While in the Navy and attending Radio School in San Diego in 1960, everyone was required to stand a Base Commander's inspection. All hands were on deck on the huge "grinder"standing at parade rest until the Inspection Party arrive at units--one by one--who would smartly snap to attention and then suffer the absurd questioning of the "boot" Ensign who took great pleasure in harassing the troops in this manner! I am sure that every man felt like I did - He was the idiot!
As he came to our unit; we stood tall and as he stopped directly in front of me (a Seaman Apprentice)he glared and asked, "Sailor, what would you do if you saw an enemy submarine coming across that grinder?"
I thought the question was silly and responded so all around could hear, "Sir, I would get a torpedo and sink it!"
He sneered and sarcastically asked, "Just where would you get that torpedo?"
I answered loudly, "The SAME place you got that submarine, Sir!"
You should have heard the muffled laughter and seen the Ensign's face!!!
He asked no more questions that day!
As the Base Commander (4 Striper) passed me--he looked me directly in the eye and gave me a big wink! He could not contain his laughter!! Hooray for the little ol' enlisted man that day!
By Fred Elam Little Rock, Arkansas
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