A young ensign had nearly completed his first overseas tour of sea duty when he was
given an opportunity to display his ability at getting the ship under way. With a
stream of crisp commands, he had the decks buzzing with men. The ship steamed out
of the channel and soon the port was far behind.
The ensign's efficiency has been remarkable. In fact, the deck was abuzz with talk
that he had set a new record for getting a destroyer under way. The ensign glowed at
his accomplishment and was not all surprised when another seaman approached him with
a message from the captain.
He was, however, a bit surprised to find that it was a radio message, and he was
even more surprised when he read, "My personal congratulations upon completing your
underway preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed. In your
haste, however, you have overlooked one of the unwritten rules -- Make Sure The
Captain Is Aboard Before Getting Under Way."