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Remembering the AD-26
By Don F. Smith
She wasn't much to look at that rusty old hulk.
But as far as work went, she got the bulk.
You needed the parts, she's where go got'em.
Do anything to a "Tin Can," 'cept paint her bottom.
She wasn't fast, she wasn't sleek.
From Norfolk to Naples took more'n a week.
She sails no longer over the sea.
But lives on forever in the heart o you and me.
she was made of iron, steel, and wood
She did her job, and did it good.
Her heart and her soul, that was her crew.
We had our job, we knew what to do.
Long hours we spent, both day and night.
But we did the job, and we did it right.
We cussed, and we bitched to Kingdom come.
But we never quit 'til the job was done.
No "Tin Can" ever came to the "Shenandoah."
That didn't leave better than she was before.
There was no job too big or small.
No matter what we did 'em all.
No finer ship ever sailed the sea.
Than the one in the heart of you and me.
Though now she shall sail the sea no more.
She'll live on forever the Old Shenandoah.
So raise your glasses, and raise them high.
And to "The Old Girl," one last goodbye.
We loved you then, and we love you now.
From your broad assed stern, to your not so sharp prow.
From all who sailed in you, hip, hip, hooray.
And we'll be aboard come Judgment Day.
So standby to sail on the evening tide.
When we all meet up on the other side.
Courtesy of A.W. Kauthold, USS Ammen (DD-527).
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