— But to me the Navy is not a business. We have many traditions. In my career, I've experienced most of them. Some good, some bad. However, I wouldn't be here today if not for our greatest tradition.
— And which one is that?
— Honor, sir.
— All I wanted was to be master diver.
— All I wanted was to stay one.
— There's only three choices a colored man has in the Navy.
— What, chief?
— A cook, officer's valet or getting the fuck out of the Navy.
Sir, I am a Navy man. Where I come from there are no oceans, only dirt farms and ornery mules. And no self-respecting Navy man makes a living driving mules.