In The Navy (On the Boat), Part 24

Before we got into port, we were all called to a meeting on the Mess deck. We were instructed that we were considered “US ambassadors” in this country and had to behave as such. We were told not to try to mimic the accent or language, we would just make people mad. We had to go to a certain bank to get the right currency and got a crash course in what a Pound and Pence were. We were also warned about thieves and hookers. Come in groups (pun intended there) and be wary of the locals in general.

We arrived in Faslane without any fanfare. The first day it was late, so everyone just headed up to the Base pub. They had music and it was really crowded with all of us in there. The warm brew was new to me, but it was ok. It didn’t take long before we were talking to some of the British (Scottish) sailors that happened in and everyone was getting along great.

If you don’t remember me mentioning Red before, he was the tall blonde A-Ganger. He was the first one to get out of control, usually was. He started getting loud and belligerent with our hosts. It wasn’t long until some brit MPs came in to take him back to the Boat. Of course a few guys had to oppose that and mayhem ensued. Some of us were trying to calm things down and others were stirring the pot. Soon the lights were turned on very bright and the music was shut off.

We got tossed out. All for the best I think. We had collectively completed the mission for this short night and headed back to the Boat. I hung back with a few Brit sailors as we walked and found out their names and what Boat they were on. I said we would come over and visit before we left.

The next morning, the weather had broken and we headed into town. After a quick pit stop at the local bank for some local currency, we were on our way. I will note that a lady at that bank was the first rude Brit to call me a “Yank”. A 20 minute train ride and we were in Glasgow. We caught some breakfast in a small side street restaurant, it was different. Never had a ½ green tomato, pan fried. It was all greasy, but very good. We needed the protein anyway having practically starved to death.

We walked on the outskirts of the city, hitting little shops along the way. We picked up some nice knick knacks for gifts when we got back. I snagged a special edition large paperback of Lord of the Rings. It had all three books and a ton of unique references and an extensive glossary. The book was about 5 inches thick. I still have it.

Dyke, Pete and I wandered till mid day and grabbed some Fish N Chips near a wharf. It was wrapped in news paper and doused only in malt vinegar. It was the greatest and freshest thing I had ever eaten.

I have glossed over Pete up till now (an oversight). He was a bit taller than me and was also on the FT team. He joined after I did by a few months. Dyke and I knew Pete from school. He was a simple guy and was always smiling. It didn’t take much to make him smile or frown, but he smiled much more often. I don’t think he was capable of lying, if that explains him at all.

We were out taking in the City. As we moved closer to the center we were struck at all of the historical looking sites that were just average businesses and shops. Some looked like they should be in a Museum. I suppose it’s the difference of coming from a country barely 200 years old and one that is10 times that and more.

We stayed out of trouble the whole time. We hit a few good pubs, got headaches. Had some dinner. Hit more pubs and got more headaches. It was great fun! The train ride back to the base seemed to take forever and there were some punks on there (yes, like out of the Sex Pistols days) that wanted to be menacing. They failed though.

We got back and crashed. The next morning I had to work on the Boat, but got off in the late afternoon. I grabbed some junk off the Boat (literally junk) and a few guys and I headed over to the Brit sub to do some trading. I think JT was with us, because I was new to this trading business.

I had a nearly worn out green foul weather coat, American smokes and a few odds and ends. We came on board and got a tour of the Boat. It was painted much brighter than ours was, lots of white and cream colors. I was a bit shocked to see Mk 48 torpedoes on board, but got the low down on that deal later.

We got to business trading and this red haired Chief kept showing us medals and other trinkets. He had taken a liking to the coat I had brought. He kept adding things to what he wanted to trade and I kept passing. I wasn’t interested really. Then he pulled out an Ensign (flag) and I was ready to deal. We made a straight up trade for the flag, with the coat. A few trinkets got tossed around, but that was the main thing. Did I mention we were drinking beer out of a keg while this was going on? They keep kegs ON THE BOAT! I joined the wrong Navy….

I wound up going with the Chief back to his house to meet the family, which was interesting. His kids kept giving me words to say, so they could hear a Yank say it. I guess it was ok. We had a snack there and went back to the base.

We had to load stores for the trip home the next morning, so I turned in.