in a warship cannot be compared to that in any other branch of military service. The reason is that there is no non-operational, off-duty base area. Unlike any other military unit, a ship's company not only stands duty but also works and lives in the same single confined space from where there is no retiring. It is their home, but a home which is subject to the perils of the sea and the violence of the enemy. Whether it be the fury of a typhoon, the danger of fire or collision, or hostile action, all hands are exposed all of the time. What happens to one happens to all.

Those who spend long months and years together in a ship become closely knit by their many shared experiences, both good and bad. Each has learned that he must depend on others and that others depend on him for the well-being and safety of everybody. Mutual trust, dependence, and mutual respect are reflected in the term "shipmate." Because of its unique connotation, it is a term that has no equivalent.

December 11, 1944

Executive Officer of the USS Reid (DD369)

Lt. Rufus C. Porter

Now a Retired Navy Captain

Home Page | 7 December 1941 | Survivors Roster | Purpose & Prayer | Site Links

Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Portland, OR Chapter
Remember Pearl Harbor. . . Keep America Alert!