SERVED PROUDLY 1967-1988

Virginia Beach, Virginia

     For twenty years
          This sailor has stood the watch

             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 in this world
                   This shipmate stood the watch

             In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen
                       brewing 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 for twenty years
                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 Lead.

            Shipmate - you stand relieved...we have the watch"

 "Boatswain - Standby to pipe the side
     Shipmate Going Ashore"

PIPED OVER THE SIDE, U.S.S. DETROIT(AOE-4)
NOVEMBER 1988