1968 -  The Med - USS ADROIT (MSO 509) - By Al Hines USN (Ret.)

In 1968, we were doing NATO exercises with our ROYAL NAVY friends who were operating with us in the Aegean Sea.

We worked hard and played hard together. On occasion, we would 'draft' a couple of our crew members and exchange them for a couple of RN sailors to experience life aboard different ships. This action proved to be very interesting at times, especially when you happen to notice a 'Jolly Roger' flying from the ship's mast! With this signal, the TON SWEEPS would respond in 'HOT' pursuit. As they came along side, a 'Spud' and 'Water' fight with fire hose's would be the order of the day. (Didn't peel any potatoes that day) Lots of fun!

We would go on liberty together, swap items such as head covers, cigarettes, go hit the town at night! Sometimes, we would party without leaving the pier!

Once, one of my crew members, a 3rd class Radarman and I were invited aboard HMS ASHTON (a TON class minesweeper if my memory serves my right) to pass the bucket around. Once you were invited aboard a British vessel (during that time) you must remove your cover and display no rank once you entered the crews quarters. That custom was true for Officers also.

When we got below, I never in my life saw so much whiskey and food on one table. We sang and drank, and drank, and drank. Old RD3 (friend of mine) could mimic and sing just like Dean Martin. Close your eyes and if was unbelievable. The Brits loved it, and would not let up. So he had to sing until he fell.

Not long after, we all fell! When the bottles were near bottom out, they were emptied into a ‘bucket’. The bucket was passed around until empty!

If our ship had not been tied up on the same pier, I don’t think we would have made it back! Great times.