I was in the Navy and stationed on-board the USS Tinosa at the time. We were at the sub base in New London getting ready for a deployment to the Caribbean, I was staying in port to attend a school on the base. At noon I relieved the watch topside (an armed guard stationed on the dock next to the boat to check IDs for those requesting access) and it was bright and sunny, just jacket weather. The watch was suppose to be 4 hours but it did not turn out that way. As topside watch I was required to inform the Duty Officer (DO) of any changes in conditions topside. At 1400 or so, I made the call below to inform the DO that it had started to snow. At about 1500 I once again called below to inform him that the snow was now several inches deep and the wind was picking up. He then came topside to see for himself and was surprised to see such a rapid accumulation. I was no longer dressed for the weather and said that he would have my heavier jacket sent up (it never arrived). I expected to be relieved at 1600 but he did not show either and was told that they were looking for the isolation suits (bright orange suit that would compare to snowmobile suits) for the on coming watch. At 1700 the Captain arrived and asked why I assumed the watch without being properly attired for it. I explained what was happening and as he left he said he would have it taken care of. He did.....the DO came topside and informed me that the Captain told him to get the on coming watch topside or stand the watch himself but I MUST be relieved NOW. The next watch stander came out of the hatch, properly attired at that time and relieved me.
The Captain then ordered all personnel to remain on board, had those who had left recalled and those who were not leaving in the am to depart. I left the boat and went to the barracks where I spent the next week waiting for the snow to end and for the snow to be cleared (the base had been closed for 4 days). Luckily for me the Enlisted Mess was in the building next door, I only had to climb through 48" of snow to get there.
Two weeks later I met up with the Tinosa in Florida, the weather.....85 degrees and sunny!
The Captain then ordered all personnel to remain on board, had those who had left recalled and those who were not leaving in the am to depart. I left the boat and went to the barracks where I spent the next week waiting for the snow to end and for the snow to be cleared (the base had been closed for 4 days). Luckily for me the Enlisted Mess was in the building next door, I only had to climb through 48" of snow to get there.
Two weeks later I met up with the Tinosa in Florida, the weather.....85 degrees and sunny!