| VOL. I | 1 JANUARY, 1942 | NO. XXX |
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SECRETARY OF the Navy Knox, .summarizing the progress of Naval research in developing the use of plastics in new armament construction, points out that plastics as such compose an extremely broad new chemical field, utilizing the most modern materials and scientific technique, and is generally recognized as the newest major industry in the United States.
In the development of the plastics industry the Navy Department, in general, and the Bureau of Ships, in particular, has been an outstanding contributor.
Plastics were first introduced at the time of the last World War. Its first applications, limited in scope, were frankly disappointing, the Secretary explained, but these first experiments gave promise of important things to come. Since the time of the last war, therefore, Naval researchers have been emphasizing their tests of plastic materials.
The first key to Naval progress in this field is the type of personnel working on the experiments. Highly trained scientists, both in Naval testing stations and in private industry, under the guidance of the Navy Department have been studying the use of plastics--and also its limitations.
The second basic element in Naval plastics development is the Navy Department's axiom, early adopted, that the U. S. Navy would never actually maks an application of plastics to Naval construction until it was known with certainty that the application would be completely successful.
Secretary Knox explained that plastics have certain definite advantages: it can often be more readily molded than metals to fit certain individual needs; it is often quicker to produce en masse than metals, and it is less subject to corrosion. The principal disadvantage at the present time is the vulnerability of plastics to scratches, and tests are being made now to overcome this flaw. In addition, of course, there are certain forms of molding which can be successfully done by use of metals and cannot as yet be accomplished by use of plastic materials.
SO LONG, 1941! You've been quite a year. And you put on quite a show. Some of your sets and scenes left me cold -- cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes. Other acts and scenes burnt me up--and I'm still sizzling! Your performance was too much on the heavy side--all tragedy and drama. No comedy. I know there's nothing comical about death, and disaster, and destruction. That was your theme--and you were stuck with it. Too bad you can't stay until the final curtain. But when ya' gotta go -- ya' gotta go. Even if it's in the middle of the third act. Well, so long, Old Timer. Don't trip on that long white beard. That's right--it's the door with the little red light over it--marked EXIT.
HELLO, 1942! Gosh, you're only a youngster! But you look as though you've got what it takes. Yes, Sir, with the grace of God and a fast outfield, you're going to do things and go places-or we're going to know the reason why! What's this crowd doing? Well I'll tell you: We've got funny names for things down here. See that group over there! We call them "DAYS" -- 365 by actual count. Those? They're "HOURS"--8,760 of them. This crowd here? They answer to the name "MINUTES"--525,600 in all. That mob? "SECONDS"--31,536,000! They're all on your team and they click like clockwork! Well, Squirt, Welcome aboard!----here's the ball start pitchin'!
THE SUN is just rising on the morning of another day, the first day of a new year. What can I wish that this day, this year, may bring to me? Nothing that shall make the world or others poorer, nothing at the ex- pense of other men; but just those few things which in their coming do not stop with me, but touch me rather, as they pass and gather strength :
A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends.
A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel the poorer.
A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays.
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed. An understanding heart.
A sight of the eternal hills and unresting sea, and of something beautiful the hand of man has made.
A sense of humor and the power to laugh.
A little leisure with nothing to do.
A few moments of quiet, silent meditation. The sense of the presence of God--
And the patience to wait for the
coming of these things, with the
wisdom to know them when they
come.-'A Morning Wish," by W. R.
Hunt.
To each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass, and a book of rules,
And each must make, ere time has
flown,
A stumbling block or a stepping
stone.
"In every circle, and truly, at every table, there are people who lead armies into Macedonia; who know where the camp ought to be placed; what posts ought to be occupied by troops; when and through what pass that territory should be entered; where magazines should be formed; how provisions should be conveyed by land and sea; and when it is proper to engage the enemy, when to lie quiet and they not only determine what is best to be done, but if any thing is done in any other manner than what they have pointed out, they arraign the consul, as if he were on trial before them. These are great impediments to those who have the management of affairs; for every one cannot encounter injurious reports with the same constancy and firmness of mind as Fabius did, who chose to let his own ability be questioned through the folly of the people, rather than to mismanage the public business with a high reputation. I am not one of those who think that commanders ought at no time to receive advice; on the contrary, I should deem that man more proud than wise, who regulated every proceeding by the standard of his own single judgement. What then is my opinion? That commanders should be counselled, chiefly, by persons of known talent; by those who have made the art of war their particular study, and whose knowledge is derived from experience; from those who are present at the scene of action, who see the country, who see the enemy; who see the advantage that occasions offer, and who, like people embarked in the same ship, are sharers of the danger. If, therefore, any one thinks himself qualified to give advice respecting the war which I am to conduct, which may prove advantageous to the public, let him not refuse his assistance to the state, but let him come with me into Macedonia. He shall be furnished with a ship, a horse, a tent; even his traveling charges shall be defrayed. But if he thinks this too much trouble, and prefers the repose of a city life to the toils of war, let him not, on land, assume the office of a pilot. The city, in itself, furnishes abundance of topics for conversation; let it confine its passion for talking within its own precincts, and rest assured that we shall pay no attention to any councils but such as shall be framed within our camp."
If any of your friends feel that they can run this war
better than our Admirals and Generals, ask them to
read this article.
From: SecNav
Action To: CinCLant, CinCPac, CinCAF, CinCUS
Adressees authorized to award and present in the name of the President Navy Cross to any person in Naval service who has or shall distinguish himself by extraordinary heroism. Adressees authorized to submit recommendations for temporary advancement Officer personnel under their command where specially meritorious conduct in action may be considered as warranting such advancement. Keep Navy Department advised of awards and submit recommendations by despatch temporary promotions to BuNav and MarCorps.
If a weed grows in your garden,
Yank it out!
If a corn begins to harden,
Yank it out!
If you've got a tooth that's achin',
There's an abcess in the makin'--
Don't Beep dreadin' it an' quakin',
Yank it out!
If you have an ingrown bristle,
Yank it out!
If you step upon a thistle,
Yank it out!
If your hat falls in the river,
If you feel a stabbing sliver,
Or a hobnail in your liver,
Yank it out!
If your foot's in the mire,
Yank it out!
If your finger's in the fire,
Yank it out!
If you find your long nose, brother,
In the business of another,
Do not hold it there and smother,
Yank it out!
-Cheer-up
The way most so-called sailors waste water, it is little wonder the ship may be required to establish washroom hours.
If some of you have no regard for engineering efficiency or ship's spirit, most of you should still realize that fresh water aboard ship at sea is precious, and that the evaporators can't make enough water for you to waste any!
So, for the benefit of first, second, third and fourth cruise "boots", we shall endeavor to explain the proper way for a sailor to take a shower; in four easy lessons. 1. Wet yourself down. 2. Turn-off the water while soaping yourself. 3. Rinse. 4. Turn-off the water and scram. P.S. If you want to linger longer than that under a shower, wait until you hit the "Y". If all hands can learn to take a shower on board as outlined above, washroom hours may be extended, to the better comfort of all of us. Be a shipmate! Be a sailor!!!
STUFF: It's not a bad idea to retain her last letter until the next arrives--- but longer than that is a waste of locker space!...Remember, a man doesn't sue for breach-of-promise...: Every tattoo every sailor gets is the last one---until the next one! ...What did Shakespeare say about we mortals? ... The Marine Detachment now has a vacancy for a sergeant field music. Better start tuning-up, boys. Incidentally, J. C.'Chesty Chester" Bagwell, is the only man in the ship who correctly uses the old time navy nickname for "bugler."
Sorry to see "Happy" Hill, transferred. May we meet again...Let's hope that the boys who played the 'stock market' have learned a lesson! ...Get "Tommy" Webb to tell you how he used to bring his own dinner into the house every day down Pensacola way!
Flag officers of the U.S. Fleet are authorized to award advancements in rating up to and including Chief Petty Officer acting appointment in recognition of especially meritorious conduct in action. Such advancements may be made regardless of vacancies and service requirements. Report by letter to BuNav such advancements with circumstances.
--------------- 25, December, 1941.
"Luke" Lukinovich: "To study harder than ever for the next exams."
"Scully" Flynn, Laundryman: "To go without shaving for awhile."
"Noisy" Orlando, HEAD Barber: "To holler louder during the coming year so everyone can hear me- --including: the anchor detail!"
"Bum Dogs" Loudani, Sheriff: "To complain no more about my 'bum dogs' "
"Kiyi Puss" Ships Store: To continue to greet the customers with a great, big, happy smile."
"Michael Angelo" Lowen, Paint shop: "I resolve not to read any more high minded magazines."
"Straight Dope" Keane, Postoffice: "To continue to put out the 'straight dope'"
"Random" McNanny, Chaplain's Yeoman: "Not to bother to keep the office so neat this coming year."
Ship's Censors, Wardroom: "Not to cut capers---much!"
Father: "When I was a little boy, I always ate the crusts."
Sonny Boy: "Did you like them, Dad ?"
Father: "Of course I liked them."
Sonny Boy: "Then you can have mine."
Drilling a batch of draftees, the sergeant saw one of them out of step. Going up to him, he tried some ancient sarcasm:
"Do you know they're all out of step except you?"
"What's that?" asked the recruit.
"I said they are all out of step except you," repeated the sergeant.
"It's not my funeral," was the answer, "you tell them. You're in charge."
Doctor: "The best thing for you is to give up drinking and smoking, get up early every morning and go to bed early every night."
Patient: (meekly) "Somehow, Doctor, I don't feel I deserve the best; what's the second best?"
Abee: "How has your brother been since he got married?''
Cedie: "Oh, well enough, but his wife treats him like one of those Grecian gods."
Abee: "Meaning what?"
Cedie: "She places burnt offerings before him at every meal."
John and Bill were duck hunting. John saw a wild duck overhead and brought it down.
Bill: "You wasted your powder."
John: "I got him, didn't I;?"
Bill: "Sure, but the fall would have killed him anyway!"
Barber: "Was your tie red when you came in?"
Customer: "No."
Barber: "Gosh;"
Lawyer: "Well, Puff, have you any money for your defense?"
Puff: "No, but I've got a mule, some chickens and a:hog or two. Will that do?"
Lawyer: "That's fine--now, let's see; what are you accused of ·stealing ?"
Puff: "Oh, a mule, some chickens and a, hog or two."
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