TommyK Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 Seems a ship's quartermaster, among other things, must also be versed in the now obsolete art of semaphore. This is a form of communication once used between ships which employed flags. Two flags were held at different angles to indicate letters or numbers which are 'read' by another sailor on another ship or on shore. It may still be used in extreme circumstances. As it happens the Navy had a 'Visiting Day' where family members of the ship's compliment and the public could tour the ship. When the tour group got to his station, the ships' quartermaster said he would show them what he does on the ship. The ships' quartermaster, eager to display his ability at communicating with flags, demonstrated to the group of visitors. He signaled to an imaginary ship on the other side of the bay. He completed his imaginary message and pointed to a young girl in the front and asked, "Well then, young lady, do you know what it is that I do?" "Yes," replied the little girl, "you are the cheerleader." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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