Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-11-24
BY KENNEDY BoARDMAN.

BY KENNEDY BOARDMAN.
(Mr. Boardman is a Y. NJ. c. A. secretary who
recently spent a few days on submarine
chaser.)
l was right on the spot when the
launch came to take Lieut. - and
me out to the ship. The boats which
make up this fieet-oficially known as
the United States patrol squadron
based on France-were formerly pri-
vately owned yachts. now turned over
to Uncle Sam and converted into high
~ efficient fighting craft. The fittings
of these oceangoing yachts were not
appropriate for a fighting ship at war.
men on board than the small crew re-
quired for pleasure cruises. So that
a great change has taken place on all
10 the converted yachts which make
up the mosquito fleet"
After little while both the con
voy"-the term applied to the group Of
merchant vessels which are conveyed
by the mosquito heet-and the other
patrol boats accompanying US were all
ready and we got under way. 1t was a
fine day. On board the talk was always
OF the CnanCc Oh getting a SuDiHdi idc
and I learned that there were several
ways of accomplishing this.
My position on the ship was a very
happy one. was in all respects
treated as a guest. and yet was accord
ed the good-hearted welcome of a fell
low "gob" by the sailors on board.
Most of the universities and colleges
of note had graduates on the boat. and
while many of them had never before
done the tasks to which they were as
signed. yet the entire machinery of the
ship moved like clockwork. One noted
with a feeling of pride in the Ameri-
can Navy discipline, the promptness
with which orders were obeyed. What
/ liked most, though. was the unceasing
alertness of the men. Not only the
men whose duty 1t was to be on watch,
but also other "gobs." who were sup
posed to be below getting their sleep.
were often on the deck straining their
spot a periscope.
Beats the Roller Coasters.
Twas invited to take the noon meal
In the wardroom with the officers.
Lieut.. who will hereafter re-
fer to as the captain-since whatever
the ship is always called the captain
assigned me to share the room occu-
pied by the doctors assistant. who
proved to be a pleasant bunkmate.
o'clock. and quite q ground swell
| was noticeable. I agreed with the apt
remark made by Fielding, one Of the
! good friends made on board: whats
| the use of paying perfectly good money
to ride on the roller coasters at Coney
Island when you can have this. indefi-
nitely. free of charger" I agreed with
him that 1t was all right. until after
had gone down below to eat supper
with the black gang" tthe boys who
the boilers amidships) and then. for
doubtful half hour l questioned the
/ Joy and fun in these unceastng dip-the-
dip sprees Canned salmon tSs, never sav dra
was given by the sailors who discov-
"oh, hello there. Y. NJ c. A.! Did
this roll get you? Well. We get some
tell you, the best way is Just to keep
| working and don't think Of It. ooh,
| how I wish could have forgotten
lit!iD That's the best cure know"
the gloom. smoking a cigarette:
| "Ain't you feeling we'll. old boy7 Say,
let me tell you. the best thing for that
e . good smoke. Ever try it7 Well.
There was no argument there. fully
agreed with him that tobacco would
| sure fix me-"
Their Lot Q Hard One.
| You would liked to have been with m.
at the table below with the BLACK
gang" These boys have q hard time
Of it, because many Of them have t.
be below. keeping the engines going
during all their waking hours, and &c
get mono Of the excitement and interest
Of watching for the enemy. There were
mixed types to be found In this group
Some were older men. experienced II
ship lore. who had Knocked around .
lot. But most Of them were quite
youuK, in the twentieS. Their quarters
are necessarily cramped and crowded
the folding hammock hunks being or
each side Of the long wooden table
where their meals are served, and the
light AFFORDED in this hole Is hardi,
suitable for reading. Here ono learni
to ask for the salt cellar by its nautica
name-"1ighthouse"- and to relish
navy beans and canned BILL" Of
course, there IL lot Of kicking abou,
the food. but 1t seems to me to b.
pretty good. substantial Chow" as tn,
"gobs" call 1t. We had "slumgullion'
(meat stew). bread and coffee. and fol
scriptivs tsFm given to tapioca pud.
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