| Following orders
: You’re taught from the beginning of boot camp that you do what you’re told to do by senior personnel. You’re not suppose to question their authority even if you doubt their abilities or choice of their command, be it maybe right or maybe wrong. You just do what you’re told when told. While beaching in Point Barrow, Alaska in 1949, seaman David Bellmard was working the stern ropes. The LCVP had taken a line from the stern and was carrying it to the beach. This was to be tied off on the beach, and when tightened, it would hold the ship to the beach as cargo was taken off. Removing the cargo would cause the ship to rise and try to get a bit sideways if not tended to properly. As the LCVP made it’s way to the beach, the ship was continuing to run the props to keep the ship's bow against the beachhead waiting for the stern to be tied off before securing. The Chief Boson mate was giving the orders as to when and how much line to heave out. Bellmard was obeying these orders and letting more and more line out as ordered. All of a sudden the line started to go out by itself fast and the line going to the LCVP rose up in the air stalling the LCVP plus more line was being pulled from the ship. The worst thing had happened …. The line had gotten caught into the props and shafts!!! Bellmard said it was tight as it could get. In fact when it got good and tight, the engines for the props almost stalled out completely before they were told of the problem and secured. They sent a UDT team to get it loose, but had to cut it off. There was no absolutely no unwinding possible. Bellmard and the Chief were to go before a group of people for an inquiry, but the Chief had some very high connections and got it cancelled. He did get transferred, but to a location for which he wanted and applied. Bellmard was caught in the middle, but luckily didn’t get any write ups, extra duty, restrictions or such. He went on to stay in the Navy and retired as Chief Storekeeper. Can't keep a good man back !!! |
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