For twenty years

This sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in our bunks at night

This sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade

This shipmate stood the watch

Yes, even before some of us were born into this world

This shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm cloud of war were seen

Brewing on the horizon of history

This shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see

His family standing there

Needing his guidance and help

Needing that hand to hold during those hard times

But he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for twenty years

He stood the watch so that we, our families and our fellow countrymen

Could sleep soundly in safety, each and every night

Knowing that a sailor stood the watch

Today we are here to say,

"Shipmate…the watch stands relieved

Relieved by those you have trained, guided and lead

Shipmate you stand relieved…we have the watch

Boatswain…standby to pipe the side…

Shipmate's going ashore."