I've been TAD (temporarily assigned duty) this week on-board for the "Between the Life-Lines" class, held by MA1 (Master at Arms - Navy police). It's an introductory course for new check-ins on important stuff we need to know for standing sentry duty. We had lots of power-points, but they were all explained pretty well. I was the one hitting the button for the next slide. :) It was today that was the big event: getting one stream of OC (military grade) pepper spray across the forehead/eyes. Tomorrow we'll take a written test (thank goodness!) and then we'll be certified that we know what it's like to get some of that stuff in our eyes.
We had over a dozen getting sprayed today, so I was very thankful I was second in line. I didn't want to wait around watching other people writhe in pain, so I was front and center when we got started. This demonstration wasn't too bad really; they let us close our eyes and hold our breath when the stream came in (from about 4 feet away). This takes away the potentially dangerous effects... I wouldn't want to be that guy who tries to do anything to antagonize a watch-stander.
Some people said they didn't start feeling the effects until the 4th or 5th event we had to complete after getting sprayed. I wasn't so lucky... I took it right on my eyebrows, and it hurt instantly when I opened my eyes; I could barely see during the first event. I kept going though, hitting everything I could with the foam practice baton, until they said stop. Then we went over to the side of the gym and I was told to hold a stream of water from a hose over my forehead as I leaned forward and looked down. Once that stopped, it really started hurting. But that only really hurt for 15 minutes or so. I helped a couple others lending my dry washcloth for dabbing. If you rub your eyes or swipe with the cloth, the tiny OC crystals will make lacerations in the skin, making it hurt more. So I was very careful about that.
It felt like it would never stop... but it did. We had to wait 2 hours after the last person finished, and I'm glad. It took just about that long for my left eye to really open up and stop bugging me. I read a few chapters in Black Beauty as we were waiting. Lots of people chatted about the experience. The guy next to me said it was like bacon sizzling in his eyes, even before he opened them. lol!
Once we were let go, I headed over to the NEX to get baby shampoo (on recommendation), then took my shower at the base gym. I let water fall all over my face and head (leaning into it) for a long time. It did re-flash, but with an extremely milder reaction. Our instructors knew what they were doing when they told us how to clean up. For some odd reason, the only other part of my body that flared up when cleaning up was a couple of my fingers on my left hand. Must have contacted it somehow.
I'm glad my duty day was yesterday. It was pretty low key, with a short drill, some training, some sweepers, and then lots of time for me to finish my NKO weapons courses and do my laundry. The only problem was the bad timing for getting my period just the day before. Oh, well.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Cables, Duty and Sweepers
It was Tues. the 17th, that I volunteered to stay late and help STG2 with the Tech Reps.
The day was taken up with cleaning and training for two different qualifications... one for being a tech, and one for watch-standing. I got the last signature on my MOOW (messenger), but had to get into my dress whites to do so. It was about making a report to the CDO (command duty officer), and I was sort of thrown into it... met him on the smoke deck, and he wanted me to give it to him right there. I thought the guy I was with was the messenger, but he turned out to be UI'ing... the actual messenger came along after I had started. I kind of botched it, reading the proscribed message from my little notebook. But the Lt. and nearby chiefs thought I was "shit hot" (lol - it's a compliment; I promise) for working on my PQS when it wasn't required. I offered to say it all again, and I did better. :)
It was 1745 when the Reps came in with STG2. We went below to test some cables, and that took three hours. It wasn't until 2130 that I left the base for a small dinner break away from the ship. Enjoyed some soup, salad and coffee at a local place before I returned to crash in my rack. It was a pseudo duty day of my own making.
I spent five hours over the next couple days screwing those cables back in. What a job! I sweat so much, I had to de-blouse to keep reasonably cool in my blue undershirt. The last day, STG2 complimented me on doing a good job... he knew it was tough.
My actual duty day was rather uneventful. I did spend two hours talking with the OOD and POOW on my Petty Officer of the Watch qual... and that fried my brain. I was grateful for the training, but boy, was I ready to sit down after that. The next day was Friday, and most of that was taken up with a good field day... or what we affectionately call "sweepers".
Twice this week I tried out the gym across the street from the piers. They have a six-lane indoor pool... and I swam 1,000 yds the first time, and over 500 the next. Very glad to have that nearby! Low-impact cardio! Yay!
The day was taken up with cleaning and training for two different qualifications... one for being a tech, and one for watch-standing. I got the last signature on my MOOW (messenger), but had to get into my dress whites to do so. It was about making a report to the CDO (command duty officer), and I was sort of thrown into it... met him on the smoke deck, and he wanted me to give it to him right there. I thought the guy I was with was the messenger, but he turned out to be UI'ing... the actual messenger came along after I had started. I kind of botched it, reading the proscribed message from my little notebook. But the Lt. and nearby chiefs thought I was "shit hot" (lol - it's a compliment; I promise) for working on my PQS when it wasn't required. I offered to say it all again, and I did better. :)
It was 1745 when the Reps came in with STG2. We went below to test some cables, and that took three hours. It wasn't until 2130 that I left the base for a small dinner break away from the ship. Enjoyed some soup, salad and coffee at a local place before I returned to crash in my rack. It was a pseudo duty day of my own making.
I spent five hours over the next couple days screwing those cables back in. What a job! I sweat so much, I had to de-blouse to keep reasonably cool in my blue undershirt. The last day, STG2 complimented me on doing a good job... he knew it was tough.
My actual duty day was rather uneventful. I did spend two hours talking with the OOD and POOW on my Petty Officer of the Watch qual... and that fried my brain. I was grateful for the training, but boy, was I ready to sit down after that. The next day was Friday, and most of that was taken up with a good field day... or what we affectionately call "sweepers".
Twice this week I tried out the gym across the street from the piers. They have a six-lane indoor pool... and I swam 1,000 yds the first time, and over 500 the next. Very glad to have that nearby! Low-impact cardio! Yay!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Pics From My Boat
...The DDG 103
Monday, July 16, 2012
What Not to Do...
So last night I was all prepared... CMC had told us last week that we'd go "all the way up" (aka, to Mast) if we missed the muster at the Firefighting Trainer down the street this morning. And I had volunteered to go... one of the Sonar guys who's getting out pretty soon had been put on the list for this training, and he wanted out... and I wanted in... so I got on the list. But I forgot to turn my alarm on. Woke up 15 minutes before I was supposed to be there, and nearly had a heart attack. Then I realized, as I thought about getting going fast, that I had locked my keys (and car keys) inside my rack the night before. What timing! Couldn't believe I could be careful enough to pack my bag, but still screw up so royally.
Went straight to the Quarterdeck in my civie t-shirt and sweatpants, and got help from the OOD. The regular Master-at-Arms was already at the firefighting, and everyone else going had already left. I had visions of my petty officer crows flying away... but soon they got the duty MA (STG1) to cut through my lock with bolt-cutters. I was already 10 minutes late, but the OOD called the school to let them know... she said she didn't know if they'd still take me, but I should safely "book it" and try anyway. I ran all the way down the pier.
Thank the Lord, they were still doing introductions when I got there and was still able to make the muster. A couple others from different ships were getting there when I did, but that was because they couldn't find it. My senior STGs had driven me there last week, so I knew exactly where to go.
I was the last person in the last fire team, but I didn't mind. We had brief classes in fire extinguishers, the different classes of fires, and the equipment we'd be wearing. Then we suited up in two layers of clothes (the outer one being fire-resistant coveralls), a flash hood, huge gloves and red helmet. Then we got our SCBA frames and masks, walked through the four trainers, rehearsing what we'd do... and then we got our air tanks ready, suited up, and put out a few controlled fires. It was a little awkward at first to be breathing the air from the tank, but when taking in a breath it made a rasping noise like Darth Vader... so it was pretty cool. I had to tell myself to stay calm when we were fighting fires in the dark... but it wasn't hard to convince myself. Everything is very much under control at a place like this. One guy did drop out before the last two events from feeling dizzy, but everyone else made it just fine. It was a good thing I drank lots of water and ate something before it all got going. It was really warm today, so we all sweated buckets out there. You should have seen how red my face was when we finally got to take the mask off. Gosh.
To finish out the day we had a couple more classes, including dry topics like how a DC (damage control) team is organized aboard ship. Good refresher from boot camp, though.
What a day.
Went straight to the Quarterdeck in my civie t-shirt and sweatpants, and got help from the OOD. The regular Master-at-Arms was already at the firefighting, and everyone else going had already left. I had visions of my petty officer crows flying away... but soon they got the duty MA (STG1) to cut through my lock with bolt-cutters. I was already 10 minutes late, but the OOD called the school to let them know... she said she didn't know if they'd still take me, but I should safely "book it" and try anyway. I ran all the way down the pier.
Thank the Lord, they were still doing introductions when I got there and was still able to make the muster. A couple others from different ships were getting there when I did, but that was because they couldn't find it. My senior STGs had driven me there last week, so I knew exactly where to go.
I was the last person in the last fire team, but I didn't mind. We had brief classes in fire extinguishers, the different classes of fires, and the equipment we'd be wearing. Then we suited up in two layers of clothes (the outer one being fire-resistant coveralls), a flash hood, huge gloves and red helmet. Then we got our SCBA frames and masks, walked through the four trainers, rehearsing what we'd do... and then we got our air tanks ready, suited up, and put out a few controlled fires. It was a little awkward at first to be breathing the air from the tank, but when taking in a breath it made a rasping noise like Darth Vader... so it was pretty cool. I had to tell myself to stay calm when we were fighting fires in the dark... but it wasn't hard to convince myself. Everything is very much under control at a place like this. One guy did drop out before the last two events from feeling dizzy, but everyone else made it just fine. It was a good thing I drank lots of water and ate something before it all got going. It was really warm today, so we all sweated buckets out there. You should have seen how red my face was when we finally got to take the mask off. Gosh.
To finish out the day we had a couple more classes, including dry topics like how a DC (damage control) team is organized aboard ship. Good refresher from boot camp, though.
What a day.
First Duty Day
That was Friday. We had all had long hours, Monday through Thursday, starting an hour earlier in the mornings. Except for Duty Section 2, the entire ship was put on liberty Friday as a reward for the hard work. Except for the officers and chiefs who were supposed to be there in the morning for a detailed inspection of the ship by the CO (because of a recent incident). Having to stay on a liberty day wasn't as bad as it sounds, though. It was just a continuation of the week, and I was able to help out Ms. Taylor and Senior Chief with the finishing touches to our spaces before the CO came through. I made myself scarce when he did... and it didn't take too long.
As for the Duty Section, I really liked Senior Chief (different from my LCPO), although he is a little intimidating. He signed me up for a UI (under instruction) watch (Messenger of the Watch), and that I stood for three hours, getting most of my PQS taken care of. GM2 was the person standing it, but the OOD (officer of the deck) and the POOW (petty officer of the watch) QM2 were also very helpful. They even had me make my first announcement over the 1MC (general announcing system). A bit later the duty section conducted a wash-down of the weather decks with fresh water... after that they needed me to help sweep the water over the side.
There was a brief training time on the mess decks with our LT. He went over the "vehicle inspection team"... the group that responds at the pier's gate when a civilian vehicle needs to come onto it. I had seen something of it while working on my sentry NKOs earlier in the week, but it was nice to get some particulars about it. Can't wait until everything I need for all these jobs is under my belt.
I observed Colors/sunset with GM2 on the forecastle, but I had to do so without my cover. The rover had just taking me along the port side to show me where the switches were for ship's lights, and as I walked by the exhaust (some sort of strong blowing air), my cover flew off my head and into the water below us, lost forever. I made Senior Chief laugh though, as he was also there and asked where my cover was. They told me that everyone loses a cover sometime... so I don't feel too bad about it.
It wasn't too bad staying on the ship either... there was plenty of reception topside to talk to my hubby before bed, and I was able to do all my laundry. Next morning I got up early to observe sunrise with QM2, and she went over what flags had to be raised and where the other light switches were... my first trip to the bridge! We had "sweepers" a bit early amidships and on the boat decks and missile decks, but I was already there from getting PQS sign-. Soon after that, we had turnover in one of the helo hangers (Senior told us all "good job", and mentioned "enthusiastic UIs"... Merrill gave me a high-five. :) We were let go a little later, after I got a little training on some SONAR equipment with STG3, and then I observed 0800 Colors with GM2, watching from the open helo hanger with Ms. Pham. I know it may sound silly, but my heart swelled with pride as the colors went up and the anthem played. I guess I'm sentimental. And then I got off the ship as fast as I could for two days of regular weekend liberty. :)
As for the Duty Section, I really liked Senior Chief (different from my LCPO), although he is a little intimidating. He signed me up for a UI (under instruction) watch (Messenger of the Watch), and that I stood for three hours, getting most of my PQS taken care of. GM2 was the person standing it, but the OOD (officer of the deck) and the POOW (petty officer of the watch) QM2 were also very helpful. They even had me make my first announcement over the 1MC (general announcing system). A bit later the duty section conducted a wash-down of the weather decks with fresh water... after that they needed me to help sweep the water over the side.
There was a brief training time on the mess decks with our LT. He went over the "vehicle inspection team"... the group that responds at the pier's gate when a civilian vehicle needs to come onto it. I had seen something of it while working on my sentry NKOs earlier in the week, but it was nice to get some particulars about it. Can't wait until everything I need for all these jobs is under my belt.
I observed Colors/sunset with GM2 on the forecastle, but I had to do so without my cover. The rover had just taking me along the port side to show me where the switches were for ship's lights, and as I walked by the exhaust (some sort of strong blowing air), my cover flew off my head and into the water below us, lost forever. I made Senior Chief laugh though, as he was also there and asked where my cover was. They told me that everyone loses a cover sometime... so I don't feel too bad about it.
It wasn't too bad staying on the ship either... there was plenty of reception topside to talk to my hubby before bed, and I was able to do all my laundry. Next morning I got up early to observe sunrise with QM2, and she went over what flags had to be raised and where the other light switches were... my first trip to the bridge! We had "sweepers" a bit early amidships and on the boat decks and missile decks, but I was already there from getting PQS sign-. Soon after that, we had turnover in one of the helo hangers (Senior told us all "good job", and mentioned "enthusiastic UIs"... Merrill gave me a high-five. :) We were let go a little later, after I got a little training on some SONAR equipment with STG3, and then I observed 0800 Colors with GM2, watching from the open helo hanger with Ms. Pham. I know it may sound silly, but my heart swelled with pride as the colors went up and the anthem played. I guess I'm sentimental. And then I got off the ship as fast as I could for two days of regular weekend liberty. :)
Friday, July 13, 2012
On a Ship and... Filming!
What I forgot to mention in my extreme vague-ness of the last post was the extraordinary third day I had aboard ship (June 27). Don't know if you recall, but a few years ago (has it been that long already? how time flies!), a Captain Phillips was rescued from Somali pirates by the USS Bainbridge and a Navy SEAL team. For a few weeks before I reported, the Truxtun was being used by Hollywood to film the upcoming movie about the incident, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips.
My extraordinary day started out very usual, finishing up as much checking-in paperwork as I could. By lunch my sponsor and I had done all we could do for the day, so when the Command Master Chief came around the mess deck, asking if anyone was available for a scene being shot in the starboard helo hanger, I volunteered. I had about an hour to change into coveralls (with a white undershirt instead of the modern day blue) and find the helo hanger for the first time.
It was exciting at first, watching the film crew go here and there and see the big camera and just be in a new place on the ship and work with a few other shipmates I had never met. But after the sixth take, it grew to be a bit of an old hat (although I wasn't wearing my ball cap, since it said Truxtun, not Bainbridge). :)
The six or seven of us regular Sailors were the background action of a generic scene (that I heard is near the climax of the film) where the SEAL team (all very hunky, Hollywood guys) walk across the helo deck with their equipment and hold a little conference. Us Sailors are putting away gear in the background... nets, helmets and long chains used to tie down helicopters. Don't know how believable that is, since there is no helicopter, but I suppose the general public won't know the difference.
Since this was the next to last day of filming (before we went out to sea), the studio gave a fantastic catered dinner for the entire crew on the pier. Seared Ahi tuna, steaks, grilled chicken, salads, fruits, etc., and the producer and director were there to give us a thank-you speech. So much food! I didn't have time to finish it before they wanted our little group back on board to finish the shoot. But between the eating and speeches, Tom Hanks arrived on the pier to take divisional pictures with us... and I got to stand right next to him during mine! Because of that, I was able to get an autograph on my Sleepless in Seattle DVD before his manager brushed us all away.
What a way to start out on a ship!
My extraordinary day started out very usual, finishing up as much checking-in paperwork as I could. By lunch my sponsor and I had done all we could do for the day, so when the Command Master Chief came around the mess deck, asking if anyone was available for a scene being shot in the starboard helo hanger, I volunteered. I had about an hour to change into coveralls (with a white undershirt instead of the modern day blue) and find the helo hanger for the first time.
It was exciting at first, watching the film crew go here and there and see the big camera and just be in a new place on the ship and work with a few other shipmates I had never met. But after the sixth take, it grew to be a bit of an old hat (although I wasn't wearing my ball cap, since it said Truxtun, not Bainbridge). :)
The six or seven of us regular Sailors were the background action of a generic scene (that I heard is near the climax of the film) where the SEAL team (all very hunky, Hollywood guys) walk across the helo deck with their equipment and hold a little conference. Us Sailors are putting away gear in the background... nets, helmets and long chains used to tie down helicopters. Don't know how believable that is, since there is no helicopter, but I suppose the general public won't know the difference.
Since this was the next to last day of filming (before we went out to sea), the studio gave a fantastic catered dinner for the entire crew on the pier. Seared Ahi tuna, steaks, grilled chicken, salads, fruits, etc., and the producer and director were there to give us a thank-you speech. So much food! I didn't have time to finish it before they wanted our little group back on board to finish the shoot. But between the eating and speeches, Tom Hanks arrived on the pier to take divisional pictures with us... and I got to stand right next to him during mine! Because of that, I was able to get an autograph on my Sleepless in Seattle DVD before his manager brushed us all away.
What a way to start out on a ship!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
First Week, First Underway
In the interests of OPSEC, or operational security, I feel I need to be much more vague about my daily goings on than I have been in the past. My ship of a couple hundred people depend on security to keep them safe, not to mention the regular concerns about keeping a ship of war ready for that mission.
I'm keeping a paper pocketbook log my experience, so if in the distant future I want to make it public, I will be able to recall specifics.
So far I have finished checking in, and am starting to get used to the layout of the ship. Today was my seventh day aboard, and just yesterday, I forgot a couple times how to get topside! (did have a ten-day break that allowed me to forget some things though! :) I did note good progress today though. I only got turned around for a brief moment when I was getting familiar with the lower stern part of the ship. Had a couple little assignments, and that made me feel good. Been escorting people to Sonar spaces, and doing a little bit of clean-up.
We had a one-day underway a couple weeks ago, and I very much enjoyed the gentle rocking of the calm sea. I got to do line-handlers (for tying up the ship to the pier) and early in the morning I saw stars from the fantail, all by myself, and later on I saw the golden sunrise on the bright blue ocean... and I was speechless. A jumping dolphin coming from right under where I was standing by the rail made me exclaim, though. :)
In the Navy, school is important, but it is not the most important. Everything depends on Qualifications or QUALS. Right now, that is the biggest thing looming on the horizon. Just printed out my first couple PQSs (personal qualification sheets) yesterday. After work, I finished a couple NKOs after noticing my name on the list to complete them that was sent out over email (logged into my Navy email on a ship computer the first time yesterday too). Everything will be a hassle until I get my Quals done, so I can't wait until then! Then it will be watches that will be a pain in the neck again.
I really like my division. Been getting to know everyone pretty well in just a few days. We've got a diverse group, but it looks like everyone works pretty hard and gets along reasonably well. I really appreciate my Senior Chief (who has a lot of clout on the boat) and the ASWO too. (anti-sub war. officer). They both get things done and take good care of the division. (pic on Senior Chief's door).
This will probably sound silly, but I really enjoy living on the ship. Since it's in port, most people live off the ship, so it's no big deal to move around Female Berthing. We have a few over forty racks in berthing two, so I'm a little worried about what having two showers, four toilets and skinny spaces will be like on deployment, but I guess I'll roll with it. I have a top rack (#30) on the port side of berthing two. It's a good one because I have lots of head room and my stand-up locker is right next to the rack (and it's the first in the row).
Here are some pics...
the first looking down into the sonar equipment spaces... thought it was pretty cool.
And the rest from berthing:
The last two are pics of the access hatches, two decks down to berthing two.
I'm keeping a paper pocketbook log my experience, so if in the distant future I want to make it public, I will be able to recall specifics.
So far I have finished checking in, and am starting to get used to the layout of the ship. Today was my seventh day aboard, and just yesterday, I forgot a couple times how to get topside! (did have a ten-day break that allowed me to forget some things though! :) I did note good progress today though. I only got turned around for a brief moment when I was getting familiar with the lower stern part of the ship. Had a couple little assignments, and that made me feel good. Been escorting people to Sonar spaces, and doing a little bit of clean-up.We had a one-day underway a couple weeks ago, and I very much enjoyed the gentle rocking of the calm sea. I got to do line-handlers (for tying up the ship to the pier) and early in the morning I saw stars from the fantail, all by myself, and later on I saw the golden sunrise on the bright blue ocean... and I was speechless. A jumping dolphin coming from right under where I was standing by the rail made me exclaim, though. :)
In the Navy, school is important, but it is not the most important. Everything depends on Qualifications or QUALS. Right now, that is the biggest thing looming on the horizon. Just printed out my first couple PQSs (personal qualification sheets) yesterday. After work, I finished a couple NKOs after noticing my name on the list to complete them that was sent out over email (logged into my Navy email on a ship computer the first time yesterday too). Everything will be a hassle until I get my Quals done, so I can't wait until then! Then it will be watches that will be a pain in the neck again.
I really like my division. Been getting to know everyone pretty well in just a few days. We've got a diverse group, but it looks like everyone works pretty hard and gets along reasonably well. I really appreciate my Senior Chief (who has a lot of clout on the boat) and the ASWO too. (anti-sub war. officer). They both get things done and take good care of the division. (pic on Senior Chief's door).This will probably sound silly, but I really enjoy living on the ship. Since it's in port, most people live off the ship, so it's no big deal to move around Female Berthing. We have a few over forty racks in berthing two, so I'm a little worried about what having two showers, four toilets and skinny spaces will be like on deployment, but I guess I'll roll with it. I have a top rack (#30) on the port side of berthing two. It's a good one because I have lots of head room and my stand-up locker is right next to the rack (and it's the first in the row).
Here are some pics...
the first looking down into the sonar equipment spaces... thought it was pretty cool.
And the rest from berthing:
The last two are pics of the access hatches, two decks down to berthing two.
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