the needle gun. Like the sound of a woodpecker on steroids, the chirping
needle gun resonates daily through the steel of the ship. It creates a
sound that passes right through earplugs, pillows, etc. directly into
one's brain.
The gun is a pneumatically powered chipper fed by compressed air through a
spider web of hoses strewn across the decks. These hoses are a hazard in
their own right. Cadets on extra duty use these devices to chip away at
the constantly encroaching rust that will eventually eat the entire ship
if not removed and painted over. Chipping starts around 09:00 and
continues most of the day. There are usually a half dozen of these
devices being used simultaneously. The sound can be heard throughout the
ship, there is no escape. Not even the library is safe from this racket
and we're decks below the work, under the water line. Thank God I brought
plenty of aspirins along.
Rich, I'll tell you what the FAA said about the aireoplanes flying over our town into and out of Newark Airport, "You'll get so used to it, you'll not even hear it in a month or so." Let me tell ya, that was a lie. It was years ago that was said n I can still hear them.
ReplyDeleteIf you have ears, they will be assaulted. Plug into a i-pod, walkman, what have you. Staying busy is the greatest help. Find distractions. Safe sailing.