Here's another for us Boatswain Mates:
BOATSWAIN (n)
This naval rating (pronounced "bosun") involves many varied duties. Abbreviated BM. The term originally meant the "swain" or keeper of the boats, and the maintenance and handling of the ship's boats is still charged to the boatswain and his apprentices. General ship's maintenance, cargo handling, refueling, line handling, etc., are the province of the boatswain. Sometimes called "deck apes". Several classifications of a Boatswain grew out of this title: I carried an ABF - Aviation Boatswain Fuels of which below deck work and tank stripping duties flurished along with aircraft fueling and pump room management. Other AB's had other chores.
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Boats
O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
"IN GOD WE TRUST"
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