His tour of duty may be over, but he never retires, his enlistment never ends. The friendships made over the years on submarines are true and everlasting. Boat reunions help recall memories of friends from the past and stories of many good times enjoyed, as well as some that perhaps should be left as experiences of war.
Conventions bring the submarine family together, a family bursting with pride, love, and friendship.
The smell and taste of diesel fuel are gone, the orders to single up all lines, to haul in the gangway or station the maneuvering watch are no more part of his life, and the final diesel boat has retired, but his pride and interest in submarines is just as strong.
Those who have had the opportunity to venture aboard a nuclear submarine or go to sea on one, must admire the young sailors of today. Their friendship and eagerness to show off their boat can take you back to your first boat.
Yes, the pride is still there. This is his boat, his home, his time he will remember. When the unfortunate losses of the U.S.S. Thresher and the U.S.S. Scorpion were announced, and the sailors of the U.S.S. Bonefish lost their lives, every submariner's heart went out to those shipmates and their families. They were part of us and we are a part of them.
No, a submariner's enlistment never ends.
-- A submarine sailor