Date:    Mon, 27 Apr 1998 06:07:20 -0400
<br>From:    Steve Harper <sharper[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]FOTO.INFI.NET>
<br>Subject: Re: Navy expression
<br>
<br>A friend who was on submarines in the 60s sends the following:
<br>
<br>Reply-To: <rancox[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]brigadoon.com>
<br>From: "Ran Cox" <rancox[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]brigadoon.com>
<br>To: "Steve Harper" <sharper[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]foto.infi.net>
<br>Subject: Re: Navy expression
<br>Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 19:12:00 -0400
<br>X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
<br>X-Mailer: Microsoft Internet Mail 4.70.1155
<br>
<br>
<br>A steady strain applies to one line while an even or balanced strain would apply
<br> to two or more lines.  For example, we had four lines, bow (number one), stern
<br> (number four) and spring lines (numbers two and three).  The spring lines were
<br> crossed to minimize movement parallel to the dock, while bow and stern lines
<br> restrict movement away from the dock.  An even strain on the spring lines and
<br> the bow and stern lines was taken.
<br>
<br>A steady strain also is taken on lines.  A slack line (one with no strain) tends
<br> to pop the instant all slack or excess is taken up.  Slack in a line allows
<br> whatever object it was supposed to be securing to build momentum until the
<br> instant all slack is exhausted--then must instantly stop tons (often tens of
<br> thousands of tons) or break.  The latter tends to be more probable, so taking a
<br> steady strain makes the momentum work in the line's favor.
<br>
<br>One of the biggest reasons a steady strain is so close to the hearts of line
<br> handlers is that a one-, two- or more-inch line that "pops" tends to act on
<br> line handlers like thick rubber bands do when shooting flies.  When a nautical
<br> type tells someone to take up the slack (applied to attitude), it is a much
<br> more severe statement than might be imagined.
<br>
<br>Senator McCain definitely meant and did keep a steady strain.  Well done, Sir.
<br>----------
<br>> From: Steve Harper <sharper[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]foto.infi.net>
<br>> To: rancox[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]brigadoon.com
<br>> Subject: Navy expression
<br>> Date: Sunday, April 26, 1998 12:11 PM
<br>>
<br>> Any thoughts?
<br>> >
<br>> >
<br>
<br>
<br>At 14:02 4/25/98 -0400, you wrote:
<br>>Can ADSers who are fmr Navy help with question of naval usage? TIME April
<br>>13 p. 62 col. 1 prints this:
<br>>
<br>>"'It's O.K. We knew this was going to happen,' he said calmly. 'Remember,
<br>>steady strain. You gotta keep a steady strain.' McCain, a former Navy
<br>>pilot, made the phrase a mantra during his 5 1/2 years as a POW in Hanoi."
<br>>
<br>>Is this accurate? I seem to recall hearing "take an even strain" but then I
<br>>was in the wrong branch of service, with no rope-handling experience at
<br>>all. Went flipping through Wouk's "Caine Mutiny" but haven't found it yet.
<br>>
<br>>Bernie Kane
<br>>ex-Army dogface '42-'45
<br>>
<br>>
<br>