Navy Hymn for Submariners

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save": The Navy Hymn

The song known to United States Navy men and women as the "Navy Hymn," is a musical benediction that long has had a special appeal to seafaring men, particularly in the American Navy and the Royal Navies of the British Commonwealth and which, in more recent years, has become a part of French naval tradition.
The original words were written as a hymn by a schoolmaster and clergyman of the Church of England, the Rev. William Whiting. Rev. Whiting (1825-1878) resided on the English coast near the sea and had once survived a furious storm in the Mediterranean. His experiences inspired him to pen the ode, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save." In the following year, 1861, the words were adapted to music by another English clergyman, the Rev. John B. Dykes (1823-1876) , who had originally written the music as "Melita" (ancient name for the Mediterranean island of Malta). Rev. Dykes' name may be recognized as that of the composer given credit for the music to many other well-known hymns, including "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Lead, Kindly Light," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," and "Nearer, My God to Thee."

In the United States, in 1879 the late Rear Adm. Charles Jackson Train, an 1865 graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis was a lieutenant commander stationed at the Academy in charge of the Midshipman Choir. In that year, Lt. Comdr. Train inaugurated the present practice of concluding each Sunday's Divine Services at the Academy with the singing of the first verse of this hymn.

Through the years, additional verses have been added to the original chorus representing different branches of the military, military departments, as well as military families. This video focuses on the contributions of the submarine force and their families.

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[BasilFawlty4444]

The RAF hymn, to the same tune:

O Ruler of the earth and sky

Be with our airmen when they fly

And keep them in thy loving care amid the perils of the air

O let our cry come unto thee

For those who fly o'er land and sea

[TheBluespiper]

@BasilFawlty4444 Thanks. There is one copy of this hymn that has 14 verses and covers every service and then some. I think the sentiment and prayer is the same throughout.

[coldwarsailor]

I miss the "654" wish I could have gotten a small piece of her before they scrapped it in 1992

1966-1970

[TheBluespiper]

@coldwarsailor Man, do I know the feeling. I hear a lot of vets say..."if I could have one more time..."

[44glocat]

Beautiful just beautiful well done

[1boatsailor]

I wouldn't trade my submarine experience for nothing! After 40 some years I miss it!

Thanks for the memories Great Job!

[wragler27]

I had the distinct pleasure of serving with some of the greatest men of our time...men of the submarine force...After 6 years of absence I would give anything to one again suck-rubber, clean something that was already clean and enjoy one more night watching a movie marathon with pizza....God Bless the men that do what most men would not! Men of the Submarine Force. Take her deep-take her fast.

[VNVgirl]

it's truly beautiful and makes me cry every time i hear it. it's simply beautiful. thank you to all that have served and are still servering - my country (usa) and yours. knowing you are down there is both frightening and reassuring for us all. You all do your countries proud. hugs and best wishes...

[1boatsailor]

@TheBluespiper Me to ......I would like once more to be on the sail with the ocean spraying me in the face and no contacts in sight as far as the eye can see. Then the Captain say's "Look Outs Below, Taker her Down"

AWESOME Video

[GatorOrlando]

DBF: USS Harder (SS568) & USS Odax (SS484). 1963-1966

[QqETopp552]

is very emotional.

 "amen"