Read at RADM Fluckey’s Funeral
I Slip beneath the dark blue sea
To keep my country safe and free.
My thoughts drift back to those who dare
To play the sens with loving care.
We took a hit, the ballast won’t blow
To the bottom we surely will go.
Deep, deep deeper all the way down
Past test depth we’re bottom bound.
Eternal sleep it comes so slow
We did our part so let us go.
Closer to God we’re destined to go.
For those who died this very same way
On eternal patrol for us they do say.
The 52 boats they paved the way
Come now to heaven, I’ll show you this day.
Where all lost boats are anchored at bay.
A slick of oil upon the sea
That marks the spot where we used to be
Goodbye shipmates, farewell to thee.
I pray some day you’ll remember me.
All but gone is this boat of mine.
Guess the Lord said it’s our time.
I speak for all that pass this way.
I’m proud to have lived in the USA.
Richard B. Mendelson 1999
United States Submarine Veterans,
Canitol Base
