THE SIREN EVENT

During the Med cruise of 1958 it was discovered that the ship’s siren, which was located on the front of the stack, was made of brass. Capt. McCampbell had second division remove the haze gray paint and they, along with the engineering division, were responsible for keeping it gleaming. The Capt. would arrive on the bridge about 0800, look up at his shining siren and smile.
During a replenishment at sea the movie “Mr. Roberts” came aboard and the news of it spread through the ship like wild fire. We all were looking forward to that night’s movie, but it was not to be. Nor was it shown for about a week. At last the plan of the day announced that the movie for that night was “Mr. Roberts” and that evening the cargo deck was standing room only.
The next morning at 0700, when I arrived on the Signal Bridge and looked around, my eyes became glued to the front of the stack. There, gleaming in the morning sunlight, was the Captain’s beloved siren now sporting its new FIRE ENGINE RED coat of paint. It has always been assumed that the palm tree incident from “Mr. Roberts” inspired someone to climb up during the night and express their dislike of brass. After pointing out the siren to my strikers I, with great anticipation, awaited the Captain’s arrival on the bridge. He arrived on time and strolled on to the starboard wing (as was his custom), and looked aft to behold his gleaming brass siren. I will try to recount what happened next, but you had to be there. Capt. McCampbell’s eyes got wide, his jaw dropped and he blurted out, “ Who done it; who done…..” At which point he abruptly stopped and went into the wheelhouse and ordered all hands not on watch to quarters. A thorough investigation of the event could not determine who the mid-night artists were. The siren was quickly restored to its brass state and remained that way until shortly before Capt. McCampbell was relieved. Many rumors circulated as to who the artist or artists were, but to this day only they know for sure.