We set out today from Brisbane, and I find I have full faith in the courage and skill of the crew under my new command.

I wish the same could be said for the boat herself.  As we made preparations to get underway, I could not help but notice, with no small degree of envy, the newer fleet boats tied up near by.  While we have some of the new equipment, I can not help but be less then confident in physical plant of this vessel which is clearly showing it’s age.

But there is little time or point to dwelling on such matters now.  We have our orders, and I and my crew are very eager to deal out a little pay back for Pearl and our losses in Java and the Philippines.