The Merchant Marine Express

We’re currently in ’standby’ to get underway.

We were about to depart last night, but things were delayed- for what reason, there are lots. I didn’t care- I was asleep and awaiting a phone call that never happened until mid-morning at 3am (0300). I am now on Watch, relieved the 2nd Mate (Officer) of his 20-hour day. The ship has finished cargo and is already to go- just awaiting word.
Our cargo loading was an experience that I learned some more of what to do- and what not to do. I witnessed my first “helo” load (helicopter) and the sight of helicopters wrapped in white cellophane is an unusual sight. Most of the days loading cargo are spent in the lower holds, supervising the operations and watching out for damage to the ship from moving vehicles bumping along the interiors. In some cases, a large truck had brushed along one of our Water-tight doors that slide along a track- invariably causing some damage, but not enough to render the door, useless. The lashing “gang” are supervised, as well. They are a bunch of hired longshoremen who are tasked to “lash” the cargo, in place by using large hooks and turnbuckles; adjustable hook devices that secure a section of cargo to the decks of the ship. In many occasion, the turnbuckles are not tightened enough and have to be tightened down some more by the same Lashing gang. However, these uneducated, relentless individuals may challenge such a request and that is when I have to step in and say, ” You do it, or get off the ship”. The cargo “load-out” had gone slowly, and at times, we didn’t think the operations would finish before Tuesday. There was a lot to be finished before we could sail. Many things hadn’t been “secured for sea” and it was just hours before our intended departure.
On Monday, I made some time to visit a relative, who is a second Cousin of my father. “Rabie” as he likes to be called, travelled from Algeria four years ago, and came to America. He has a wife, Linda, and two children, Kenza and Maarmar. I arranged on Sunday to have a visit on Monday. And as soon as I finished work on Monday, Rabie came by the Cargo Terminal and picked me up with his ten year old son, Maarmar. I was whisked away in their friend’s Taxi-cab, since Rabie drives for a taxi company, and soon we were at his apartment along the south-side of Philadelphia. The neighborhood was situated within the Italian “Section” of town, apartment buildings as far as you can see along the street. The streets were very narrow and had a clean look to them. Just a few blocks away, though, some of the run down neighborhoods had a lot of garbage strewn along the sidewalks. Nonetheless,The entrance to the house was up a couple of stairs from the street level and then up a stairway to their apartment on the second level.
Inside the apartment, Linda and six year old Kenza were waiting anxiously and each gave me a kiss on each cheek and a hug…customary of the European and middle eastern tradition, in place of a handshake. Lunch was ready, and I was presented with an Algerian feast! Cousin Linda had prepared a Lamb stew w/ vegetables atop hand-made Couscous that was essentially Semolina wheat formed into bits of pasta-like food. She also made a soup that they call, “Shourba” and was tomato based that had bits of pasta w/ lamb.

I was sure stuffed and the lunch was completed with some mint tea,Baklava and fruit.
I only had a couple hours left before I had to go back to the ship, but we had enough time to take a tour of the city! The family showed me the downtown, driving past where many places in history stood for tourists to visit. The Liberty Bell and the Constitution were in their respective Museums for all to see. The downtown was sprawling with business and wondeful architecture in the form of buildings, monuments and water fountains dotted the city. The local National Art Museum was located on Kelley Avenue and an exhibit of the “Titanic” was being held at the Franklin Museum.

I noticed that “Philly” had all sorts of parks and water fronts for people to walk or run. The river, Schuylkill, run through the downtown and towards the South-winding through a Valley of lush vegetation. Rabie drove along the water and the scenery was very much like what I remembered from living in Pasadena..primarily lots of trees and landscape that set you in an atmosphere that took you “away” from the bustling city life. What I imagined Philly to be, seemed to be the opposite! Quite the place for someone to venture outdoors. A true metropolitan town with many cultures represented,as well.

Soon, I needed to return to the ship,though, and the family reluctlantly headed back.Yet, I was presented with some left-overs from Lunch so I could have some to put in my refrigerator to enjoy at a later time. After dropping off the wife and daughter, Rabie and Maarmar drove me back to the ship and wished me a good voyage. I took down Uncle Rabie’s email address and he welcomed me back to Philadelphia “any time”.

I was able to get back soon enough to get the rest I needed for one last day of Cargo Operations.
What a chance and a great time! I will be back to Philly- thanks to my cousins!

Tags: USNS Charlton