A Poem Dedicated to the USS Oriskany - May She Rest in Peace

The USS Oriskany is now serving the country as an artifical reef south of Pensacola, Florida. However during the plan stages that sent her to the bottom, I thought it fitting to write a few words to this mighty ship. This is my attempt at writing something to commemorate her many glorious years of service. May she rest in peace.

Also I wrote some words to document my memories of two who gave it all in the service of our country (LT John B. Martin II, VF-191; LT Joseph R. Klugg, VFP-63). There are many others who gave the ultimate service to our country, who went down without being noticed. Some day I hope to write some words here to recognize them as well.

She is One Mighty Ship

Cutting through the sea, serving our nations
For freedom's sake, we man our stations
Duty with enormous zeal, we get the job done
With extraordinary appeal pilots make their run
Sailors man the ship and marines secure the deck
We're ready, and we're here to give them heck


No matter the job we had, we served the Mighty O
Despite the good or bad, we gave heart and soul
Many gave their life, fearless squelched the burn
Despite the perilous strife, sorties flown but yearn
Striving to get back home, pilots often pray
I hope I hit the zone, and live another day


From launch to recovery, some lost, some fail
Men of bravery, unable to tell their tale
Heaven help those who lost a life,
Left children behind and a loving wife
Bless those who survived it all
And especially our ship who stands so tall


Her iron and steel represents our mighty men
Who fought for all of us till the bitter end
May she continue to serve her country well
Leaving a legacy that makes hearts swell
Today the Mighty O sinks out of sight
Leaving others to fight for what is right


Copyright, 2004 by Gerry Benner
Please feel free to use this provided you give proper credit.
Slight modifications and improvements are definitely appreciated.

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Here's another poem I wrote. It uses a different style, which I learned from my college professor daughter, Suzanne. It's sad.

A Few Seconds of Life

Flight deck alive, planes made ready, catapults charged, and blasters raised to repel the force. Steam hugs the rail, after-burners kick in, the pilot gets thumbs up, and the pull to the bow begins. But a wheel strut snaps, steam continues the pull, dragging twisting metal aside. Stuttering breath fills the throat, and hope fills the mind, as the plane lumbers over the bow. An ejection ? hard, to starboard, ocean debris, no sign of life. Seconds gone by; they live on in me. No way to act or to help; only an eternal memory.

Copyright, 2004 by Gerry Benner
Please feel free to use this provided you give proper credit.
Dedicated to the memory of Lt. Joseph R. Klugg

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Here's a poem I'm working on. It's for John B. Martin II.

October Yankee Station Gulf of Tonklin recovery operations underway. Seas rough heaving fore and aft a plane on final approach is shown on a television display. We see the plane bobbing up and down mostly between the lines Officers monitor it all glide path okay? It's their call. They say bring up speed; we watch it all unfold; the pilot hopes to hit the wire -- not wanting to go around again. Ship's stern rises up fantail takes a dive; pilot getting closer landing to survive. But seas continue to churn John works to stay on path. intensely watching instruments attempting to maintain speed. Aft end rises up now John is too low told to bring it up then told wave-off, wave-off second with great concern. John struggles to pull it up frantic for more speed, but the fantail ... it fast approaches no controls to stop his fate. On that October day we hear fire on the flightdeck hangar bay too John ... John ... No longer able to speak for self and render love abound; on this day I hear you say: live life the best you can and never fail to glow; I'm in a glorious place, and when we meet, you'll know

Copyright, 2005, 2006 by Gerry Benner
Please feel free to use this provided you give proper credit.
Slight modifications and improvements are definitely appreciated.

Author note: I wish I knew more of the flight terminology -- to get the poems more historically accurate. I've tried to describe events and memories and emotions the best I can. Anyone reading these poems should do so with all of the emotions that go along with experiencing the event and losing a loved one.