MV Cape Hudson (T-AKR 5066)
Hanjin Incheon Container Terminal
Captain Loweston carefully watched as the Abrams tanks rolled off the ship. While technically the operation was under the supervision of army loadmasters; as Captain, he was still responsible for everything that happened. Until the last tank rolled off, he was responsible for their safety along with the safety of the ship and her crew.
He spoke into the radio he was holding. “OK Bill, looks like the last group can crank up. Looking good so far.”
The tinny voice of his XO came back from the other end of the ship. “Yes sir, no problems. These guys have done this before.”
While delivering an entire division of tanks to Korea would certainly give the Chinese pause, Loweston wasn’t sure if this move was anything short of window dressing. It seemed unlikely in the extreme that China would invade South Korea or even allow North Korea to do so. The risk of all-out nuclear war seemed too great for both sides.
No, Loweston felt that his next mission would be much more directly tied to the success or failure of the USA’s goals in the conflict. Sitting quietly on the dock, just down from where the Abrams were marshaling there was a long row of US Army trucks. These seemingly innocuous trucks were going to tip the balance in the South China Sea, he was certain.
“Colonel, I am Captain Loweston. I am in command of the Cape Hudson, welcome aboard.”
“Thank you sir. I am Lieutenant Colonel Rutgers and this is my Top Kick, First Sergeant Briggs.” As the three men traded handshakes, the Captain turned to look out at the assembled trucks.
“I think we can embark your vehicles easily. As you can see, we have plenty of room. I think getting you to our destination safely and onto the island may cause more difficulty, however.”
“Agreed. Top Kick, get the men moving.”
“Yes, sir.” With a crisp salute, Briggs jogged down the gangplank and began shouting orders.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a THAAD system before.”
“Not many have. There are only about a dozen worldwide. Until two days ago, I thought we would be in Okinawa for the duration.”
The distant roar of diesels could be heard from the bridge wing where the two officers were standing. Trucks began to move. Additional trucks began to arrive on the dock.
“And those additional trucks?”
“Reloads. We have two complete sets for every launcher.”
“Someone is expecting you to be very busy.”
“Indeed. However, what concerns me the most is why we are aboard ship and not in an aircraft.”
“Someone thinks a ship is safer for you.”
“Yes, that’s what bothers me. Considering the amount of anti-ship missiles the Chinese have already deployed, ‘safe’ isn’t the adjective that I would use.”
“We will be in good company.”
“Let’s hope so Captain, let’s hope so.”
Again, a lieutenant colonel is a battalion commander and he would have a command sergeant major, not merely a first sergeant. And his battalion will have three firing batteries a headquarters, and a service battery. Top Kick is WW II jargon but informally “Top” is sometimes used for a first sergeant. Also, the commander is never directly addressed as “lieutenant colonel”. He will introduce himself as lieutenant colonel so and so, but others will address him and usually refer to him informally as “Colonel”.
I hope you can get that spelling of sergeant cleaned up sometime.
Thank you John!! I have merged this comment with your others and have made edits based on your guidance.