That's Temporary Assigned Duty... I was offered the chance to serve with the CNRMA Honor Guard. That's Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, to those of you unfamiliar with military acronyms.
I didn't find out that I was accepted for the post until I returned from two weeks of POM (post overseas movement) leave. I came back to the ship on December 3rd (a duty day... but all I had was the watch in Maintenance Central... so it wasn't too bad at all), and had three days with my division as usual. And I was told on the 4th that I was transferring "that week". Boy, was that a surprise! So on Friday (after a full morning of getting things straightened out with my division) I found out where my new command was... after an hour or so of searching. I met the LPO and turned in my paperwork and he told me what time to show up on Monday.
That was last week, my first with this command. Did a little bit of checking in with Admin and whatnot on Monday, then proceeded to train with flags and rifles for the rest of the week. The first day with rifles made my right hand and my left hip rather sore, but I learned it.
Our job is to perform military honors at funerals, and I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to serve this way. The assignment is for six months too. I am excited.
Showing posts with label ceremony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ceremony. Show all posts
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Friday, September 20, 2013
In the End, It Was Alright
Wednesday was my duty day, but my watch wasn't until very late. I started off doing a maintenance check after the usual morning stuff. Just as I finished, a tech rep had arrived, delivering a very important piece of gear that had been CASREP'd (it was really important). I installed it right away with a bit of help from the tech assist. The hard part was screwing the ten mammoth cables back into the transmit/receive unit afterwords. This was a little bit of a deja vu, as last year I had to screw all hundred or so of them back in. And even though it was only a little, I still had to take my blouse off, it got so warm down there. My hands and arms were bright red (and I imagine my face was too) from straining.
After a quick lunch, I mustered with the duty section for line-handlers. There were about ten of us who went to the next pier to cast off the lines for the huge USNS Robert E. Peary that was getting underway. The long lines were so heavy I had to heave around (pull) on the line so we could get it over the top of the bollard on the pier and let it be retrieved by the ship. When I got back to the Truxtun, Senior had been looking for me... he and the ASWO (our DIVO - division officer) needed some particulars about the installation for reporting the CASREP complete. And right after that, I closed the associated job.I was so hungry when I went to bed... I almost ordered pizza... but the online site I was using required a street address... and that was too complicated for me. Went to bed around 2130 after talking with my husband, and experienced one of the worst feelings of my career so far when I was woken up by someone a half-hour after I was supposed to be on watch; I had fallen back asleep after my alarm. I made it out there as fast as I could, but that was still much too late... it takes extra time to arm up to be the Rover. As it turns out, I was relieved late by the oncoming duty section... so much so that we called the galley to keep some food for me for breakfast. For tomorrow's duty day, I am assigned two watches as a consequence. Even though I feel very bad about what I did and don't really need more watch to be reminded how bad it is to be late, I don't mind taking the extra watch either. And I will be bringing another alarm clock!
That was Thursday morning. It was extraordinarily awful. While waiting to get relieved, my monthly cycle started as I was standing there... and I was helpless to do anything about it. After Quarters, I did three maintenance checks, all while teaching our new guy that arrived this week. I showed him all our spaces back aft, and then we walked through the two checks up forward together.
Right after that, I had to rush to get to the Little Creek Joint Expeditionary Base (about a 20 minute drive) for a gun shoot to keep people's qualifications up to date (so they can still stand armed watches). It was for the pistol, and it took quite a while to cycle everyone through. I was very pleased with my score... 227 (just shy of an Expert score!) Next time I will be more careful and go even slower. Even though it was pretty late in the afternoon when I finished, I had to go back to the ship to work on an issue. Ended up leaving later than normal.
Today, after a normal sleep in my own bed, I'm feeling much better and more relaxed in general. Right away in the morning, I had to go to a site on base for a simulated M-16 gun shoot. Although it went really fast, I really enjoyed it. I shot better than any of the nine guys on the line with me. And it was wonderful to get to go to my Senior Chief's re-enlistment in downtown Norfolk on the USS Wisconsin. Today marks the end of my first three years in the Navy (and without NJP - non-judicial punishment - or Captain's Mast) so I earned the Navy's Good Conduct Medal (the patch I had bought online after visiting the USS Constitution in June 2010... without realizing what exactly it was):
It was a difficult, busy and sometimes frustrating week. But it's one foot in front of the other... left, right, left, right.
Oh... and just before the re-enlistment, I walked around the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and I saw a model of the USS TRUXTUN... from World War I:
USS Truxtun (TBD-14), Scale 1/8" = 1'
The Truxtun was one of the first torpedo-boat destroyers authorized by the Navy. Like other ships of its class, this veteran of the Great White Fleet was originally intended to combat torpedo boats, not submarines. As submarines developed into formidable weapons, these "destroyers" became the most effective anti-submarine ships afloat. The Truxtun patrolled the Chesapeake Bay during the summer of 1917.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Questions, Questions
Every day was a longer day this week... getting out between 1530ish and even 1700 once. But once I have in my mind that it's going to be that way, there's no getting frustrated about waiting to be let off. I've kept myself pretty busy every day, even when I had to come up with things to do myself.
Monday was, as I said in the last post, taken up with LOK tests and an NKO course about cyber security.
Tuesday it was more of the same for the division, but I also worked on a fathometer check... one that's notorious for being difficult to understand. I was running up to ask the ETs (electronics technicians) questions all day about this cord or that part or the test equipment itself.
Wednesday, I was directed to work on the division's consumables issue (we haven't had anyone who knows how to order office supplies in over a year... I asked a lot of questions of supply in the last couple weeks) and managed to get a list sent out for a quote.
Thursday was the very late day. I got the quote back from SERV MART (local government supply store), worked on getting that information printed out on the right form and routed with an official USS Truxtun "Action Correspondence Route Slip" to my department head for approval (with running it by my LPO/LCPO first, of course). And there were a couple MRCs that needed completing too.
What made the day super late was a combination of things. My duty section had to run a DC drill, even though it wasn't my duty day. They did this to make sure people were available and not on watch during the full-scale drill. I was assigned as a "Utilityman"; this meant that I set boundaries or smoke screens, or whatever was needed. They did a "white smoke" drill, and I learned how to set a smoke shield around a doorway that responders had to have open for the fire hose to go through.
The drill went pretty well... it's just that the brow cracked right as the drill was getting over, so the brow was secured (no one could leave!). And it was after 1600. I ate dinner, since I was there, and enjoyed the tasty steak cubes that were on the menu. Then I went back to Sonar to continue consolidating our acoustic analysis charts. The brow was repaired and opened around 1630ish, but I stayed a bit longer to finish a certain page I was working on.
Friday was great fun! Did one check, worked on more charts, received a package from the pier for the division, and then got dressed up in my service uniform (khaki blouse, black pants/cover) in order to go to a GMC's (chief gunner's mate) re-enlistment ceremony downtown, on the forecastle of the USS Wisconsin (BB-64). Thankfully, I remembered to go back to Sonar 1 for my 2nd class crow pins before I got to the quarterdeck. I had to take off my 3rd class ones... don't think I've worn the uniform since standing watch in San Diego at school!
The ceremony itself was the nicest I've been to. The Weapons department head was there to read chief's bio, and another Lieutenant (who was a long-time friend) said a few words and gave out the certificates. First, chief was honorably discharged, then after a few words, he took the oath of enlistment again, and even his little kids participated (and got certificates too). Then the party retired to Buffalo Wild Wings by the MacArthur Center Mall for a celebratory lunch. I had picked up STG3 so she could go too, and I drove her home as we left.
Monday was, as I said in the last post, taken up with LOK tests and an NKO course about cyber security.
Tuesday it was more of the same for the division, but I also worked on a fathometer check... one that's notorious for being difficult to understand. I was running up to ask the ETs (electronics technicians) questions all day about this cord or that part or the test equipment itself.
Wednesday, I was directed to work on the division's consumables issue (we haven't had anyone who knows how to order office supplies in over a year... I asked a lot of questions of supply in the last couple weeks) and managed to get a list sent out for a quote.
Thursday was the very late day. I got the quote back from SERV MART (local government supply store), worked on getting that information printed out on the right form and routed with an official USS Truxtun "Action Correspondence Route Slip" to my department head for approval (with running it by my LPO/LCPO first, of course). And there were a couple MRCs that needed completing too.
What made the day super late was a combination of things. My duty section had to run a DC drill, even though it wasn't my duty day. They did this to make sure people were available and not on watch during the full-scale drill. I was assigned as a "Utilityman"; this meant that I set boundaries or smoke screens, or whatever was needed. They did a "white smoke" drill, and I learned how to set a smoke shield around a doorway that responders had to have open for the fire hose to go through.
The drill went pretty well... it's just that the brow cracked right as the drill was getting over, so the brow was secured (no one could leave!). And it was after 1600. I ate dinner, since I was there, and enjoyed the tasty steak cubes that were on the menu. Then I went back to Sonar to continue consolidating our acoustic analysis charts. The brow was repaired and opened around 1630ish, but I stayed a bit longer to finish a certain page I was working on.
Friday was great fun! Did one check, worked on more charts, received a package from the pier for the division, and then got dressed up in my service uniform (khaki blouse, black pants/cover) in order to go to a GMC's (chief gunner's mate) re-enlistment ceremony downtown, on the forecastle of the USS Wisconsin (BB-64). Thankfully, I remembered to go back to Sonar 1 for my 2nd class crow pins before I got to the quarterdeck. I had to take off my 3rd class ones... don't think I've worn the uniform since standing watch in San Diego at school!
The ceremony itself was the nicest I've been to. The Weapons department head was there to read chief's bio, and another Lieutenant (who was a long-time friend) said a few words and gave out the certificates. First, chief was honorably discharged, then after a few words, he took the oath of enlistment again, and even his little kids participated (and got certificates too). Then the party retired to Buffalo Wild Wings by the MacArthur Center Mall for a celebratory lunch. I had picked up STG3 so she could go too, and I drove her home as we left.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Cooking and Cleaning
Well, I've had my first regular day(s) as a FSA (food service attendant). Between starting after 0900 and getting posted at 1800 on Thursday, to starting at 0500 and getting posted at 1300 on Friday (as a half day), I'm beginning to understand why people complain about "cranking". The hours are very long; thirteen-hour days are nothing to sneeze at!
Thursday started off normal enough... came in at normal time, had quarters with the CA (combat acoustics) division like usual, had sweepers as always, got on the Internet, then was reminded of the change-of-command rehearsal at 0900 on the flight deck. I had no role in the event... we were practicing where to stand on the port side of the canopy (where all those inviting chairs were set up). It was very warm out with the sun blazing down on everyone. Suddenly an announcement came over the 1MC... "S2 muster on the Quarterdeck with the Officer of the Deck". I noticed the guy I was replacing (for cranking) head out and STG3 confirmed that the S2 (service 2?) division was indeed mine now. I decided after a few minutes that carrying boxes of food below decks would be more fun than standing outside in the heat... so I chose that moment to check in with the guy I was replacing (another STG3). Senior had told me at quarters that he would come find me when it was time. :)
So we carried boxes of milk, yogurt and sour cream below decks to the storage refrigerators. After that, I was given a tour of the mess decks, scullery and wardroom galley. After a half-hour or so, it was time to start setting up for lunch. GM3 had started cranking a few weeks ago, and she was designated the lead wardroom crank. She already had the tables set when we got back. CS2 arrived and started preparing the fresh fruit, and finished baking some of the meal items.
Working in the wardroom isn't bad. It's small, much cooler than the big galley below (I think it only got up to about 78 during the middle of everything) and a lot more intimate. We personally take the officer's menu selections, and come back to serve them their plates. We wash the china and silverware in a little sink and dishwasher just inside the galley door and put them back in a stack next to the grill when they're mostly dry.
There was an all-hands call on the forecastle right after lunch, so we had to leave a few things undone while we went to that. They handed out awards for Sailor and Junior-Sailor of the quarter, and the CO gave a few brief comments to us about how this had been the best two-and-a-half years of his life. This was his last day as our CO.
So we finished cleaning up the wardroom and galley, then had a while before we had to help set up for dinner below for the crew. My job was to run the scullery... lots of dish washing! There's a little window that people come by, dump most of their leftovers into the big trashcan, then pile their utensils into a pan with soap-water, and leave their tray, tan plastic plate and bowl and red or white plastic cup(s) on the stainless steel counter. I loaded these items onto big trays, hosed them off in the sink (with scalding water), then sent the tray through the washer and rinser where it was so hot that most everything air-dried in just a few moments. Cups and utensils would go separately, but trays, plates and bowls would stand up in one tray together.
I wiped down all the tables in the mess just before the line was secured at 1730. I was glad of the Olympics being shown on TV... I watched a lot of water polo to pass the time. The US won gold! :)
Friday I was out my door so early! Checked into where I thought I had to be, but no one was there. FC1 (the mess decks MA) came by and said we don't muster in the morning... just go straight to your station. I was the first in the wardroom too. :) Remembered I had to put new ice water in the COs stateroom and empty his trash, but I didn't remember the code to get in. GM3 (lead wardroom crank) soon came and helped me out. Then we set the wardroom table with a new linen, glasses, silverware wrapped in cloth napkins (I wrapped a lot more of them while we were waiting), and menus for breakfast.
The officers came in by ones and twos... we'd bring CS2 (culinary specialist) their marked menus, then serve them their plates, and take them away when they were done. One of the hotcakes broke when being flipped... so I offered to eat it... seconds off the grill! And CS2 allowed me to make my own eggs as well. I think I will especially enjoy breakfast around here.
After breakfast there was a muster on the mess decks with the entire food service division, cooks and FSAs. I didn't have to change into anything for the ceremony because I was selected to help get lunch ready while it was going on. I was told I wasn't allowed to go topside until after our out-going CO had left the ship (everyone topside was in service or full dress whites, and I was in my working uniform).
Lunch was fantastic though... fried shrimp and cocktail sauce, and lots of deliciously ripe, cut-up strawberries. Enjoyed it heartily! There were plates of fruit and pastries left out in the wardroom, so GM3 and I had to clean everything up before we were done. They let me go at 1300 because it was inexplicably my "half-day". Okay, then. See you later.
Thursday started off normal enough... came in at normal time, had quarters with the CA (combat acoustics) division like usual, had sweepers as always, got on the Internet, then was reminded of the change-of-command rehearsal at 0900 on the flight deck. I had no role in the event... we were practicing where to stand on the port side of the canopy (where all those inviting chairs were set up). It was very warm out with the sun blazing down on everyone. Suddenly an announcement came over the 1MC... "S2 muster on the Quarterdeck with the Officer of the Deck". I noticed the guy I was replacing (for cranking) head out and STG3 confirmed that the S2 (service 2?) division was indeed mine now. I decided after a few minutes that carrying boxes of food below decks would be more fun than standing outside in the heat... so I chose that moment to check in with the guy I was replacing (another STG3). Senior had told me at quarters that he would come find me when it was time. :)
So we carried boxes of milk, yogurt and sour cream below decks to the storage refrigerators. After that, I was given a tour of the mess decks, scullery and wardroom galley. After a half-hour or so, it was time to start setting up for lunch. GM3 had started cranking a few weeks ago, and she was designated the lead wardroom crank. She already had the tables set when we got back. CS2 arrived and started preparing the fresh fruit, and finished baking some of the meal items.
Working in the wardroom isn't bad. It's small, much cooler than the big galley below (I think it only got up to about 78 during the middle of everything) and a lot more intimate. We personally take the officer's menu selections, and come back to serve them their plates. We wash the china and silverware in a little sink and dishwasher just inside the galley door and put them back in a stack next to the grill when they're mostly dry.
There was an all-hands call on the forecastle right after lunch, so we had to leave a few things undone while we went to that. They handed out awards for Sailor and Junior-Sailor of the quarter, and the CO gave a few brief comments to us about how this had been the best two-and-a-half years of his life. This was his last day as our CO.
So we finished cleaning up the wardroom and galley, then had a while before we had to help set up for dinner below for the crew. My job was to run the scullery... lots of dish washing! There's a little window that people come by, dump most of their leftovers into the big trashcan, then pile their utensils into a pan with soap-water, and leave their tray, tan plastic plate and bowl and red or white plastic cup(s) on the stainless steel counter. I loaded these items onto big trays, hosed them off in the sink (with scalding water), then sent the tray through the washer and rinser where it was so hot that most everything air-dried in just a few moments. Cups and utensils would go separately, but trays, plates and bowls would stand up in one tray together.
I wiped down all the tables in the mess just before the line was secured at 1730. I was glad of the Olympics being shown on TV... I watched a lot of water polo to pass the time. The US won gold! :)
Friday I was out my door so early! Checked into where I thought I had to be, but no one was there. FC1 (the mess decks MA) came by and said we don't muster in the morning... just go straight to your station. I was the first in the wardroom too. :) Remembered I had to put new ice water in the COs stateroom and empty his trash, but I didn't remember the code to get in. GM3 (lead wardroom crank) soon came and helped me out. Then we set the wardroom table with a new linen, glasses, silverware wrapped in cloth napkins (I wrapped a lot more of them while we were waiting), and menus for breakfast.
The officers came in by ones and twos... we'd bring CS2 (culinary specialist) their marked menus, then serve them their plates, and take them away when they were done. One of the hotcakes broke when being flipped... so I offered to eat it... seconds off the grill! And CS2 allowed me to make my own eggs as well. I think I will especially enjoy breakfast around here.
After breakfast there was a muster on the mess decks with the entire food service division, cooks and FSAs. I didn't have to change into anything for the ceremony because I was selected to help get lunch ready while it was going on. I was told I wasn't allowed to go topside until after our out-going CO had left the ship (everyone topside was in service or full dress whites, and I was in my working uniform).
Lunch was fantastic though... fried shrimp and cocktail sauce, and lots of deliciously ripe, cut-up strawberries. Enjoyed it heartily! There were plates of fruit and pastries left out in the wardroom, so GM3 and I had to clean everything up before we were done. They let me go at 1300 because it was inexplicably my "half-day". Okay, then. See you later.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Graduated!
I am officially done with all courses and checked back into Holds.
Today, in our service uniforms, the instructors handed out the certificates while we were formed up in the front of the classroom. STG2 tried to get my new name on them, but whoever was in charge changed them back to Payne. Oh, well. I guess they all match. We got three other certificates as well: one for each of the auxiliary classes.
Today, in our service uniforms, the instructors handed out the certificates while we were formed up in the front of the classroom. STG2 tried to get my new name on them, but whoever was in charge changed them back to Payne. Oh, well. I guess they all match. We got three other certificates as well: one for each of the auxiliary classes.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Graduated!
So it is officially at an end! I am a certified A(v)15 operator, and I've been awarded the corresponding NEC (Naval Education Code, maybe? They didn't teach us that acronym.).
The ceremony was simple: we met up outside the schoolhouse in the side parking lot where we usually hold Quarters on Tuesdays. Three classes graduated together, and they got it all done pretty quickly. Had us in single lines by class, and our instructor would announce our names as he gave the certificate to the chief who in turn gave it to us and shook our hand and said "good job" or "congratulations". The honormen from each class got another certificate for that achievement, and then we were let go for the day.
We were supposed to check in to Hold's, but Hold's said come back "later" since there wasn't anyone to take care of us. We need to be there for tomorrow's Hold's muster at 0730 though... but that's fine by me... it's only one more day after that and we'll be on our separate ways. :)
Yesterday's class time didn't deserve its own post... it only took 3 hours, but it felt like twice that, at least. We dismantled our notebooks, then while everyone else cleaned the room, Nordgren and I (who volunteered) spent a good while shredding them in the office. Sorta sad... it's secret information, but I'd sure like to keep them so I can study easier later. Oh, well. And then we waited for a good two hours before they let us go. But that is all over now... we are done!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Before The Break
I don't know why I suddenly thought of escaping prison after coming up with that title... :)
Well, on Monday it was PT on your own again, even though STG1 wanted to play volleyball... practically half the class was supposed to be doing PO Indoc. So I did benching with free weights and then a 1.5 mile jog on the elliptical.
We did labs for the Torpedo segment all during class that day. Much less stressful than the last. We all had 100's. On Tuesday after the new lecture we went over, we found out our new standings. I'm now 3rd by .19%, at a 95.26%. Somebody else got a 100 this time. I was able to finish my notes from the first lecture (started Monday, since I was so bored) of 86 slides. There are 4 more, one over a 100 slides, and one with 90 or so... we'll see how this next test goes... and how long we're going to stay in class today before we break for Thanksgiving's 4-day weekend.
Yesterday was also my duty day. STG1 Upchurch had originally had me down for the 12-17, but obviously, I couldn't do that. I told him right away last week, though, so he switched me for the 07-12 Bldg. 52 access (0600-1130). It meant that I'd get the watch out of the way first thing, and that I didn't need to wake up early more than usual, since it landed on a Tuesday. I'd have to miss Quarters... darn. :)
And it went rather well. I had breakfast quick before driving over there, and I was given a chow-relief anyway! Finally! I've done it before where there was no relief and no way to have breakfast either. So I took the time to sit down at the galley and have 2 mugs of hot chocolate and a cup of yogurt. Exactly what I wanted at the time... and for a cheaper price than a single cup at the "Jumpin' Java" stand by the NEX mini mart.
What made everything bearable during the watch was a change-of-command ceremony for the Mobile Mine Warfare Unit. Lots of Chiefs and Officers running around. I had to stare at a bunch of sandwiches, fruit & veggies on tables across the lobby from me, but I also had something to listen to and watch, with people getting ready for it, with the arrival of the CO's, and with the door opened while it was going on. Had to keep the doors and the people passing through quiet, but that was much better than being bored out of my mind. The TSC color guard did very well too. They looked sharp in their white leggings and cords, and reminded me of the one I did in March.
I was relieved on time, had a plate of sandwiches for a very quick lunch, bought a couple snacks at the NEX, and had plenty of time to get to class. Almost done!
Well, on Monday it was PT on your own again, even though STG1 wanted to play volleyball... practically half the class was supposed to be doing PO Indoc. So I did benching with free weights and then a 1.5 mile jog on the elliptical.
We did labs for the Torpedo segment all during class that day. Much less stressful than the last. We all had 100's. On Tuesday after the new lecture we went over, we found out our new standings. I'm now 3rd by .19%, at a 95.26%. Somebody else got a 100 this time. I was able to finish my notes from the first lecture (started Monday, since I was so bored) of 86 slides. There are 4 more, one over a 100 slides, and one with 90 or so... we'll see how this next test goes... and how long we're going to stay in class today before we break for Thanksgiving's 4-day weekend.
Yesterday was also my duty day. STG1 Upchurch had originally had me down for the 12-17, but obviously, I couldn't do that. I told him right away last week, though, so he switched me for the 07-12 Bldg. 52 access (0600-1130). It meant that I'd get the watch out of the way first thing, and that I didn't need to wake up early more than usual, since it landed on a Tuesday. I'd have to miss Quarters... darn. :)
And it went rather well. I had breakfast quick before driving over there, and I was given a chow-relief anyway! Finally! I've done it before where there was no relief and no way to have breakfast either. So I took the time to sit down at the galley and have 2 mugs of hot chocolate and a cup of yogurt. Exactly what I wanted at the time... and for a cheaper price than a single cup at the "Jumpin' Java" stand by the NEX mini mart.
What made everything bearable during the watch was a change-of-command ceremony for the Mobile Mine Warfare Unit. Lots of Chiefs and Officers running around. I had to stare at a bunch of sandwiches, fruit & veggies on tables across the lobby from me, but I also had something to listen to and watch, with people getting ready for it, with the arrival of the CO's, and with the door opened while it was going on. Had to keep the doors and the people passing through quiet, but that was much better than being bored out of my mind. The TSC color guard did very well too. They looked sharp in their white leggings and cords, and reminded me of the one I did in March.
I was relieved on time, had a plate of sandwiches for a very quick lunch, bought a couple snacks at the NEX, and had plenty of time to get to class. Almost done!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Graduated!
This morning between 1000 and 1030, Class 11085 graduated in room 462. We lined up in three ranks (all sharp looking in our whites) in front of a few petty officers and chiefs. STG1 was also in his whites, and commanded us. Captain Moss of the A school came by and gave us our certificates individually, shook our hand, received our salutes, and asked us a couple questions about A school, where we were from, or whatever he thought of to ask. It was over in a few minutes, and with certificates in hand we were returned to the TSC holds office where we signed back in for working parties, starting Monday. And then we were released for the weekend!At least a dozen of us went out to eat after we had changed out of our whites. It was a burger place called "Daddy-O's" on West Point Loma Blvd. Three of the guys tried to do their challenge burger... 2+ lb burger with dressings, a pile of fries and a shake for free if all consumed in 45 minutes. They didn't even come close. :) I enjoyed a 1/4 lb. build-your-own, as well as a very creamy strawberry shake and a few fries. Mmm.
Monday, February 28, 2011
No... Always Volunteer Yourself!
As my recruiter told me a long time ago, the supposed NAVY acronym (Never Again Volunteer Yourself) is not the way to experience the military. I suppose some people are content to sit on their bum and do nothing... but for me, I want to DO as many things as I can. What an opportunity, to do whatever, whenever.
A week and a half ago that worked out for special duty... and they asked again today, for help on the Coronado base. I had no idea what they needed, but anything would be better than trying to act busy. It was a Seaman and a BM2 that wanted extra bodies for picking up the state flags and ceremonial trappings from an event at a hotel on Coronado. It took us some time to locate it, but we finally did and got it all in the pickup.
These things were to be unloaded and the flags set back up in the lobby of the Command Center on the Amphibious base. Somehow, Oklahoma's flag ended up first in my hands...
The rest of the day was to be spent at an office across the street, helping them pack up and move downstairs. But first, they told us to go to a ceremony in the lobby of the command building for "Black History Month". They had members of the Buffalo Soldiers local chapter come and speak... one of them actually was from one of the original divisions, which was still in existence during WWII. And a retired Navy Lt. Commander got up and gave King's "I Have a Dream" speech from memory (I had never heard it before... so it was quite moving for me).
After this had ended, we all (mostly chiefs and officers, including a vice admiral) had a home cooked potluck type of lunch... ! Breaded and baked catfish that made my mouth water, pork ribs, mac n' cheese, green beans and potatoes, cornbread (and more), along with deserts. I settled on baked apples with cinnamon... yum!
Then we spent the next two and a half hours working very hard packing up office supplies and moving them to a temporary storage compartment. My hands were filthy by the time we quit! Gosh! They want us back tomorrow, so I will certainly volunteer again! :)
A week and a half ago that worked out for special duty... and they asked again today, for help on the Coronado base. I had no idea what they needed, but anything would be better than trying to act busy. It was a Seaman and a BM2 that wanted extra bodies for picking up the state flags and ceremonial trappings from an event at a hotel on Coronado. It took us some time to locate it, but we finally did and got it all in the pickup.
These things were to be unloaded and the flags set back up in the lobby of the Command Center on the Amphibious base. Somehow, Oklahoma's flag ended up first in my hands...
The rest of the day was to be spent at an office across the street, helping them pack up and move downstairs. But first, they told us to go to a ceremony in the lobby of the command building for "Black History Month". They had members of the Buffalo Soldiers local chapter come and speak... one of them actually was from one of the original divisions, which was still in existence during WWII. And a retired Navy Lt. Commander got up and gave King's "I Have a Dream" speech from memory (I had never heard it before... so it was quite moving for me).
After this had ended, we all (mostly chiefs and officers, including a vice admiral) had a home cooked potluck type of lunch... ! Breaded and baked catfish that made my mouth water, pork ribs, mac n' cheese, green beans and potatoes, cornbread (and more), along with deserts. I settled on baked apples with cinnamon... yum!
Then we spent the next two and a half hours working very hard packing up office supplies and moving them to a temporary storage compartment. My hands were filthy by the time we quit! Gosh! They want us back tomorrow, so I will certainly volunteer again! :)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Sisters in Arms
Waiting for the ride over to the change of command ceremony...
It was duty day for me in more than one way! I was so concerned about not missing the 0630 muster for my duty section that I woke up at least 4 times before my alarm went off at 0600. I can put myself into a frenzy sometimes... I made it just fine. Had a big breakfast right after, then hurried back to my room, changed into my blues and made it to the Holds 0730 muster with time to spare.
Our other member, STG3 Vonwerder, came promptly after this picture was taken and soon we headed off to the base downtown with Chief's blessing. Our hearts beat faster in the presence of so many officers and chiefs and civilians all dressed to the hilt... but it went off without a hitch.
There was a Navy Band brass quintet there, playing smart marches and patriotic tunes before it all began. It felt as if I were at a concert if I closed my eyes. My favorite was their "God Bless America" that repeated several times... loud and proud one time through, soft and delicate another, and again with more fluctuation. The ceremony was a bit late starting, but we were done and loading onto the van to leave at 10:20.
Upon returning our arms, flags and special apparel, we headed straight for the barracks. I changed back to the digital working uniform I began in today and after a little down time mustered with my duty section again. We were directed to pick up trash in the main parking lot. It amazed me how fast I switched from a grand ceremony to picking up cigarette butts all within a couple hours. :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Color Guard Practice
Friday morning's work was only taken up with the trip to the base downtown to practice the ceremony. We're doing it inside in a small auditorium on base, probably due to the bad weather we've been having lately. We practiced what we thought we'd like to do, and then the master chief arrived and let us know how we're doing it. Filing in from the right side of the theater (me leading), we come to the center, halt and left face. Present arms... and then shoulder arms after the Banner is played. Right face and march off to the left side of the theater (me leading).
Whatever you do in the Navy, it is always a huge compliment to have the master chief come up and thank you for volunteering and notice your good military bearing. :)
We were picked up by the same duty driver and taken back to Point Loma right around 1100... which is quitting time on Fridays. Lunch was outstanding that day! Fresh shrimp and veggie stir fry! This was one of the best things I've had here... I am so impressed!
Whatever you do in the Navy, it is always a huge compliment to have the master chief come up and thank you for volunteering and notice your good military bearing. :)
We were picked up by the same duty driver and taken back to Point Loma right around 1100... which is quitting time on Fridays. Lunch was outstanding that day! Fresh shrimp and veggie stir fry! This was one of the best things I've had here... I am so impressed!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Of Working Parties and Special Duty
We (my friends Witte, Jerousek and I) completed our check-in sheet to the best of our ability on Monday this week. That was when we got our security badges for the A school building. Right afterwords, they told us to check into the BPO (barracks petty officer) for an assignment in a working party. I was surprised they had us do this right away, because our sheets were not completely filled out, but I didn't mind doing actual work either. We ended up at the hotel on base for bachelor officers, moving pallets and old TV's around. The next couple days we had the same thing, except Witte and I volunteered for scraping and painting the sprinkler pipes. It was harder than it seemed... but again, good to do work.
I really love it here... we're encouraged to do PT most days, and I've kept up with it. I've run by the water in the setting sun with the wind blowing in my face, and there are two weight/cardio machine buildings very close by that make it easy to go do. One building has a very good lineup of weight machines. I use that and just go down the line... hardly anyone uses it. And today, I did the PRT run in Liberty Station across the street... very nice! Half of it is along the water and I watched shore birds as I jogged by.
But today! At muster IC1 asked for volunteers for something that sounded like being a road-guard... I checked my working party (it was the same- and it is overmanned) and went back to him and volunteered. Turns out I was the only one to do so, and it had nothing to do with what I thought. It was to be a part of the color guard for the change of command ceremony next Friday! And this will be at the base downtown in front of lots of people! Wow! They needed two more people as well as me, and at that moment Witte and Jerousek walked by... :) Since Witte is taller, us other two will carry the rifles on either side of the flags. STG3 organised it, and he'll take the US flag. So we practiced the shoulder arms, present arms, order arms movements... I've always wanted to do something like this!
Tomorrow we head down to 32nd street for a walk-though of what we'll be doing. We were given Tuesday off as a reward for volunteering, and then we'll have Wed & Thurs to practice before the big day. So excited!
I really love it here... we're encouraged to do PT most days, and I've kept up with it. I've run by the water in the setting sun with the wind blowing in my face, and there are two weight/cardio machine buildings very close by that make it easy to go do. One building has a very good lineup of weight machines. I use that and just go down the line... hardly anyone uses it. And today, I did the PRT run in Liberty Station across the street... very nice! Half of it is along the water and I watched shore birds as I jogged by.
But today! At muster IC1 asked for volunteers for something that sounded like being a road-guard... I checked my working party (it was the same- and it is overmanned) and went back to him and volunteered. Turns out I was the only one to do so, and it had nothing to do with what I thought. It was to be a part of the color guard for the change of command ceremony next Friday! And this will be at the base downtown in front of lots of people! Wow! They needed two more people as well as me, and at that moment Witte and Jerousek walked by... :) Since Witte is taller, us other two will carry the rifles on either side of the flags. STG3 organised it, and he'll take the US flag. So we practiced the shoulder arms, present arms, order arms movements... I've always wanted to do something like this!
Tomorrow we head down to 32nd street for a walk-though of what we'll be doing. We were given Tuesday off as a reward for volunteering, and then we'll have Wed & Thurs to practice before the big day. So excited!
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