Navy's New Year's Day Poetry Tradition: A Verse on the Bridge

The U.S. Navy has a nearly century-old tradition: on the first day of the new year, during the early morning watch, the officer of the deck can record the ship's activities in poetic form in the deck log. This article recounts this tradition and showcases New Year's poems from various Navy ships throughout history, from WWII destroyers to modern ones, highlighting the diversity of naval life and culture. While declining with the rise of electronic devices, this unique tradition remains a cherished memory.