A young ensign had nearly completed his
first overseas tour of sea duty when he was given an opportunity to display his ability at
getting the ship under way. With a stream of crisp commands, he had the decks buzzing with
men. The ship steamed out of the channel and soon the port was far behind.
The ensign's efficiency has been
remarkable. In fact, the deck was a buzz with talk that he had set a new record for
getting a destroyer under way. The ensign glowed at his accomplishment and was not all
surprised when another seaman approached him with a message from the captain.
He was, however, a bit surprised to find
that it was a radio message, and he was even more surprised when he read, "My
personal congratulations upon completing your underway preparation exercise according to
the book and with amazing speed. In your haste, however, you have overlooked one of the
unwritten rules. Make sure the Captain is aboard before getting under way!"
