The Limits of Power This is the transcript of an actual radio conversation between a U.S. naval vessel and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995. Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations. CANADIANS: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision. AMERICANS: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north. CANADIANS: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision. AMERICANS: This is the captain of a U.S. Navy ship. I say again, divert your course. CANADIANS: No. I say again, you divert your course. AMERICANS: This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic Fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north, I say again, that's one-five degrees north, or counter measurers will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship. CANADIANS: We are a lighthouse. Your call. [author and source unknown] Home / Of General Interest