Hull 34

HULL THIRTY-FOUR

It was home to us, no less, no more,
a large gray ship, Hull Thirty-Four.

She’s sailed into battle on distant shore,
it was our home, Hull Thirty-Four.

We sailed her proudly across the sea
to protect the land we call free.

Ask yourself too, why we do the things we do.
It’s to protect our homeland and people like you.

The price of freedom is not easy, they say,
so that’s why we’re here on any given day.

Then why were we there, I ask you once more,
the men who sailed on Hull Thirty-Four ?

We will soon sail again to some distant shore,
the men with their courage on ships like Hull Thirty-Four.

What do you owe the men who blocked harm’s door?
The men of courage who sailed on Hull Thirty-Four.

Nothing is asked for doing their parts,
just keep them in mind and locked in your hearts.

This is all that is asked, no less, no more,
The men whose home was Hull Thirty-Four.
HTCM Richard Outland, US Navy, Retired

HULL THIRTY-FOUR II

A new world order, men no longer speak of war
a chance for peace on very shore.

Word has it, up on Capital Hill
budgets are tough, no money in the till.

A list came out to cut expenses afloat and shore
included in that list was Hull Thirty-Four.

Many felt sadness, some felt dismay –
this gallant gray lady is to go away.

Men destined to sail the sea no more
as the crew of Hull Thirty-Four.

What is to become of the men who helped block harm’s door
on that gallant gray lady, Hull Thirty-Four ?

The men will be transferred on a given day,
the gallant gray lady towed away.

The men to serve again and give their best,
that gallant gray lady, a well deserved rest.

HTCM Richard Outland, US Navy, Retired