EN2 Thomas Phipps

Tom Phipps here. I worked in “A” Gang with “Barnacle” Bill Ensminger, “Arkansas,” Chuck, Pat, Bob Hall, Mark Johnson, and others that are creeping back into memory! That was 1974-1976. Arkansas was one of the most interesting characters, always grabbing his crotch (maybe he started the gesture) and complaining “mah cods are itching, mah cods are itching.” Arkansas, (who was large) and some skinny sailor often hung out and hit the beach together. But one night, when we all had duty, “Deliverence” was showing for the first time on the mess deck. Ned Beatty’s performance obviously made a huge impression on Arkansas. Immediately after the movie, there was a lot of ruckus in the passageway next to the aft damage control locker. I squeezed through the large noisy crowd to catch a glimpse of arkansas pinning his little skinny buddy on the deck, face down, twisting his ear, and making him squeal Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! for the cheering crowd. Deliver me, oh Lord…