Everyone remembers the floating wire. About a 1000 feet of this cable was reeled out through water tight
fitting. This floating antenna was our main source of receiving communications while on patrol. Every once in
awhile we would lose a section of wire. Usually cut by the boat's propeller. This loss of cable length would
affect communications and had to be repaired immediately. This reel of wire, the fitting and all connections were located
in the boat's sail. Someone had to go up into the sail and make the necessary repairs.
This was radio's equipment.
Being a radioman I had gone up into the sail to make repairs a few times. The first time I went up by myself.
The second time it was decided to also send an EN up. I knew the basics of the wire, the connections, and how to feed
the cable out or reel it in. The EN would have more experience with the mechanical equipment if something happened.
Max got the call.
This was Max's first time doing this.
We went up into the sail. A tight
fit for two people. I positioned myself by the reel and Max had to climb up the ladder leading to the top of the sail. A
short ways up just so we fit better. Once we were in position the hatch leading down into the control room was pulled
down and secured by someone below. Now this wasn't my favorite place to be. It did[n't] seem to be Max's favorite either.
Our conversation went something like this.
" I don't like this" Max said a few times.
"why do they have to close the hatch"
Even being a little nervous myself he had me laughing.
I figured I would have some fun with Max.
"Just in case it floods in here" I answered.
I started to reel in the floating wire and Max said "wait" "what keeps the water from coming in after
the wire is pulled in"
I said "you do"
"I don't like this"
We would talk about that time at the reunions and have a laugh. When the reunion was over we would hug. "I
love you Max"
"I love you Rock"
"See you at the next reunion".
I will
miss seeing Max. But I will smile when I think of him
On the next patrol, when I am asked to go up and repair
the wire, sorry Max, I'm going to insist you come with me.
Courtesy of Rockie Graziano, RM1(SS)