In 1972, Julia and I were living in Long Beach, CA. I was working as the 3rd Engineer on a brand-new tanker, the SS ARCO Sag River. This ship made round trips from Long Beach to Alaska, bringing oil back to Long Beach. It was one of the first ARCO ships to permanently sail on the West Coast. Since ARCO was just starting to move to the West Coast, all the crew’s families were still on the East Coast. We didn’t have children yet, so Julia drove from New York to Long Beach to stay with me during my 4-month sailing period.

Julia rented a one-bedroom apartment in Long Beach, just 15 minutes from where the ship docked. She would meet the ship every time it docked, which was about every 12 days. She was always there on the dock to wave goodbye when the ship left. Such is the life of a sailor’s wife. We were in port for only about 20 hours, so our time together was usually less than 12 hours. This was possible because the 1st Engineer would take my watch so I could be with Julia.

The romantic notion that sailors love their ships more than their wives is not true. I believe it’s written by those who have never been to sea. Every moment with your wife is precious, and when sailors see their wives on the dock, it is almost melancholy. Everyone who works on ships appreciates having someone to say goodbye to them.

On about the third round trip to Alaska, I was on the aft deck waving goodbye to Julia. I noticed her waving became more enthusiastic. This puzzled me until I turned to leave and saw that virtually every officer and crew member who could be on deck was there, waving to her. Julia, being the only wife of the entire crew on the West Coast, was adopted by them. For the next three months, it became a tradition for all available crew members to be on deck waving hello when docking and goodbye when leaving to Julia. If I was below on watch and couldn’t come up on arrival, someone would always go ashore to tell her when I could meet her to go back to our apartment.

Poem

In Long Beach, Julia waved from the shore, As the ship sailed to Alaska, her love did soar.

Every twelve days, she’d greet with a smile, Our precious hours together made it all worthwhile.

The crew adopted her, waving hello and goodbye, In those fleeting moments, our spirits would fly.

On the aft deck, I’d wave with pride, Knowing Julia’s love was always by my side.

Her enthusiasm grew with each passing trip, As the crew joined in, our hearts would skip.

In port for just hours, our time was so brief, But those moments together brought such relief.

The 1st Engineer’s kindness, a gift so rare, Allowed me to be with Julia, a love we could share.

The romantic tales of sailors loving their ships more, Are myths from those who’ve never been to sea before.

For every sailor knows the truth deep inside, It’s the love of their family that fills them with pride.

Julia’s presence on the dock, a beacon so bright, Guided me through the darkest of nights.

And as the ship sailed on its endless quest, Julia’s love remained my anchor, my rest.