We Will Never Forget
This Day brings a feeling of sentiment and sorrow to whom most folks in America, continue to pay homage to those whose lives were tragically taken at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and onboard those United Airlines Flights on September 11th, 2001. We continue to remember what events panned out on the fateful day back in 2001 in New York, Pennsylvania and District of Columbia and whose lives it affected.
I was onboard a TAGOS vessel returning from Iceland as we stopped for a crew change out just a day or two prior to the Eleventh, all the while, the Second Mate receiving word while monitoring short-band radio, on his Twelve-to-Four Watch not anticipating anything negative but what latest news or information regarding global alerts rambled over the faint yet readable transmission through the crackle and screeches of the small radio set within the confines of the cramped bridge.
I was taking a noon nap or ‘Nooner’ as we Mariners call it, when the Chief Mate knocked on my stateroom door alerting me to the situation as it unfolded. I think he said something to the effect, ” The United States is being bombed and all hell is breaking loose in New York!, Nate!”
We had dropped off the Military Detachment in Iceland days before as our main gear onboard the ship rendered inoperative and we headed for home a bit dejected as our mission was essentially over. Apparently it was later found to be a short in the electronics which kept the machinery from operating correctly. The group of young First Class Sailors were to eventually return to Boston on the evening of the Ninth, departing for other cities throughout the Eastern Seaboard, the next day. Their outcomes all reported to be positive.
Additionally, our south-westerly course towards Norfolk was altered due to approaching weather from the Mid Atlantic; A series of tropical storms and a manifesting Hurricane were on our minds and the Captain ordered an alteration towards Africa. This was our primary concern- to outrun or divert from anything imminent! What is happening on the home front takes second place.
As I recall, A lone transiting cargo ship made radio contact with our vessel that night of the Eleventh as it was destined for New York. I replied with, “..I’m not sure if you know, but it seems that New York may not be there when you arrive. Be safe and good luck!.”
Our eventual port call two weeks later into Norfolk, Virginia was one that most onboard sensed a mood which had changed, as security had been ramped up like it was in a state of war. None of us onboard had made any visual account at this point of what occurred back weeks before, and the Virginian port was bustling with extra personnel, searching and using wands to detect anything suspect on every visitor, approaching the docks.
I put into perspective our vulnerability in life, yet our will to prosper and rebound after such a horrible tragedy is essential. We remember and learn by what happened and move on-to live our lives to the fullest! Who knows what can happen.
Have a great day folks!
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