Scousesubs

Hands across the Sea

Some time ago I got in touch with Tommy Cox, an American submariner, in order to purchase copies of his two CD's of submarine songs for my own personal consumption. In the course of our ensuing communications we started to discuss each others naval careers and very soon became good internet friends.

Tommy was a qualified submariner in the USN serving on many boats during the Cold War as a spook specialising in covert and intelligence gathering operations. Being not only skilled in the Russian language and hi-tech communications Tommy had yet another string to his bow - he was also a prolific song writer and singer with a unique difference - he wrote great songs about submarines. For many years he has sung all those songs to enthusiastic gatherings of generations of US submariners at their various veteran reunions and social events to great acclaim.

At one point I sent Tommy a copy of our Submariners Times as a matter of mutual interest. Imagine my surprise to find that it grabbed not only his nautical interest but also his deep generosity of heart. Tommy sent me a box of copies of his three CD's, "In Honor Of…", "Take Her Deep" and his "Spirituals Album" as his contribution to the branch. He asked that we sell them at a fair price at our next meeting and then set up the club bar courtesy of Tommy Cox. This was duly done and all hands then commenced to 'Splice the Mainbrace' with Pusser's Rum and to toast Tommy for his extremely kind and thoughtful gesture in true naval fashion. I'm sure that Tommy would have heard the loud cheers across the Pond at his home in Caribou, Maine, on the night. 'Slinger' Woods managed to capture the moment on his mobile and it is shown below.

In recognition of his own submarine service, and in appreciation of his talent and his show of solidarity with his Merseyside brothers of the dolphin Tommy has been now been made a fully fledged honorary member of the Merseyside Branch. So welcome aboard Tommy - we are proud to call you our shipmate. Maybe one day we might even get you over here for a banyan party and to have a few wets with the lads.

Pedro.