Shipping Out

Having served as a seaman aboard the Missouri as a “chipper and painter” in 1949-50, even today I can identify with those young sailors who call it the most hated job aboard ship (“Hated Navy Task Is Being Shipped Out,” Feb. 5). By the time we had completely chipped and painted the ship, it was time to start all over again. It was a never-ending task because it kept new, young recruits busy when the ship was out to sea. This change has been a long time coming, but I seriously doubt that the chore will be completely eliminated. Navy ships will always have their chippers and painters.

BOB MURTHA

Santa Maria