Reflections of a QM

Reflections of an old Quartermaster.
I was recently in New Orleans and took a river cruise on the riverboat CREOLE QUEEN. As we got underway from the dock at the Riverwalk Mall, I quickly realized that I had been there before. I was suddenly awash with memories. 
It was Mardi Gras of 1988. USS AUSTIN was arriving there in support of the aircraft carrier, USS FORRESTAL. The big aircraft carrier was the show ship and we, as an amphibious assault ship, were there as a "hotel" ship. 
Our day started early in the morning as we approached the southwest passage of the Mississippi River. As we got closer to the mouth of the river, the water below us went from blue to muddy brown in a sharp boundary between ocean and river water.
The entire navigation team was on the bridge for this exercise. As a Third Class Quartermaster, I was on the portside bridge wing. My task was to "shoot bearings" of fixed objects on land. Bearings from both bridge wings are transferred to the plot to determine our position. The transit up the river took over eight hours. It was getting dark as we tied up by the Riverwalk Mall. Once there, most of the crew had a chance to get out and enjoy!
We weren't there to party. We were on a mission. Our ship had bunks for 400 Marines, but this week, those bunks would be used by the military marching units that were there for the various Mardi Gras parades. 

Because of all the extra personnel aboard, we also secured the services of a number a Navy reservists, mostly Mess Management Specialists (cooks), to help feed all of the extra people on board. This gave our cooks a chance to get off the ship and enjoy Mardi Gras.
While there, I enjoyed the sights, sounds, and tastes of Bourbon Street.
On my duty day, I stayed on the bridge. Like the FORRESTAL, we were open for guided tours. When ever a crewman came by with a group, I explained what the bridge was, what we did, and displayed all the equipment we used to navigate the high seas. Yes, for me, it was show time! I answered every question with enthusiasm. I made sure everyone left with a smile!
I also had the chance to do a little reading. I learned that what is now known as "the French Quarter" was also called "Le Vieux Carré" or "old square". I had no idea how to pronounce that phrase. I asked one of my shipmates, a French speaking Haitian immigrant on how to correctly pronounce the term. My guess was totally off! It is pronounced "view KAH ray".
I also had the honor of getting arrested by NOPD. I'm not gonna say what I did, but I gotta allot beads for my intrepid actions! đŸ¤£
In addition to my beads, I got a beautiful set of handcuffs. I then got put in a paddy wagon along with the other miscreants. 
At the nearby NOPD temporary substation, they determined that I was Navy. Shore Patrol had a little office at the substation and I was handed over to them. They took me back to the ship. There I got a stern scolding, after which, I went and hit the rack for the night.
A good time was had by all. We then had to get underway again. Time to go back down the river and head back to Norfolk. I was on the port bridge wing and I watched the French Quarter slip away as we steamed down the river. I shouted out, to no one in particular, "Adieu, Vieux CarrĂ©!" 
So here I am, decades later, on the upper deck of a river boat. I hobbled over to railing on the port side. With a loud, long blast of the horn, the boat got underway. I could feel the stiff cool breeze on my face and smell the engine exhaust from the stacks. Instinctively, I began to look for landmarks to shoot. Water towers, antennas, smoke stacks, etc.
For a moment or two I was back on the bridge wing of the USS AUSTIN. I could hear the splashes of water as the bow of the ship cut through the mighty river. Memories rushed back. In my mind, I could hear myself shouting, "Adieu, Vieux CarrĂ©!" as though it were yesterday. 
I was home again. Being a sailor never leaves you!

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