Lighthouses

 “Two battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days.” Said Frank Koch in the Naval Institute magazine, “Proceedings”.  “I was serving on the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge when night fell.  The visibility was poor with patchy fog, so the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities.  Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing of the bridge report, “Light, Bearing on the starboard bow.”  “Is it steady or moving astern?” the captain called out.  Lookout replied, “Steady captain.” which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship.  The captain then called the signalman, “Signal that ship ” We are on a collision course. Advise you change course 20 degrees.”  Back came a signal, “Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees.”  The captain said, “Send  “I’m a captain, change course 20 degrees.”  “I’m a seaman second class,” came the reply, “You had better change course 20 degrees.”  By that time, the captain was furious.  He spat out, “Send ” I’m a battleship!  Change course 20 degrees!!”  Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse.”  We changed course!”