Trivia Questions (Answers @ end)
- In what movie (and who said it) did we hear, “There’s no crying in baseball.”?
- Who said, “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”?
- In which song (and who sang) do we find the following lyrics?
If I should call you up, invest a dime
And you say you belong to me and ease my mind
Imagine how the world could be, so very fine
So happy together
Listen to the audio of this blog, read by Andy Adkins. Click the “Audio” button below.
“Hurry up and wait!”
Holy Toledo! Have veterans been training for this current COVID-19 crisis all this time? I know all of my Three Years, Eleven Months, and 29 Days (But Who’s Counting) were well spent helping me prepare. Even though that was so long ago (1973-77), I still remember. Don’t you?
This is usually one of the first phrases a new recruit learns early on after joining the military. Navy, Army, USAF, USMC, or Coast Guard – it didn’t matter; we were all in it together.
Back then, it meant that you were always told to “hurry,” but when you got to where you were going or ready to start a task, you then had to “wait.” And, like anything else in the service, “it” rolls downhill.
A Prime Example
Here’s an example: “Cruise photographs are to be taken of all 5,500 sailors, starting at 1000.” This was a “scheduled” photo session, meaning that different divisions would have their photos taken at specific times during the day. The Captain wants every sailor to be dressed in summer whites (it was Westpac ’75). V-1 Division was part of the Air Department and we were slated to go first.
We were to muster for the cruise photographs at 0930. The Division Officer, anticipating that there may be a “few” sailors in our division that will slow things up, instructed everyone to muster at 0900. The Division Chief Petty Officer, knowing exactly what the Division Officer really wanted, had everyone dressed to the gills and standing at attention when the Division Officer arrived for inspection. So he instructed all sailors in V-1 to muster at 0800.
And, that’s how the phrase, “Hurry Up & Wait” came about.
“Live & learn,” they said.
“Living the dream,” I said.
Of course, this is not just the Navy, but every branch of service. As a general rule of thumb (I’m sure you’ve heard this before), if you’re 15 minutes early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. And, if you’re late, you’re screwed. Face it, it’s the truth and we’ve all be there before.
Duty Stations
Once I got into the “real Navy,” that is, a duty station (for me, NAS Agana, Guam, and later USS Kitty Hawk), it became almost a daily mantra. Here’s just a few examples of my experiences with “Hurry Up and Wait.” What about yours?
Chow line. Kitty Hawk had two mess decks: forward (fast food) and aft (not so fast food). There was also the Wardroom for officers, but I was enlisted and never set foot in one. When Kitty Hawk was at sea, there was usually a long (LONG) line at the chow hall. Face it, with 5,500 men to feed, there’s a wait—suck it up, Buttercup.
Every now and then, flight deck personnel got a special “mess chit” to go to the head of the line, especially during long flight ops. All that meant was that we were able to change from standing in a long (LONG) line to standing in a long line. A big, burly Master-at-Arms would be there to make sure you had a legit mess chit. I don’t know about you, but I read a lot while standing in line waiting for chow. I think I probably read a book a day; well, maybe a book every two days.
Sick bay. Lines weren’t as long for Sick bay as the chow lines, but sometimes they didn’t move as quickly. It didn’t take me long to figure out that the lines for Sick bay were usually longer AFTER a port call than before. I guess it’s because of the various illnesses one may “pick up” while in port. Actually, there were two common symptoms AFTER a port call: nausea from too much drinking and that “other thing” from too much…, well, you know…
Liberty call. I finally figured out why the Afterbrow was so narrow (one sailor going, one sailor coming). When you’ve been at sea for several weeks and have the “itch” to get off the ship and explore the local “culture,” there’s a mad rush to disembark.
Of course, there’s always the “Salute the Flag,” and “Permission to go ashore, sir!” traditions, but with 5,000 of your closest friends all waiting in line to go ashore for some fine food and dancing, it’s Hurry Up & Wait time.
What about when you’re not aboard
Hurry Up & Wait takes on a whole different meaning when you’re not aboard.
Movies. Right before I was discharged in July 1977, a new science fiction movie came out: “Star Wars.” It’s now called, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” For me, it will always be the best Star Wars movie in the series. I was still aboard USS Kitty Hawk, a “short timer” with less than 30 days before my discharge.
When Star Wars came to one of the San Diego theaters, several of us climbed into a car to go see it. The line was literally wrapped around the movie theater, which was located in a mall, so that meant—in terms of stop lights, if you follow me—at least 2 lights before turning left. In other words, we’d be waiting for the next showing or two, just to buy tickets. Now, there’s this fancy, schmancy thing called Fandango, but back then… nada. You stood in line to buy tickets.
Restaurants. Over the years, I’ve wanted to try several new restaurants that I’ve known were popular. “Hurry up, let’s get there before there’s a long line,” only to get there and find out there’s a long line.
My wait limit used to be about an hour. As I’ve gotten older… “It’ll be about 45 minutes, sir.” “Fine, put our name on the list and we’ll go somewhere else” (you know… just in case you don’t find anywhere else). Don’t tell me I’m the only one on this planet that does that. My wait limit has definitely decreased as I’ve grown older.
Concerts. There was that time when Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles were appearing here in Gainesville at the University of Florida football field in the late 70s, right after I got home from the Navy. Yeah, I waited in line for what seemed like hours to get tickets. It wasn’t a “nut to butt” line like in boot camp, but it was pretty well packed. And yes, it was well worth the wait.
Airports. “We need to leave now to get to the airport early enough to park, walk to the terminal, get our boarding passes, check our baggage, get through the security checkpoint, and get to our gate, only to find out the flight is delayed… what, an hour?” Crap.
Well, at least we showed up on the day we were supposed to fly out, as opposed to that time years ago in my “consulting days,” when I was traveling so much and was so “out of it” I went to the airport a day before my 6 a.m. flight. That was an interesting story, especially when I went back home and my wife asked, “What’s up?” Don’t tell me that I’m the only one on this planet that’s done that before.
DMV – Don’t get me started with the Department of Motor Vehicles. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s had to make more than one trip for a driver’s license renewal.
And my wife… holy schmoly. “You mean your passport doesn’t have your maiden name? Didn’t you bring your marriage certificate to verify you’ve been married to the same man for 39 years? And, when you come back, make sure you know where you left off…” you know, like “Hurry Up & Wait.”
Our Current Situation
And now, with this COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve learned that the Hurry Up & Wait training I had in the military has helped me better cope with this “unknown/unseen” reality. If nothing else, it helps me remember some of the more humorous times in the service.
Grocery stores are now open early for “senior citizens.” For me, that just means the line is longer and moves slower. But, at least there’s a better chance for getting my weekly roll of toilet paper before the shelves are empty.
I thought I was being smart when I set the alarm for 6a in order to get to the store at 6:30a to get in line before they open at 7a. When I got there, the line was wrapped around the corner.
Of course, with those little blue painter’s tape crossed taped on the sidewalk to keep that six foot “social distancing,” it’s a reminder of what a different “normal” we are in. And yes, I’ve learned to go at different times of the day to different stores and we’ve gotten to where we only go to the grocery store once a week.
Doesn’t this remind you of the lines at the gedunk shop aboard the ship? Yeah, you remember those lines, trying to buy a carton of cigarettes for $10 or trying to buy a can of sardines and Cheez Whiz because you missed chow.
Restaurants, take out only. I don’t know about you, but in the past, when we went out for dinner, we usually frequented the same 5-6 local restaurants, since they are our favorites. Over the years, we’ve figured out what time to go and how long the wait will most likely be (see my “wait time” tolerance above). And, yes, as we get older we tend to go earlier. What about you?
Now, there’s only take-out available. I get it and I certainly understand and I don’t want to put anybody, especially me & Becky, at risk. So, take-out is the way to go (pun intended) right now. But, it’s thrown off my “timing” of when to go. Do we go earlier to beat the crowds, or do we go later? It’s a whole ‘nother world out here right now.
Liquor stores. Currently, liquor stores are open here in Florida (yes, they ARE “essential services”). I could go on about the essentialness of a good tequila, scotch, or wine, but I digress. No longer is it a problem for me to go early & go often (my current motto).
Get there early to beat the crowds, in and out. I know what I want and where it’s located. My current “record” is about 60 seconds. That is, until I get to the counter and find another “older than me” gentleman in line ahead of me. “Maintain that six-foot social distancing.” Yes, I know, but I can only hold my breath for so long here.
The “New Normal”?
In today’s “new normal” during this COVID-19 crisis, I don’t hear “Hurry Up & Wait,” too often. However, I certainly feel it day in and day out. When I’m standing on the blue tape “X” six feet behind the next person in line waiting to go into the store to buy a dozen eggs or a loaf of bread, if they have them, well… I don’t say it out loud. But, I sure think it. Am I alone here?
It’s almost like that training we all began years ago is now starting to pay off. “Hurry up and wait.” Yeah, I’ve been there and done that. It’s a little different now than back in the 70s.
None of us know how long this will last. I certainly understand the uniqueness of this virus and therefore the unknown dangers. And yes, I’m in that category of… Lord, I hate to say this… age 65+ “higher risk” (my wife & I just turned 65 late last year).
And, even though we don’t feel “old” (whatever that is), I am trying to stay aware of the situation, stay home and only venture out for groceries when I have to. We do get outside for long walks, usually one or two a day, and that helps clear the mind, clear the soul, and get the day going. It’s a routine for us and we are fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood with lots of good walking space.
It’s not the same being on a flight deck, watching the sun rise or sun set, but for now, it’ll do.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the “Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go Years.” That is, what some people call the retirement phases. Well, I can tell you that it’s now been reversed: we’re currently in our “No-Go” Months, and when this thing lets up, we may get to our “Slow-Go” Months, then we’ll get to the “Go-Go” Years. At least, that’s the current plan, subject to change, of course.
“Hurry Up & Wait” – yep, been there and done that and have a T-shirt. It looks like we’re doing it again.
Stay safe my friends.
Until we meet again,
Andy
Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran (’73-77) and the author of several books. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. NEVER FORGET is FREE (eBook, PDF) for all veterans. Download your FREE copy HERE.
Previous blogs mentioned in this post:
Answers:
- A League of Their Own (1992), “Jimmy Dugan” (Tom Hanks).
- Will Rogers.
- Happy Together (1967), The Turtles; written by Alan Gordon, Garry Bonner.