_December 17, 1941, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Virginia


After two hectic days I finally had new uniforms, patches, and insignia, but only thanks to a very resourceful yeoman who beg, borrowed, and perhaps stole to get me everything I needed for my new rank. Fortunately, the destroyer squadron commander waived the usual arrival procedures and I want straight to the _Wainwright_ where I was conducted to the XO who was supervising the loading of supplies and ordnance while the captain, Commander Lewis was being briefed for our mission of protecting American shipping and hunting U-Boats along the East coast.

According to the XO, Lieutenant Albertson, the ship had effectively been operating on 'war footing' since early November, when they had been assigned to escort convoy WS-12X. War had broken out just before they'd reached Cape Town, and they'd steamed back to the east coast at full speed to begin war operations. So far they hadn't come up against any Germans, though they had chased several suspected submarines during the transit of the Atlantic from Halifax to Port of Spain to Cape Town. They'd also hoped to engage the _Tirpitz_, and sink her, but the German commerce raider had not shown his face.

I was given a quick tour of the small destroyer that was likely to be my home for several years, given how badly the war was going for the allies. I'd be joining 10 officers and about 180 other enlisted men, and would share the Goat Locker with five other Chief Petty Officers, one of whom, an Engineering Chief, had received his new rating after Pearl Harbor just as I had.

After my introductions and getting settled, Chief Cranston, the aforementioned Engineering Chief, and I received permission to leave the ship and have dinner in town. The XO wanted us to bond, and he figured a steak dinner and a few belts, and we'd be best buddies. He wasn't far of. Scott 'Scooter' Cranston is from Chicago, and like me, is single, and we decided over our third shot of scotch that two former reservists had to stick together against the 'regular navy' Chiefs. According Scooter, they'd already given him grief about his 'field promotion'. I expect I'll get the same kind of treatment.

Today, my first full day on the _Wainwright_, was spent getting to know my radio men and the electricians mates who would maintain our equipment. Our orders were for lone patrols and we'd want to make sure the radio was in good working order so we could call for help if we found one of the many U-Boats reputedly ready to engage our shipping along the East Coast. We were headed for the Grand Banks, off Newfoundland, which was expected to be a primary area of operation for the Germans.

Scooter and I had another liberty pass, but this time, with two other Chiefs tagging along, including the Chief of the Boat, McSweeney, who had joined the Navy in 1918, and was one of the oldest men on the ship. He'd been on the _Wainwright_ since she entered into service two years earlier. After our dinner, we went to a dance club and enjoyed the company of several young women, though given our situation, none of us was really able to take advantage of their very friendly attitudes. As pretty as they were, I think it was wise to be back on the ship before our liberty expired, as we'd be putting to sea in the morning. A good night's sleep before going to war seems like a very good idea.