re: #25 Bobibutu

The engineers had just overhauled the engine or whatever on our Minesweeper and had a bunch of discarded roller bearings … one had a slingshot (wrist rocket) … we stood on the fantail and took turns shooting at seagulls - this was back in the early 60s - one guy tracked a gull and let go - you could see the bearing - a hefty chunk of metal - arcing out towards the gulls path of flight and wham - right under the wing - the gull dropped like a stone - we were suddenly aware of what had happened - everyone, including the shooter were mortified - we never did that again.

Now throwing eggs from our darkened ship at dry dock towards pedestrians trying to cross a bridge was another discretion and distraction.

Wild and crazy boredom Navy times in Charleston … I belatedly apologize to our targets.

Ahhh Seagulls. Rats of the sea.

Wow. I just heard my Grandma:

“It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye.”

Ah, Irish guilt.