I learned what a Charlie Noble was (and several hundred other salty tidbits)
from Chief Zentz. If any of you ever met him, you know he had to be the
crustiest SOB that ever went to sea. Chief Zentz was about 5'6" tall, and
about 5'6" in diameter, probably 350 pounds, and had eight or nine hash
marks on his dress blues, the only E-9 Master Chief I ever came across.
When I joined my squadron in Sangley Point, P.I., he already had 36 years
in, and chalked up another two before I left. (That was in 1965, so you know
he had some terrific WWII stories).
I learned early on that Chief Zentz made out the watch list, and that he
LOVED donuts from the galley, so... every morning when I picked up the
flight crews box lunches for the morning hops, I managed to leave a dozen
steaming hot ones on his desk, and I made sure he knew who had brought them.
He'd give me 2 and eat the other 10 himself. I still drew a few watches, but
none of the midnight to 4 AM crap.

Chief Zentz had a temper to match his girth. I think he probably inspired
the old brown shoe saying "I just safety-wired the chief into the ****ed off
position".

babygrand


"John Miller" wrote in message
...
babygrand wrote:
Any of you really crusty old salts know what a Charley Noble is? I heard
this term the other day from an "ancient mariner", and I hadn't heard it
since 1965, brought back some real good memories. Any one care to take
a
crack? Also, anyone know the origin of the term?

Wow, that *is* a trip down memory lane. Won't give it away, but will
mention that it got its name from 19th century (British) Capt. Noble,
who demanded polish.

--
John Miller, mustang
email domain: n4vu.com; username: jsm(@)