“SHIPMATE ON ETERNAL PATROL”

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (SSBN 602)                                                                         5/9/19

Lord, this departed shipmate with dolphins on his chest.  He was a part of an outfit known as the best.

Make him welcome and take him by the hand.  You’ll find without a doubt, he was the best in all the land.

So, Heavenly Father, add Richard “Ricky” Rhode to the honor roll of our departed shipmates still on patrol.

Let them know that we who survive will always keep their memories alive.

There is a port of no return where ships may ride at anchor for a little space.

And then some starless night the cable slips leaving only an eddy at the mooring place.

Gulls veer no longer, sailor rest your oars. No tangled wreckage will be washed ashore.

Rest your oars shipmate, as you go on your final patrol. May you sail in peace.

Captain John D. Leonard

Gold Crew 1969 to 1972

Richard L. Rhode MM1 (SS)

Gold Crew 1973 to 1977

Respecfully,

Doc McCance