Our Division worked a Port and Starboard watch, whenever we were at sea, for the entire 6 month cruise. There were three watch’s covered by two watch sections so, if you worked from Midnight to 8, you were off from 8 until 5 when you’d go on the eve watch. During this time you took care of all your personal needs, including sleep and if you couldn’t sleep, conversation.
There was usually a poker game going on (payday stakes, no money on the table) and often the topic of “Who’s the ONI agent” would come up. We were taught, from day 1 at Radioman ‘A’ school, there would be at least one ONI agent (Office of Naval Intelligence) in our division, and he was there to get ya. “Nothing would please them more than to slam your sorry ass in Portsmouth if they catch you screwing up” No kidding, the FIRST day I heard this, and every week from then on. The instructors would tell you in a consperational voice, over and over as well as mentioning them in our normal class’s. We also learned about CT’s then too and they were a little spooky. Communication Technician’s were the Navy’s SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) and they listened in to the bad guys. They also listened in on the good guys, to insure we’re not spilling the beans or something. We’d see them on the beach, two or three at a time, and when we’d walk over to say hello they’d ignore us. Strange group of guys.
We were told to look for the person whom no one else would think of as an agent. Do you have any idea how many squids are out there lookin’ like they’re not an agent? Paranoia ruled in that division and it was fun guessing who it was. It usually occured whenever a new group of men would arrive, replacing those that suddenly left. Yeah, they were there, and then they were gone. Men came and went that way all the time, and that too, added to the drama.
Ever since then, I’ve wondered who they were, and it turns out, it’s who wasn’t. I’m not going to name any names here, now or ever. I’m just sayin’ you guys worried a little too much. Most of us were just like me, but you all have done well with your lives, as is fitting.
