For his thirty years in the Navy, the Admiral had always carried a little
book in his pocket. Every time, before he would leave the bridge, he would open
his little book, mumble something under his breath and then go out with his
men.
His fellow officers were always curious as to what special prayer this great
man felt was so important that he read it every time before he would leave his
post. At his retirement party they devised a plan to get a look at his book.
Much to their surprise, the only thing written in this little, well-worn book
of advice was:
Remember, the right side of the ship is starboard, the left side is port.