Flat out stolen by me from Jacksjoint.com
CGC DUANE - CHRISTMAS 1958 STATION CHARLIE
By Floyd Stormer
Contributed By His Widow, Esther Stormer. Christmas 2004
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS‘Twas the night before Christmas, no one’s very jolly
We were steaming in circles on ocean station "Charlie"
No stockings were hung, no chimneys were there
And I’d just lost the pot to a lousy two-pair
The Mid-Watch was weary, as was the O.D.
Most especially the radar man in C.I.C.
Their scopes are all dark, no aircraft in sight
For who would be flying this cold Christmas night?
Then a strange looking target shows up on the screen
Unlike any target they have ever before seen
Long, lean and narrow, and very very high
The unnatural craft is just leaping through the sky
It suddenly falters then starts a queer flight
And the G.Q. alarm shrieks in the night
"Take plane ditching stations, an aircraft in trouble
There in the fantail, lay foam on the double"
The ditch lights go over the sea lane to mark
And help bring the pilot down safe in the dark
It loses altitude swiftly as it passes O’er the ship
Then turns into the glide path like cracking a whip
The search lights are shining out into the night
As we wait for the aircraft to break into the light
His engines are quiet, no sound do we hear
Then into the light speeds six tiny reindeer
There is the sleigh all piled high with toys
Ready to be delivered to good girls and boys
"There’s Santa Claus" someone shouts with glee
But poor Santa’s hanging on as tight as can be
With a screech and a crash, they land on the deck
And poor Santa’s sleigh is a terrible wreck
Poor Santa is sobbing, he’s feeling real bad
"Oh Dear" said Santa "what a terrible fright
And I’m afraid for the children there’s no toys tonight
The harness straps broke when I just started my trip
I’d have landed in the ocean if I hadn’t seen your ship
Oh what a mess" and he started to cry
"I’m feeling so bad I wish I could die
there are thousands of children just waiting for me
And here I am sleigh wrecked out here to sea"
The crew knew their duty and when not to shirk
The picked up their tools and went quickly to work
The saws started singing, the lathe stared turning
And out on the deck the bright touches were burning
the hammers were pounding: the paint brushes flying
And a cup of hot coffee soon hushed Santa's crying
The harness was mended and thanks to the crew
The broken down sleigh soon looked brand new
The reindeer were harnessed and hitched to the sleigh
And soon dear old Santa was up and away
"On Dasher, on Dancer, on Donner and Blitzen
Heave round there you Prancer and Vixen"
And the last thing we heard as he took off like a plane
Was, "Merry Christmas to all, and God Bless the DUANE
From the Commandants Office.
FROM COMDT COGARD
TO USCGC DUANE
COMEASTAREA
CGC DUANE
Your sitrep was welcomed with shouts of good cheer
From children when told that St Nick would be here
When told of the mishap both girls and boys
Asked if St Nicholas lost any toys
We assured them that everything on board was saved
And would be delivered to kids that behaved
We are told father time with his beard long and gray
In a very few days will be passing your waY
Keep your crew on their toes and your lookouts alert
And similar mishap you many avert
FROM USCGC BIBB
TO DUANE
A salute to the savior of millions of kids
From your buddies at sea, proud of what you did
Warriors against the raging main
The valiant crew of the cutter DUANE
Who rescued the toys
For all girls and boys
By the children all nestled in bed
The highest tribute must be said
T'was the DUANE who rescued the sled
But one voice was heard to fret
"Who in hell got my teddy bear wet?"
From: DUANE
To: Commander Eastern Area
Info: All OSV’S
Sit rep #1 and final
Santa and sled and reindeer together
Ditched along side up because of bad weather
No damage to Santa but some to the sleigh
Unfortunately the foremast got in the way
Half of the crew went over the side
In an all out effort to save Santa’s hide
The whole ‘gol darned works was ready to sink
When we finally got Santa Claus out of the drink
We fed all the reindeer and patched up the sleigh
And sent old St Nicholas back on his way
So please pass the word to kids far and near
That Santa will be there on time never fear
We are sorry it happened we think it’s a shame
Merry Christmas to all from the Cutter DUANE
From: DUANE (Ocean Station Charlie)
To ALL OSV’S (Ocean Station Vessels) US, FRANCE, DUTCH, GREAT BRITAIN
Greetings from Charlie to all weather stations
To ships of our own and all other nations
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good year
Fair weather, smooth sailing and Happy New Year
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAWK
