Navy Destroyer Saved By Morse Code

Glenn Pladsen told his Morse code story on the website Ham Radio Tips and Tales in

response to the FCC announcing that they would drop the requirement to learn Morse code when getting a HAM operator license. Glen joined the Navy as a Cryptologic Tech, Maintenance (CTM). Learning Morse code was part of his training. In 1973 he was assigned to the Navy destroyer USS William M Wood. His job was to maintain and repair equipment that had been installed on the destroyer so operators engaging in code breaking could analyze various radio transmissions. During his tour the USS Wood participated in NATO exercises as the bad guy. Their ship was supposed to tail the NATO force as an enemy ship would. When the fleet sailed off, the USS Wood didnt because of engine problems. All communication was lost due to the failure of generators and they were stranded in shipping lanes. They had absolutely no power and no other ships nearby to help them or communicate with using normal communication methods.

Some of the crew, using a big telescope that was on the bridge, noticed that there was a large freighter heading directly for them, but they had no way to communicate with it. Since the power was out there were no lights on the destroyer, the freighter would not see them. As luck would have it, another ship patrolled the area. It was a Russian destroyer also shadowing the fleet. It had been assigned to follow within radar distance of the other ships but then came back to investigate why the USS Wood had stayed behind. Using battery powered flashing lanterns, the crew talked to the Russians using Morse code. The Russian destroyer diverted to the freighter then stayed until the USS Wood could get its engines going again. Since Morse code is an international language it was possible for the USS Wood commander to speak to the Russian destroyer.

Since the removal of the requirement to learn Morse code as a requisite to obtaining ham radio licenses, fewer people have taken the time to develop this very useful skill. In an age of rapid communication and texting, who would consider learning it worth their time? However, in emergency situations, this old-time technology still continues to play a meaningful part in survival and rescue. A person living today might hope that he or she would never be confronted with an urgent situation where communication without advanced technology would be crucial. However, being prepared in advance will give the Morse code learner a great sense of security as well as grant him or her entry into a new World of truly international communication.

by: Gerald Wheeler Ed.D., W6TJP

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