| It was late summer, 1970, and we had just completed our deployment in the Med. We were in Rota, Spain and had been relieved. The Nantahala was to put to sea at 0600 and steam for Newport. I had duty as I usually did on the last day in port and was scheduled for the mid-watch on the quarterdeck. When I came up to relieve the OOD he informed me that one of his men had been brought back to the ship for being drunk. After the shore patrol left the ship the OOD let him go back on liberty again. When he told me this I jokingly said, "I guess you are on report." He didn't really know how to accept what I said. Liberty expired at midnight and the man did not return to the ship. I had the P.O. of the watch enter it in the log just to cover us if anything happened. I informed the XO, CDO, the 1st LT. and the CWO2 Boatswain. I was relieved of watch at 0345 by the Senior Chief Boatswain Mate, who also was the ships Master at Arms. All of this information was entered in the quartermaster's logbook. Everyone of importance was notified about said person not returning to ship. Being relieved from my watch I went to the electric shop and set up everything for getting underway. I hit the rack for a short spell and was awakened by the E-division guys mumbling about something. I learned that everyone had been informed of the man not returning except one very important person. No one had told the Captain! He confined the XO, CDO and OOD to their staterooms with portholes closed, all meals brought to their staterooms, and no visitors for five days! Big stink for all involved.
By having all of the information entered in the log we were covered and were not involved in any judicial punishment. Although the XO tried to get me when he was released from his confinement he was not successful. Anyone who made that cruise knows how Captain Brady disliked the XO and nailed him every chance he got, which was quite often. That incident made my trip worthwhile.
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