Big Boys, with Big Toys and Bad Attitudes
The amusing story below is apparently true. I was told it on many different occasions and have had many different details within the story. I don’t know or care what the truth is, although most versions seem to agree it was indeed and American ship.
This is an the actual radio conversation between a US naval ship and Canadian authorities of the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995…..
CANADIANS: Divert your course 15degrees south to avoid collision
AMERICANS: Recommend you divert your course 15degrees to the north to avoid collision
CANADIANS: negative, You have to divert your course 15degrees to the south to avoid collision
AMERICANS: This is the captain of a US NAVAL ship. I say again, YOU divert YOUR course
CANADIANS: No, I say again, you divert YOUR course
AMERICANS: This is the Aircraft Carrier US LINCON, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic Fleet. We are accompanied with three Destroyers, three Cruisers and numerous support vessels. I DEMAND that you change your course 15 degrees north, I say again, thats one-five degrees north, or counter-measures will be taken to ensure the safety of this ship
CANADIANS: This is a lighthouse, Your call.
I would have set out a deckchair, cracked open a few beers and watched the show. Probably could have claimed damages on their insurance anyway, it’d be worth the laugh.
Hahaha, good plan.