But I can imagine the possibilities.

We also had a communications device called the 1MC, a PA system for which messages for the whole crew could be passed (usually preceded by the word "Now" to get the crew's attention), like

"This is not a drill, not a drill, General Quarters, General Quarters, all hands man your battle stations."

"Now, Petty Officer Reclus, lay to the bridge."

"Now, Stand by for heavy rolls while maneuvering at speed. Exercise caution on all weather decks."

"Now, The smoking lamp is out throughout the ship while taking on ammunition."

some of these 1MC calls marked traditional moments in ship's routine, usually accompanied by the appropiate notes from the bosun's pipe (A shrill whistle used to signal and coordinate operations on windy, noisy decks in the days of sail).

"Now, sweepers, sweepers, man your brooms. Give the ship a clean sweepdown fore and aft, sweep down all lower decks, ladders and passageways, now sweepers."

"Now, dinner for the crew."

"Now, set the sea and anchor detail"

"Now, boarding party, muster on the main deck, port side."

"Now, Liberty Call, Liberty Call." (Authorized hands not on duty may go ashore).

"Now, for the information of all hands,the Naval Exchange Mobile Canteen is on the pier."
Once I heard an anonymous prankster replace this one with
"Now, for the information of all hands, the Roach Coach is making its approach."

Once, while in training, I was asked to "pass the word" about the Mobile Canteen rolling down the pier. I grabbed the mike and proudly announced

"Now hear this, the Naval Exchange Mobile Canteen is on the pier."

I was immediately scolded and dressed down for it. In the REAL NAVY, no one EVER says "Now hear this". That's only in the movies.

Its funny how many years later, you can wistfully look back at those things in a nostalgic way, fond memories of an an idealized past.

While its actually happening to you, its insufferable buffoonery: grown men playing at silly sailor games for sentimental, "traditional", reasons; pretending it all really matters.

In reality, its all about very hard work, discipline, confinement, regimentation, physical discomfort and excruciating boredom. Most of the time for no discernable reason. Yes, running a ship requires constant attention, but why is it necessary on top of that to have everybody always busy all the time. (Yes, I know why, now. But I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.)

The perspective of time alters and distorts the shapes of our experience, or perhaps makes them clear and sharp, finally bringing them into focus. Or is there really any difference?