Read Online China Sea by David Poyer - Free Book Online Page A

of USS Oliver C. Gaddis.
    â€œâ€˜You are hereby directed to decommission USS Gaddis no later than 30 September 1990. The ship will be transferred to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Upon completion, report same to Chief of Naval Operations. Signed, Frank B. Kelso the Second, Admiral, United States Navy.’”
    The guests were silent. He gave it a second or two, for the old salts, the plankowners, those who’d put their youth and dreams into a piece of metal. Then said, “Executive officer: Haul down the colors.”
    The guests came to their feet, too, as Juskoviac read from a card concealed in his glove: “‘The commissioning pennant, when hoisted to the mast, symbolizes the moment when the service of a ship begins. Therefore, when the pennant is finally lowered from the mast and handed to the commanding officer, the ship is officially retired.’”
    The guests looked upward, shading their eyes as the whiptail crept down, cracking and writhing as if fighting to stay aloft. The jack and the ensign sank with it. Chief Mellows came back aft and handed Dan the pennant.
    â€œDebark the crew,” Dan said.
    The passed-on command echoed away into the depths of the ship as the division officers called their men to attention, faced them right or left, and marched them down ladders and over the brow to the pier. They fell into ranks again there, guiding onto duct-tape markers on the concrete, and snapped to parade rest opposite the patient Pakistanis.
    â€œSir, the watch has been secured.”
    â€œVery well.” Dan turned to Sapp. “Sir, the watch aboard USS Gaddis has been secured.”
    â€œThe transfer of ex–USS Oliver C. Gaddis to the custody of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will now take place. Ladies and gentlemen, Commander Lenson.”
    Dan took his place at the mike again. “The document transferring ex–USS Oliver C. Gaddis to the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has already been signed by representatives of both nations in Washington. Admiral Jerry Sapp, USN, will now officially transfer the ship to General Saqlain, for subsequent turnover to her new commanding officer. Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral Sapp, General Saqlain, and Captain Khashar.”
    Sapp took Dan’s place. Without a cheat sheet, he bent his height toward the mike and said, “Sir, I present to you the ex–USS Gaddis , the best warship in the United States and Pakistani Navies. I will now introduce the Honorable General Muhammad Saqlain, defense attaché of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the United States of America.”
    Saqlain dilated on the history of the Pakistani Navy, the long partnership of the United States and Pakistan, and its role in preserving peace in the Middle East. He praised Khashar as an officer of the highest professional accomplishments and a bright future, then, switching to Urdu, spoke for several minutes while the Americans tried to look interested. After he paused, it took some time for everyone to get the idea and clap. “I will now introduce Captain Hussain Khashar, the new commanding officer of PNS Tughril .”
    Khashar delivered a few remarks, then switched to English to thank Sapp and the turnover crew for their efforts. He spoke smoothly and with a little smile. Then he asked the guests to rise.
    â€œCommander Irshad: Hoist the colors.”
    Both crews came to attention as the Pakistani colors ascended the mast. The band played the anthem. Irshad spoke a few words; then the incoming crew sprinted up the brow. They fell in along the starboard side, facing the pier. Khashar ordered the first watch set, then asked the guests to rise again. Turning toward the frigate, he said, “Blessings be upon thee in the name of Allah, most merciful, most compassionate. May this ship and all who sail in her strike the enemy, with your aid.”
    A puzzled silence succeeded when he stepped away. Finally Dan took the mike