‘Life’s a voyage that’s homeward bound.’
Herman Melville (1819–1891)
The facts of this image are sparse: a lone Sailor on a launch during World War II. The suppositions are many: he’s taking a last look at “home” as he rides out to his ship. What are his thoughts? His feelings? Will he ever return? Will it be the same “home” when he does return? Thoughts of his life past and to come bubble up in the launch’s churning wake.
This and other photographs are available as prints through the Naval Institute Photo Archive. You may place orders or leave messages 24 hours a day at 1-800-233-8764, contact [email protected], or visit our Web site, www.usni.org.
Member-Only Content
Join the U.S. Naval Institute to gain access to this article and other articles published in Proceedings since 1874. Members receive this valuable benefit and so much more.