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My first day on a Lightship!
by Russ Helberg
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Lightship 612, On Station, San Francisco Bar, 28 August 1962
Boarded a 95 footer at Fort Point Lifeboat Station. Got under way for a uneventful ride out, wasn't bothering me too much seasick wise. When we arrived at the L.V, they sent a small boat over to receive me and one other person, I don't remember who. On the trip to the L.V. from the 95 footer Scott (Gary Scott BM3- Ed) told me not to put my hands on the gunnel, because I would lose my fingers when they rubbed the side of the L.V. Had Jacob's Ladder over the side to receive me. Once on board I was directed to my bunk and told to store my gear. It wasn't long after that I got seasick. I was in the bunk for three days. The crew fed me crackers, oranges to neutralize the acid in my stomach.
Every time JB (skipper) (CHBOSN J.B. Gill USCG ) came to see me, he had a pipe with Cherry Blend tobacco, and that would get me sick all over again. Chief Backlin (BMC Robert L. Backlin USCG) finally had enough of me and drug my sorry ass out of the rack and put me to work. I hated him for that, at the time, but didn't know it was for my best interest, and that is what got me over being sick!
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© 2009 USCG Lightship Sailors Association International Inc. Larry Ryan, President
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