Ahoy Shipmates

I found this great read again whilst surfing.

Thought it was a thought provoking (Non PC) read. LOL

Why We Call a Ship a She !
By Rear Admiral Francis D. Foley, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Naval History, December 1998

A salty retired U.S. Navy flag officer shuns the current trend toward
polical correctness.Ships are referred to as "she" because men love
them, but this encompasses far more than just that.

Man-o'-war or merchantman, there can be a great deal of bustle about
her as well as a gang of men on deck, particularly if she is
slim-waisted, well-stacked, and has an inviting superstructure. It is
not so much her initial cost as it is her upkeep that makes you wonder
where you founder. She is greatly admired when freshly painted and all
decked out to emphasize her cardinal points.

If an aircraft carrier, she will look in a mirror when about to be
arrested, and will wave you off if she feels you are sinking too low or
a little too high, day or night. She will not hangar around with duds,
but will light you off and launch you into the wild blue yonder when you
muster a full head of steam.

Even a submarine reveals her topsides returning to port, heads straight
for the buoys, knows her pier, and gets her breast-lines out promptly if
she is single-screwed.

On departure, no ship leaves port asleep, she always leaves awake. She
may not mind her helm or answer to the old man when the going gets
rough, and can be expected to kick up her heels on a family squall.

A ship costs a lot to dress, sometimes blows a bit of smoke, and
requires periodic overhauls to extend her useful life. Some have a cute
fantail, others are heavy in the stern, but all have double-bottoms
which demand attention.

When meeting head-on, sound a recognition signal; whistle! If she does
not answer up, come about and start laying alongside, but watch to see
if her ship is slowing . . . perhaps her slip is showing?

Then proceed with caution until danger of collision is over and you
can fathom how much latitude she will allow.
If she does not remain on an even keel, let things ride, feel your way,
and do not cross the line until you determine weather the "do" point is
right for a prolonged blast.

Get the feel of the helm, stay on the right tact, keep her so, and she
will pay off handsomely. If she is in the roaring forties, however, you
may be in the dangerous semi-circle, so do not expect much "luff,"
especially under bare poles.

She may think you are not under command or control and shove off.
If she edges aweigh, keep her steady as she goes, but do not sink into
the doldrums. Just remember that "to furnish a ship requireth much
trouble, but to furnish a woman the cost is double!"

To the women who now help us "man" our ships, my apologies for the
foregoing. Only the opening phrase presents my true feelings.

After all, a ship's bell(e) will always remain her most prized
possession, and every good ship has a heart, just like yours.

A trick at the wheel, like you, would have been welcome aboard when I
was on "she" duty for 40 years. May God bless you all, sweetheart!

Admiral Foley was a long-time contributor to Naval History and the U.S.
Naval Institute Proceedings. He died of heart ailments in Annapolis, Maryland on November 8 1999 aged 89.