Decker's Dilemma Read Free

news to Commander Doerr that Limpert was found, and then hung up the phone. “You made it just in time, sir. I was about to report you missing.”
    â€œI’m right here, Chief,” said Limpert.
    â€œI can see that, sir,” said Chief, sounding exasperated. “Damn it, we still have someone missing. I can’t sit on it any longer.”
    Chief called the bridge to report that Petty Officer Kippen was not at muster. He hung up the growler and glowered at the blank faces staring back at him.
    Moments later, Captain Girard announced on the intercom that Kippen was missing and there was a reliable report that someone had fallen in the water. “We’re going to launch the helo and turn the lights on. I want all available hands to go topside to look for Kippen. Let the bridge know if you see anything. And I mean anything. It’s dark as hell out there and a little rough so stay several feet away from the lifelines. We don’t need another sailor overboard.”
    Decker and Hack waited for the helicopter to launch and then walked topside to the flight deck. The ship crawled through the water retracing its path. The two sailors sat a few feet from the edge of the ship, carefully scrutinizing the water for a sign of their shipmate.
    â€œI can’t believe Kippen’s overboard,” Hack said.
    Decker kept his eyes focused on the ocean. “Me either, but he’s a good swimmer. A little wiry guy like that can tread water for a long time.”
    â€œI hope you’re right,” Hack said. “I wouldn’t be able to survive in those waves. I barely passed the swim test in boot camp. They’d find me floating face down.”
    â€œNot right away,” Decker said. “A body that drowns will sink. It takes several days for it to float.”
    â€œThat’s a pleasant thought,” said Hack. “Hey, what’s that smell?”
    Big Mo walked towards the two sailors and sat between them, staring at the water the entire time. “Damn, not much of a moon tonight with the clouds. This sucks, man. They sure it’s Kippen?”
    â€œHe wasn’t at muster, and he’s either in the water or hiding somewhere,” said Decker. “By the way, you stink.”
    â€œTell me something I don’t know,” Mo sighed. “You try working in the engine room all day and night and see how you smell.”
    â€œHave you thought of a shower now and then?” asked Decker.
    Mo shrugged. “Thought about it, but I was too tired after watch to clean up. Just took off my coveralls and crawled in my rack. It’s the navy way.” Mo spotted Commander Doerr as he approached within a few feet in the dim light. “Here comes your boss.”
    The supply officer sat next to them before they had a chance to stand. “What’s the word, fellas?”
    â€œIt’s too dark, sir,” Mo said. “It’s going to be tough to find Kippen, if he’s out there.”
    â€œI agree,” said the commander. “Are we sure it’s him?”
    â€œHe’s the only one missing,” said Decker.
    The commander and the three sailors sat on the flight deck without saying another word, silently scanning the ocean the best they could. The ship crawled along the same path of open ocean that had just been crossed. The helicopter circled the water in an ever-widening pattern. An hour later three Sikorsky SH-3 search-and-rescue helos from Cubi Point Naval Air Station joined the hunt. Four hours later, the group dropped out, one at a time. Suppo went first, telling the guys he was headed to the bridge. Mo left for watch a half hour later. Hack curled up on the deck shortly thereafter, nodding off in less than two minutes. Decker hung in for a little while longer, but his valiant effort to maintain a lookout for Kippen soon gave way to a lack of sleep. Exhaustion finally overtook him as he leaned back and rested his head on the