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By: Bull Gator
Chapter 1 in a series about a unique Royal Ranger Outpost.
Somewhere off the southern coast of Florida, anchored on a coral reef about 45 feet beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean rests one of the most unique places in the world. It's an underwater research laboratory used by the Department of Oceanography. This particular facility had been in use for almost 15 years. It had weathered many hurricanes and other oceanic disturbances, both natural and man-made. Through all these a certain amount of physical depreciation had taken its toll on the facility. It was now time to resurface and repair any damage and defects, also to update the equipment to today's standards.
"Lee away!" Came the call. "Lee Away!" Came the answer from the two diving teams who released the eight and one half inch bolts through the turnbuckles on the anchor connections on the UWL20; which stands for "Underwater Laboratory #20. At first the facility started to drift sideways with the current, but quickly stabilized as the slack was taken up on the two and a half inch steel cable attached to the derrick crane on board the recovery barge floating on the surface above. Ever so slowly the unit started to rise. The actual weight would not be realized until the water had released its hold on this most unusual vessel. The diving recovery team swan up alongside the facility, but not too close, in case something unexpected happened. Once before, when UWL19 was being raised in the same manner. However this time the divers were holding on to the lab as it was being raised. Just before the unit was to crest the surface the top bracket gave way to rust retardation, all of the four divers died that day. From that point on the rules were hands-off. Also all top brackets were replace with a non-rusting type material.
Instruments on board the recovery ship monitored the process and an engineer called out the ascent every five feet. "30 feet...25 feet...20 feet...15 feet...10 feet...5,4,3,2,1... unit crest." The 25 ton research lab broke the surface like a bobbing cork on the end of a fishing line. Before the final lifting was to take place; every connection, instrument and stress point was checked and then double checked. After all the check lights were green and verbal confirmations were given, the lift process started, much slower however than the initial underwater lifting. Slowly the lab rose, finally the ocean released its grasp and it was swinging freely. It was then raised over the side of the barge and placed on its supports on the vast deck surface of the barge. As soon as the tension was released, several lock-down devices were put into place for the trip back to port. The weather report was clear and calm, but Bob Johnson, the man-in-charge wasn't taking any chances. He gave the signal and the tug vessel took up the slack on its tow cable. Ever so slowly the not so little group of vessels starting moving. The only way they could tell was the ever increasing distance from the floating marker behind them. The inbound journey was going to take between 8 to 10 hours.
Bob walked around the lab checking out the surface of the unit. There were rust streaks from the bolts and other steel attachments. The original white paint was basically still white, but there were a lot of barnacles and other crustaceans who had made the lab their home also. Bob waved to the two deck-hands standing to one side. They moved forward with a large hose. As pressure was increased a powerful stream of water hit the lab and pieces of shell coral and other items fell to the deck and were washed overboard through the scuppers.
Right on schedule, nine hours after initial movement the UWL20 was hoisted onto another cradle where the total cleaning and refurbishment was to take place. It was estimated that the whole project would last about six months. After which the ULW20 would be transported back out to its water borne home.
Two months into the refurbishing, Bob was summoned to the office. He picked up the phone and punched the blinking light. "Hello?" said Bob, "operations". Bob just listened not saying a word. He was a patient man but he was starting to fidget a bit now. The call was from DC and the National Oceanography Office. "But!" he said then "But!" again, "that's final?" he asked. "Alright if there's any change let me know".
"Commander Bob!", several boys in the pool yelled to Bob as he came in the door. Bob waved half-hearted and sat down on the bleachers. A young boy of about 15 swam up to the edge of the pool, removed his mask and said, "Hey, Commander Bob, how's it going?" "Not so good, Tommy" replied Bob. "Got some big problems at work and I'm not sure what's going to happen." "What!" said Tommy. "You've got the coolest job in the world, I would give anything to spend some time in the UWL." Bob looked up, "Tommy do the other guys feel the same way?" he asked. "They sure do, who wouldn't?" "Tommy my boy you may have come across something, see you guys tomorrow!" He waved to the others as he hurried out the door.
"What?" asked Bob as he talked to the program director of the Underwater Laboratories Division of the NOA in Washington DC. "I'm sorry Bob" said the director. "In order to re float UWL20 it's going to take almost $800,000.00 for a complete refit to private use." Bob thought for a second. "Sir, I've a group of Royal Rangers that are into diving and all related fields, if I could get them to do all the work and we get private funding, could we use the facility?" Bob crossed his fingers and bowed his head in a silent prayer. "Let me get this straight" said the director. "You provide all the labor and get private funding?" "Yes sir", answered Bob. "What about the current updates and repairs that have already been completed?" he asked. "Those can be written off as a contribution to the Rangers." said Bob. "Alright" said the director, "it's yours under one condition." "Name it!" said Bob. "You have to be anchored before October 1, that gives you six months to complete all the repairs and have it tested and inspected before occupancy by even a cockroach, understand?"
"Hello Tommy? this is Commander Bob." "Hey Commander! what's up?" asked Tommy. "Tom can you and all the guys meet me here at work Saturday morning, it's really important?" "Is everything alright commander?" asked Tommy, concern in his voice. Bob didn't want to give away the surprise so he played it down. "Something's come up and I want the outpost to be aware of it, OK?" "OK commander, I'll personally make sure that everyone is there." Tommy assured his commander. "Thanks Tommy, see you at 9am sharp" said Bob. "0900 hours, roger" said Tommy as he hung up. Bob sat back in his chair and gazed out the window at the UWL all covered in red-lead primer. He rubbed his hands together and smiled, then he bowed his head and offered God a prayer of thanks and a prayer of courage for himself and the Rangers for what was to come.
At 0900 hours the van pulled up and all the Rangers from the local outpost piled out and fell into formation. Commander Bob was in full uniform, standing in front of hiss office. Tommy stepped in front of him, snapped to attention and saluted. "All present and accounted for sir!" "Thank You" said Bob as he returned the salute. "At Ease!"
"Thanks for coming down here today guys, I knew I could depend on you". Each of the rangers looked at the other with a puzzled look. "I have a problem, in fact it's a 25-ton problem." Still more puzzled looks. Tom raised his hand, "Commander are you talking about the UWL project?" "Yes Tom, I am, for reasons unknown to anyone they have cancelled the program and stopped all the funding for it." All the rangers looked sad, for they all had come to love and respect Commander Bob over the past two years. One of them asked, "Are you leaving, Commander?" "Actually. No I'm not!" Again came the puzzled looks. "OK, guys! I can't hold it back any longer, follow me."
Bob went around the side of the building into the work barn. There bathed in the work lights sat the UWL20. This was nothing unusual in itself. But what was different is that there was a Royal Ranger flag draped over it. "Guys, welcome to outpost UWL20!" Bob had expected hoots and hollers but all he got was gui et and those same puzzled looks again. "What's going on commander?" asked Tommy. Bob explained what had happened and also the jest of his conversation with his superiors. With the stipulation that they have it in the water NLT than October 1st. Now.. he got the hoots and hollers he was expecting. Everyone felt the same excitement that he was feeling about the project. "We can use everything here, tools, supplies the facilities and all until October 1st then guys were on our own." "Let's do it!" they all shouted together.
For the next three months the rangers and Bob worked 24/7 on the UWL20. Little by little, piece by piece it was coming together. Three coats of brilliant white epoxy were applied to the outside shell after all the fittings were replaced, sealed and tested. The federal inspector arrived every Friday at 4:30pm to check up on their progress. So far not one item had failed. They only problem they had now was paying for the lift, transport and delivery of the unit to it's anchorage. Bob had gotten several bids already and the cheapest one was close to $200,000.00. "OK guys, gather round." said Bob. "You've all done a great job and we're way ahead of schedule. We've only a couple of more tests then final inspection, then we're ready for delivery. The problem we're facing now is pay for it." One of the younger boys said, "Man God could pick this puppy up and put it anywhere we wanted!"
"Jimmy! that's it!" said Bob. "OK guys, get to the phones, I want every ranger in the city down here pronto. I want us all to join hands around the UWL and we're going to pray this puppy into the water. Now Go!" Away they went to the phones, to friends houses, to churches the went. Six hours later there were well over 100 Royal Rangers all standing around the UWL holding hands and praying. Some prayed to themselves, others prayed out loud, some in heavenly tongues and others in chants to God. All were totally focused in the matter at hand. It also didn't hurt matters any that Bob had promised that any outpost that helped could do a tour in the UWL.
The prayer and praise went on for over an hour, there were songs that everyone sang. It was a total worship service. Pastor John was even there and he took charge of the situation. Eventually things started to die down and get quiet. "And everyone said...AMEN!" "OK guys, I've got sandwiches, pizza, chips and drinks in the corner, help yourselves." said Commander Bob. And being true rangers, they did.
All the time while they were praying, Bob had noticed a man standing in the doorway of the barn. He seemed to be praying also. Once bob noticed that he was raising his hands in praise to God. Bob walked over and introduced himself and Pastor John. The man said that he was driving by on the way to work and he noticed all the vehicles with ranger emblems on them. And since he was once a ranger himself, curiosity got the best of him. "You said you were on your way to work?" asked Bob. "Yeah I'm a dive-master for a large salvage company. We're getting to dive out on the SE reef next month and I've been getting the barge ready." he said. Well Bob had seen the barge come in last week, it was an unusual one in that it had an extremely high pointed bow. Evidently in order to take on high seas. Halfway down it's length the middle was cut out in a large "U" shape, forming what appeared to be a large horseshoe. Bob asked about the unusual shape and was told that the shape provided a sheltered location to bring up debris and it was also an ideal launching platform for submersibles for deep water dives. The shape also provides a holding place for companion vessels. "What's the max weight you can handle?" asked Bob. "Not much" said the man, "only just under 30 tons. By the way how much does that thing weigh?" he said pointing to the UWL. "A lot!" said Bob with a smile. "About 25 tons" then they both smiled.
The next three weeks went by like a fire in dry prairie grass. Everyone worked in shifts 24/7 in order to finish all the repairs. The boys were saving a very unique item for last. It was completed without Bob seeing it at all. Finally the inspector came for the final check. All the systems were activated and all the pressure valves were opened. An hour later he came out. Everyone gathered around, the inspector approached the group and shaking his head said "Where do I put the CO?" Each person looked at the other, no one knew what a CO was. "Oh!" said the inspector, "A CO is Certificate of Occupancy, you guys passed! Congratulations!" The roar from everyone present made the inspector hold his ears. Everyone started shaking hands and clapping each other on the back. When all the sudden a blast from the Sr. Guide's whistle brought immediate silence. "Alright guys" he said. "I'm sure that you all are as glad as I am, but lets not forget who gave us this gift. Immediately everyone including the inspector surrounded the UWL and gave thanks to God. Bob was in his office when he heard the noise from the barn. Upon his arrival, he saw what was going on and joined in the circle. When they had finished, the inspector handed Bob the CO, shook his hand and then left. Bob looked at the piece of paper, he could hardly believe his eyes, they had done it! Now came the hard part.
They took the next two days off. There was a celebration party at the home of one of the Rangers. They all swam in the pool, ate and generally had a good time as young men will. The next day being Sunday, they all dressed in their uniforms and presented the CO to the church and to Pastor John. A large picture of the entire outpost in front of the UWL was placed in the foyer for all to see. That night was regular outpost meeting night and tonight everyone was present. Spirits were soaring and the mood was one of pride and accomplishment. Bob held up his hand and soon everyone else held up theirs and all was quiet. "Fellows, we've reached a great milestone, and we're still two months ahead of schedule." There was a round of applause. "I'd like to introduce you all to a former ranger and now a good friend. Jim Robinson, "Jim, come here my friend." As Jim came over each ranger looked at the other, no one had known what or who this guy was. "I've watched you rangers, all from different walks of life and from different outposts work together as a unit. And never once forgetting the Master Ranger, even when one of you stopped for a drink or a snack, you never failed to pause and give thanks to the Lord for the nourishment. I used to be a ranger many years ago. But events and the military service took me away. These past two months reminded me that rangers is the best organization in the world!" "AMEN!" they all shouted. "Commander Bob didn't tell you, because I asked him not to, but I have been in touch with my bosses and next month when I take the Stallion for her shake-down cruise we are going to need some ballast to check out how she handles say about oh ....25 tons! Let's get that puppy wet!" he said pointing to the picture on the wall of the outpost meeting room. Everyone cheered and now they all knew who and what Jim was, he was their answer to prayer.
Today the work barn was a bustle of activity, last minute details were being taken care of. Tools that were used were put away. Test equipment was packed up and gotten out of the way. In general the entire work barn was cleared and a high-life was brought in. The boys had covered the UWL completely with a large dark canopy. Checking out that everything was complete the Sr. Guide again blew his whistle. "It's time guys." he said. "Patrol guides, front and center." The two boys came forward and snapped to attention, they both were in uniform. "Gentlemen, would you please escort Commander Bob and Commander Jim to the south entrance. Wait there until you are given further direction." Each ranger saluted, did an about face and marched off to perform their duty. Meanwhile Bob and Jim were on the speaker phone with the director in DC. The older man was amazed at how well Bob's rangers had carried out their duties, he had received the regular progress reports and inspections and said that not even his best government workers didn't perform as well. They had just finished their conference call when there came a knock at the door. Bob went to the door and opened it to find the two patrol guides standing at attention. The older one saluted and said, "Gentlemen, your presence is requested in the work barn would you please accompany us. The two men looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders and said' "Lead on".
When they reached the south entrance, there standing at the door was the Sr. Guide. He snapped to attention when the small group arrived and saluted. He told the two men that it was necessary that they be blindfolded. After that was done they were instructed to place their right hand on the shoulder of each of the patrol guides. They were then led into the barn, even though it was mid-day with all the work lights out it was quite dark and gloomy. They could tell that they were going up some steps. After reaching the top they were told to reach out and grab a metal rail. A chain was placed across the opening and they started to rise. They were on the large high lift, the one used to go all the way to the top to service the lights and exhaust fans. The unit was moved forward under its own power and then raised to almost the max height. When they stopped, their blindfolds were removed. It was so dark that they could hardly distinguish anything at all. Then all the sudden a large spotlight came on and lit up the UWL on the floor below them, the only thing was that it was covered in a black canopy. Each of the men looked at the other and shrugged their shoulders as if to say,"beats me".
A voice from below said, "Commanders, you both have given of your time, money prayers and energy to make a ranger dream come true. We want everyone to know that this was a ranger effort and we think we have devised a way to do this.. Ready Rangers! GO!" All the sudden the spotlight went out. The sound of plastic moving could be heard but not seen in the darkness. All the sudden the spotlight was relit and both men saw a sight that made them take a deep breath. The entire top of the UWL was now a giant Royal Ranger emblem. Again the voice from the darkness. "This is what planes are going to see when they fly over our anchorage. Thank you both for making this all possible.
"Clear forward!... Clear Aft!... All Clear!" All the chocks were removed and the tram pushed forward and the UWL started its forward movement down the slope to the water. Ever so slowly the UWL inched forward, surrounded by royal rangers on all sides. Its movement was extremely slow. It would take over three hours to traverse the 200 yards to the water. The tram engine was equipped with a long metal pole very much the same as used to move large aircraft. At the final slope this would be removed and two cables would be attached to two more trams on either side of the ramp. The incline was such that the UWL's own weight would let it traverse the final yards into the water. The trams were used to check the downward movement as to keep it slow. At the end of the dock was moored the horseshoe shaped Stallion, a steady stream of longshoremen were bringing supplies and other equipment aboard. The power plant was already up to full power. The entire area inside the horseshoe had been prepared to receive the UWL. In three hours from initial movement the Stallion would moved forward and position itself in the center of the ramp channel. It would then back itself into position, while sea water was being pimped into the aft tanks causing the aft of the vessel to ride very low into the water. Once the UWL was locked into place the water would be pumped out and the UWL would one again be out of the water. When they reached the anchorage the process would be reversed and the UWL would be re floated.
There were 15 rangers and Commander Bob who were selected randomly to accompany the UWL. Two were selected from each outpost in the area. And of course the Sr. Guide. All were open water certified and they would be the ones securing the UWL to the reef 45 feet beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean somewhere off the southern coast of Florida.
Don't miss Chapter 2 in this great adventure.
See ya next time!