Time 0000, Day #1, year 1963,
The, watch has begun.
Moored port & starboard at NTC
On this very quiet New Year's Eve

Six hawsers to starboard,
Seven hawsers to port,
Starboard chain to Buoy 1,
We're really held taut.

Concrete and black-top
Her make-believe sea,
She strains her moorings
In a ten-knot breeze.

Draft nine feet forward
Ten feet aft,
It's never change
on this Naval craft.

All services received
Direct from the pier,
She's had no engines
For many a year.

Electricity, steam,
fresh water too,
Furnished by Public Works
Power Plant Two.

North Island to starboard,
A beautiful sight.
To port lies Gate Six,
All's quiet tonight.

Dead ahead lies Camp Nimitz
Where training begins,
Astern lies Point Loma
And the Bali Hai Inn.

Anchor lights bum bright
No stars are in sight,
The decks are silent,
On this New Year's night.

She's made of plywood,
Sheathed in steel.
Her deck guns are wooden.
Her "K" guns real.

Recruits look forward
To a trick at her wheel,
To them her helm
Has a magic feel.

She's been in commission
Thirteen long years.
Started thousands of Sailors
on Naval careers.

Admirals and Generals
Civilians too, Have trod her decks
and met her crew.
She's a famous old ship,

A Training Aid too,
She's open for tours.
To all of you.
Happy New Year

To all officers and men.
Past, Present and Future
From an old wooden friend:
USS Recruit (TDE-1).