I took Chief Martin’s advice, but not at first. “There are only a few things you need to know about Navy coffee, and most of it involves the cup,” the blogger writes. One blogger from the Military Times ( Broadside Blog) wrote about it this past August. Several recent articles about the practice surfaced on the internet on message boards and military news blogs. Sailors today might read those guidelines and laugh at the rules and regulations. All parts of the coffee mess had to be “scrupulously clean,” according to the cook book. The 1945 Cookbook of the United States Navy lists several reasons why a clean mug and pot of coffee is essential to a flavorful experience. Navy.” The article goes on to discuss why many sailors take their coffee so seriously. I spoke to some retired CPOs who counted four or five deployments on a single unwashed cup. The August 1949 edition of All Hands Magazine declared that coffee was the “Lifeblood of the U.S. Navy Chiefs, however, are considered by many to be the most Spartan of stalwarts to the unwashed coffee mug. Ask anybody who served or is currently serving in the military, and they will likely give you a story about an experience involving the practice of “seasoning” their cup. To many in the military, this is nothing new. As one blogger noted, “You may not be able to embrace your loved ones while you are gone, but at least you can still taste the same coffee you drank the day you left.” Old coffee in a cup signifies seniority and stature in the military, particularly on deployment. But you will grow to love it and depend on the taste.” I would never think I would believe him. “Sometimes it’s the only way you can drink this swill. “And keep it as tarry black as possible,” he added. “If you intend to stay here at the museum, you can impress the Navy guys with your mug.” He went on to explain to me the significance of an unwashed or “seasoned” coffee mug, particularly in the Navy Chief community. “I know you are just starting out here, but I want to let you in on a little secret.” He was almost whispering. He leaned in again, this time more relaxed (and less confrontational). I held my breath and found out just how wrong I really was. Coffee mugs should be washed out after use. “I need to clean my cup.” I was merely doing what I was taught. Although I drink my coffee black, my mind struggled to find reason in the practice. I looked at him, puzzled with fascination and disbelief. He leaned in close and told me to “never wash it again,” staring back down at my cup and back to me. He was by far one of the saltiest sailors I have ever met. He had a puzzled, concerned look on his face. I turned around to see GMC Dana Martin, the museum’s active duty OIC. I’m sure whoever it was, they could sense my hesitation. As I washed out my cup, I felt the sting of glaring eyes from behind my back. When a supreme pot of joe is brewed, many of the volunteers would call it “Signal Bridge Coffee,” recalling the nostalgia of long nights and many cups consumed.Īfter that first morning of coffee, I went to the break room to wash my cup and let it dry for the next day’s angry fix. Your mind can trick you into believing anything. It tasted both wonderful and terrible at the same time. The thickness of it closely resembled crude oil. This was my first experience with “Navy coffee.” It was hot and strong. When I finally got the green light, I happily brought my coffee mug in the next day, eager to drink from the well all working class souls go to each morning. I did not feel comfortable partaking in the delicious brew until somebody told me I could. I thought the coffee mess at work was reserved for staff and volunteers only. In 2006, I began at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum as a wide-eyed intern, ready to take on the new and fascinating world of naval history. The obsession began over seven years ago.
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