An unexpected special meal could alarm sailors even when it accompanied no bad news. After a viewer's anecdote about a German naval cook, Alex Clarke recalls visiting a US Navy ship about a week after lobster had been served to use it before it spoiled. Its logistics officer explained that a loading error had left the ship with food that would expire during the trip. The captain had already told the crew why it had been served, but sailors still expected an adverse announcement. The recollection shows how strongly they associated special food with deployment extensions.
Notable Point · 49:17-50:24
Why an unexpected lobster meal caused alarm
Sailors continued expecting bad news after lobster was served to prevent spoilage, despite an explanation from their captain.