ODE TO THE CUTTER DUANE
By Floyd Stormer
From "We've Been There" by Esther Stormer ©1992
This poem was written about 1960 or 1961.....
CGC DUANE (WHEC-33)
You all know the ghost of the Old China Coast
The Sub known as "Porpoise Maru"
But the deeds and the name, of the Cutter DUANE
Are known by a well chosen few.
She is known through the fleet, as well kept and neat
She has no great call upon fame
But small deeds galore, make a large total score
For the sea going Cutter DUANE.
She's made many patrols, each has taken it's toll
Full twenty one years of the same
But those who live by the sea, have a fond memory
For the Coast Guard Cutter Duane.
She's long and narrow and lean, with lines that are clean
Though speed is no part of her game
For logging the knots, when the anemometer stops
You can't beat the Cutter DUANE
When the sea's running wild, like a disobedient child
And some ship can no longer resist
The message they hear, coming in loud and clear,
Is ... "DUANE will proceed and assist."
When talks running free, in bars by the sea
The way to put all boasters to shame
Is when asked, "What's your ship?" Raise your glass to your lip
And reply, "I AM OFF THE CUTTER DUANE"