It was a cool morning, we were all in dress blues to man the rail. Being in First Division we were lined up along the forecastle standing at parade rest. The lines hit the water and the tug started to pull us away from the pier.
At that moment a red convertible raced up to the pier. Two very nice looking young ladies stepped out. Tossing their blonde hair back they take off on foot to get as close as they can.
Needless to say, everyone has noticed these two. Even the Captain (as I look up to my left) has zeroed in on them.
They start scanning the crew. Obviously they were looking for someone in particular and I swear the entire ship was holding its breath to hear who it would be.
Then came the call, "Chocolate Man!" "Hey Chocolate Man, we love you!" "We love you"
Everyone knew who "Chocolate Man" was. He was SR Jordan, one of my seamen in First Division.
Chief O'Connor grumbled at Jordan, something about the girls being blind. Jordan shot back something about O'Connor being old and used up.
Meanwhile the ladies kept on and on with the "We love you Chocolate Man" chant. It was funny to start with but they wouldn't shut up!
Finally Commander Burrows leaned over the bridge wing and shouted down to Jordan to, "Wave back please... do something to shut them up!"
Jordan, of course replied, "Yes sir and stepped up waving back. He shouted something like, "Chocolate Man loves you too!"
It was hilarious at the time. As I write this I can only imagine what Captain Burrows was thinking. After all the pier was crowded with sightseers, local public officials and -of course- the news media.
I guess at least two ladies in Brisbane will never forget the week Towers (and SR Jordan) spent there!
We should all strive to make the most of every opportunity for fun, and if a Navy ship’s captain can embrace the fun in a serious moment - so should we.
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