Navel Blunder
A young ensign had nearly completed his first overseas tour of sea duty
when he was given an opportunity to display his ability at getting the
ship under way. With a stream of crisp commands, he had the decks
buzzing with men and soon, the ship had left port and was streaming out
of the channel.
The ensign's efficiency has been remarkable. In fact, the deck was
abuzz with talk that he had set a new record for getting a destroyer
under way. The ensign glowed at his accomplishment and was not all
surprised when another seaman approached him with a message from the
captain.
He was, however, a bit surprised to find that it was a radio message,
and he was even more surprised when he read, "My personal
congratulations upon completing your underway preparation exercise
according to the book and with amazing speed. In your haste, however,
you have overlooked one of the unwritten rules -- Make sure the captain
is aboard before getting under way."