Yes I heard they did things like that...By "other things" I take it that you mean visiting houses of ill repute. That is another 'tradition' that has been linked to sailors - that as soon as they get paid they visit the local cathouses. Perhaps not all were like that; a few might have read books or something.
Anyway, I guess in those days 'Cat Hotel' meant something different from what it does now.
Thats how it was when I was in also. The only time I remember when I was with the Master at Arms that side arms were issued was escorting the ships payroll...even when we were a thousand miles from land taking it from the flight deck to the disbursing office. Being a carrier and all I was told there was a million dollars in those strong boxes. Don't know for sure but I would believe it.
Some things probably are always the same. At least to a certain point. But today handled differently. At least I think so. I didn't know some of the posters here were as young as they are so I need to change the way I post some things. I don't really keep up on whose who here. But to your point...it was my ships policy that you didn't get to leave the ship when we were oversea's untill you put 2 things of a certain item in your pocket when departing the ship to go liberty.
Being an adult and a doctor I know that dumb stuff can happen without any alcohol involved.
