Underway. Point Loma, California. 23 February 2009.
45 years can change a few things. In 1963 I was stationed right here...except "right here" was a bit different. I was on the submarine tender Nereus AS-17. She was moored here...fore and aft...with submarines tucked against both of her sides. She was like a big mother to them. Now there is a building and a dry dock and floating booms and port security and a myriad of other things.
I captured this image by accident. I was up in the military cemetary on Point Loma when I heard the music. I looked down and saw this sub getting underway. It was interesting to see the details of how it all happened. The tug boats scurried around...the security boats kept a close watch on nearby boats...I believe that I see a diver in the water. Seamen stood on the deck...and then one by one dropped through the hatch. Was it going for a week, or a month, or a year? I just don't know. I don't even know it's name...but it sure brought back memories.
I HATE the telephone wires that run through this image. I've been tempted several times to remove them...but it would be a tough job. As I saw this scene beginning to unfold I remember trying to find a vantage point that didn't have the wires...and then time ran out.
As soon as the submarine was clear a work boat pulled the boom closed.
