Remember Them All

September 2, 2018

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

A crowd of Shipgirls gathered on the fantail of the USS Missouri. While there were some extra guests, most of them were the reincarnations of all the ships in the US Navy's Task Force 38 at the end of World War II. They all stood orderly and proper facing aft in their dress uniforms. From port to starboard, stood the aircraft carriers, the light carriers, the battleships, the heavy and light cruisers, and the destroyers.

Submarine tender, Proteus (AS-19), stood at the front of the group with Shioi (I-401). The Japanese submarine Kanmusu wore a formal black jacket with a white shirt beneath it, and a black pencil skirt, and black flats. Her hair was still tied in a ponytail with her signature ribbon.

Facing the large group was a smaller group separated in three distinct sections. From starboard to port were Ranger (CV-4), Hancock (CV-19), Wasp (CV-18) New Mexico (BB-40), and Maryland (BB-46). Next were Slipjack (SS-184), Gunnel (SS-253), Dentuda (SS-335), and Carp (SS-338). Finally, Intrepid (CV-11) and Oriskany (CV-34).

Off to the side near the railing stood New Jersey along with TF 38's Destroyer Squadron 25; Ringgold (DD-500), Shroeder (DD-501), Harrison (DD-573), John Rodgers (DD-574), McKee (DD-575), Murray (DD-576), and Dashiell (DD-659). Each destroyer girl had an M14 and stood in ceremonial rest.

Ranger walked up to the podium set in the center of the two groups.

"I thank you all for coming," Ranger began. "We stand here today to honor the memory of Senator John McCain. I know what some of you think about politicians, but like his father and grandfather before him, he was a navy veteran. John S. "Slew" McCain, Sr. was one of my commanders before the war. He would later assume command of Task Force 38 and become a four-star admiral. John S. "Jack" McCain, Jr. was a successful submarine commander and would later become a four-star admiral just like his father. They were both present for the signing of the Japanese surrender."

"His son, while not having an outstanding military career like his father and grandfather, he was a true maverick with a strong constitution. With his lineage, he could basically get the safest job in the navy, but he requested to be put into combat. He flew A-4's off of Intrepid and Nuclear E, and almost got himself killed when trying to rescue a fellow pilot during the Forrestal's fire. After recovering from his injuries, he went right back out again with Oriskany where he would ultimately get shot down and captured. But he kept his resolve. Despite having the chance to be released early, he did not leave the rest of his fellow Americans prisoners-of-war.

"Regardless of whether you are blue or red, white or black, or anything else you can think of, we are here to honor a fellow veteran. Captain John S. McCain III. Farewell, sir, and Godspeed.

"And as today is the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the surrender, we will also honor all who gave their lives in the Pacific War."

Ranger stepped off the podium, and returned to her spot next to Hancock.

"Detail," New Jersey commanded at DESRON 25. "Attention! Ready!"

The seven Shipgirls pivoted and brought their rifles up in unison.

"Release safety!"

All seven safeties clicked off simultaneously.

"Aim! Fire!"

Bang!

"Ready!"

They racked the charging handles.

"Aim! Fire!"

Bang!

"Ready!"

They racked the charging handles.

"Aim! Fire!"

Bang!

"Ready!"

They racked the charging handles.

"Present arms!"

In unison, the destroyer girls pivoted back to their original position and held their rifles, pointed straight up, in front of them.

Arizona raised her trumpet, put it to her lips, and began to play the 24 notes of Taps.

A/N: Please keep this politics free.

Just some side notes. I included Shioi because there is a picture of the last meeting between McCain Sr. and McCain Jr. on Proteus with what looks like an I-400-class submarine in the background mostly hidden by the railing. I made Arizona the trumpeter because, to my knowledge, historically her band had won a competition.

Also, the USS Orleck Museum still needs all help she can get. Any amount of contribution, whether it's donating $1 or spreading the word, will help greatly. You can donate on their website (orleck . org [remove the spaces]), donate by mail, or by person if you visit the ship.