WAVFAC MEWS
It is doubtful that anyone who has not attempted to.write a column for the
Naval Facility has any conception of what it is like to try to gather news
worthy information from the crew, . ..
The task begins early in the "week when comments are made on the preceding
week^ attempt. Someone can always be counted upon to come rushing up with
a look on their face as if they have just discovered the secret to lumpless
tapioca and inform the reporter that he made an 'error in the column. With
that small bit of devistating cheer disclosed they usually mumble the fact
that it was "pretty good otherwise..," With that note of encouragement the
newsgathering week begins*
This week the reporter decides, he-will get ahead of the game end start
gathering nows early so that there will Joe no last minute rush and no volley
of curses from the Yeomen Friday morning-when they have to get the smooth out
"immediately."
This early in the week the crew usually doesn’t suspect that the newsgather
k ing process has begun and the reporter is greeted in the normal manner. When
" the fatefull, sensibility numbing question "got-anything for the Adak Sun?"
is asked, a pall settles on conversation. Feet are shuffled, cleaning stations
are manned, and gear breaks down requiring immediate attention. The reporter
is left standing flat footed listening to his hair (grow. If there happens to
be anyone left in the room that isn't totally preoccupied, he usually manages
to drawl the collective excuse of the group out of the side of his mouth. "Ah,
what ever h-ppens on Adak?" -A recent innovation to this statement is "Oh yeah,
bu nothing that you could write about." This is invariably followed by a
knowledgable technician chortling from inside one of the pieces of equipment.
So the week wears on. Seemingly newsloss watches are relieved and relieved.
Thursday dawns with no column. By this time it is time for the reporter to
launch an all out offensive. But there is no element of surprise by now. The
reporter’s last resort is to play opposing forces against each other. He gets
his news from people who have "something on somebody." While not in keeping
with the highest ideals of the profession, it docs result in some printable
material.
One week the reporter tried a variation to his tactics# "Yep, no column in
the Adak Sun this week," He muttered. "Why not?" someone .asked indignantly, re
flecting interest in the column after it was printed. "Because there is nothing
to put in it. No one gave me any news," answered the reporter, hoping that his
point had been made. A few faces did reflect fleeting pangs of guilt, but still
no news was offered. The flaw to ‘this tactic was that despite threats, a column
did appear and after that, threats of a NAVFAC nowsloss Adak Sun wore totally
disregarded.
Finally resolutions asserted itself. With steely eyes and jaw set firmly the
reporter decided that indeed, this week there would bo no column. Self respect
came rushing back and the reporter once again felt like the Navy People look on
the recruiting posters - - self sufficient, determined; facing the world square
in the eye. But like the victims of Greek Tragedy, the gods were not on his side.
Thursday afternoon as he marched around on his new found cloud of self respect,
the Executive Officer got wind of unwelcome water in the bilge. Explanations
were futile. Lack of news contributing sailors just didn't scorn to be very form
idable obstacle to the X0.‘ Cajoling and reason did bring about a compromise.
"Yes," the XO smiled with his jaw muscles working, "It certainly would be nice
to have a column in the Adak Sun this week......"