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Stewardesses
On the Spencer our main duty was standing ocean station. Basically we positioned the ship somewhere within a specified one mile square, and performed duties such as plotting aircraft, some oceanographic work, and some weather observation. The most time consuming and probably the most important was plotting aircraft. There were numerous ocean stations. Some were in the Atlantic, some in the Pacific.
I served in the Atlantic. I was involved in the oceanographic work by taking plankton samples and recording water temperatures at various depths. I helped with the weather by tracking and plotting RAOB's and RAWIN sounds. (Tracking ascending balloons into the atmosphere for wind direction and speed at different elevations.) The plotting of aircraft was twofold. We assisted aircraft by giving them their speed and direction relative to the ground. We also assisted them with winds aloft from our most recent balloon run. Another function of plotting aircraft was for our nation's defense. Every Westbound aircraft not Identified was reported to Com-fleet once it passed CPA. (Closest point of approach.)
On slow watches when we were working few aircraft, and there were no drills, or equipment checks, or surface plots, or daily cleanup, we often talked to airline stewardesses to pass the time and more important, hear a live female voice. There was often a little banter about looks, phone numbers, and blind dates.
A thought came to me. Why not have a contest? We would judge according to voice appeal, friendliness, looks, (if a picture was sent) etc. You get the idea. I talked a few friends to chip in for a prize for a winner from each patrol. (Usually expensive perfume, which is reasonable without taxes.) A few made fun of this little venture, but for the short time that it lasted I acquired a "black book" that some would have given their eye teeth for. One of my friends eventually married a stewardess from that book.
I never dated anyone from that book. I had fun compiling it though. I don't remember what happened to the book. Knowing me, I probably sold it.
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