---- Original Message ----

This is the transcript of an ACTUAL radio conversation between a U.S. naval warship and the Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland.  Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10-10-95.

Americans:  Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid collision.

Canadians:  Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid collision.

Americans:  This is the Captain of a U.S. Navy warship.  I say again, divert YOUR course.

Canadians:  No, I say again, you divert YOUR course.

Americans:  THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER U.S.S. LINCOLN, THE FLAGSHIP OF THE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET.  WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A CARRIER TASK FORCE OF TWENTY THREE VESSELS.  I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT'S ONE - FIVE - DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTERMEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP!

Canadians:  This is a lighthouse, your call.