Special Relationship

Following is a transcript of an actual radio conversation from October 1995, between a US Navy ship off the coast of England and Her Majesty's authorities.

The transcript was released by the Ministry of Defence.

Brits: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid collision.

Yanks: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid collision.

Brits: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid collision.

Yanks: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert your course.

Brits: Negative. I say again. You will have to divert your course.

Yanks: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET. THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS ACCOMPANY US. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH--THAT'S 15 DEGREES NORTH --OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.

Brits: This is a lighthouse. Your call.