Scott Sytsema
A memory from Mike Lanier:
In Remembrance
Paul Tyjewski
HM3 U.S. Navy, Vietnam Veteran
Paul and I met in late August of 1967 when I was transferred aboard USS NEWPORT NEWS (CA-148). The world's largest Heavy Cruiser – Flag Ship of the Atlantic Fleet.
He and I were stationed in Sick Bay, two of twelve Hospital Corpsman, one doctor, two dentist and 3 dental techs. 18 souls to care for over 1250 crewmembers! Paul was one of the Good Ones!
Along with Paul the NEWS made two deployments to Vietnam. In less than 24 months we were beyond the site of land except for the coast of the “Nam” 19 of those months he was at sea. We ranged from the Mekong Delta to just south of Haiphong Harbor in the north. I’m sure Paul never made a big deal of this fact, but he and his shipmates were fired upon many times. The crew had to “sweepdown” the shrapnel from the deck. As Winston Churchill once said, "Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result"
He was my Mate and my Friend and a Really Good Guy!
The Watch
(anonymous naval tradition)
This sailor has stood the watch in NEWPORT NEWS (CA-148)
While some of us were in our bunks at night
This sailor stood the watch
While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch
Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world
This shipmate stood the watch
In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch
Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there
Needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch
He stood the watch off the shore of Vietnam, being shot at many times
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch
Today we are here to say
'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Led
Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."
"Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side...my Shipmate is going Home.."
As you remember Paul,
May You Always Have:
Fair Winds and Following Seas
