LIFE AT SEA

 At the time of my sea experience, I was only out for one full year before I was ordered to return to the laboratory. However, as evidenced by the frequent posting, that was a memorable year. It was especially nice for an old amateur radio operator to be paid to do what I did as a hobby.  The life of a radio operator on a one-operator ship was really delightful.  As a ship’s officer, we would dine sumptuously at the captain’s table. When in port, the only duty was to check and be sure the batteries were charged.  Beyond that we were free to sight-see the whole time the ship was in port. We didn’t need hotel because the ship was always there to welcome us back. On the SS Mexican after it was fitted for war service they converted the captain’s quarters for the radio room and operator’s state room. These were immediately below the bridge and had wonderful view over the bow of the ship. My bunk was cross-ways below the port holes. After the war started and our transmitting equipment was sealed my only duty was to copy weather reports and of course, news. The rest of my shift could be spent propped up in my bunk reading and enjoying the view out of the port hole.