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!
Friday, July 20, 2012
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.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Hello, Ship
My RDCs (recruit division commanders) from boot camp told us that our proudest day would be graduation from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes. We'll just chalk that one up to another boot camp-ism.
It was very easy to check out from TPU (transient personnel unit) this morning. Although there were a couple other people going to the Truxtun, I was the only one in Whites. Lined up in the front again for muster, as on Friday, was dressed off boot-camp style (dress right, dress!), and responded to my name with my ship's name. After that, just needed to fill out a half-page form and a 2-page questionnaire about what I thought about TPU... and then I was let go.
Drove over to the piers and found a parking space a ways away from where they said my ship would be. Interestingly, as I walked along past the ships, I came by the USS Kearsarge, the namesake of my building (Ship 11) in boot camp. Docked to the next pier was the USS San Antonio, so big I couldn't see anything else nearby. I began to wonder if my ship had come in yet... but as I kept walking, suddenly there she was!
This was indeed my proudest day so far. The Truxtun is beautiful! STG2 told me they all put a lot of work into it the last couple months for the filming that's going on even now. I had to wait to go up the accommodation ladder because there was a crane working just next to it. But soon I went up, saluted the officer of the watch and held out my card like I've been trained to for a long time now. Shook his hand as he welcomed me on board. The CMC was on hand as well and shook my hand too. Everyone was very friendly. Soon an STG came up to bring me down to Sonar... on the way down I met my sponsor, and she set me up with a rack before we went to meet Senior Chief and the rest of the division.
We spent the morning together, my sponsor and I. Went to admin and filled out some forms... then found out I had an assigned rack, so I moved my bag to #30, which is a top rack near the central head, but out of the way of traffic. I didn't realize it at first, but the one I'm assigned has lots of head room, since there's no rack or ventilation pipe overhead. I think I'll like it pretty well. Changed into my NWUs while we were there and locked up my Whites in my little stand-up locker. I was warned that there are a couple thieves in the female berthing. STG2 then took me on a short tour, and then we had fried chicken at the galley for lunch. The food was alright (even some egg drop soup and egg rolls) and then we went back to Sonar before knocking off for the day.
I'm still excited about my assignment here, so I guess that's a good sign. :)
It was very easy to check out from TPU (transient personnel unit) this morning. Although there were a couple other people going to the Truxtun, I was the only one in Whites. Lined up in the front again for muster, as on Friday, was dressed off boot-camp style (dress right, dress!), and responded to my name with my ship's name. After that, just needed to fill out a half-page form and a 2-page questionnaire about what I thought about TPU... and then I was let go.
Drove over to the piers and found a parking space a ways away from where they said my ship would be. Interestingly, as I walked along past the ships, I came by the USS Kearsarge, the namesake of my building (Ship 11) in boot camp. Docked to the next pier was the USS San Antonio, so big I couldn't see anything else nearby. I began to wonder if my ship had come in yet... but as I kept walking, suddenly there she was!
This was indeed my proudest day so far. The Truxtun is beautiful! STG2 told me they all put a lot of work into it the last couple months for the filming that's going on even now. I had to wait to go up the accommodation ladder because there was a crane working just next to it. But soon I went up, saluted the officer of the watch and held out my card like I've been trained to for a long time now. Shook his hand as he welcomed me on board. The CMC was on hand as well and shook my hand too. Everyone was very friendly. Soon an STG came up to bring me down to Sonar... on the way down I met my sponsor, and she set me up with a rack before we went to meet Senior Chief and the rest of the division.
We spent the morning together, my sponsor and I. Went to admin and filled out some forms... then found out I had an assigned rack, so I moved my bag to #30, which is a top rack near the central head, but out of the way of traffic. I didn't realize it at first, but the one I'm assigned has lots of head room, since there's no rack or ventilation pipe overhead. I think I'll like it pretty well. Changed into my NWUs while we were there and locked up my Whites in my little stand-up locker. I was warned that there are a couple thieves in the female berthing. STG2 then took me on a short tour, and then we had fried chicken at the galley for lunch. The food was alright (even some egg drop soup and egg rolls) and then we went back to Sonar before knocking off for the day.
I'm still excited about my assignment here, so I guess that's a good sign. :)
Friday, June 22, 2012
Hello, Norfolk
My husband and I arrived in Norfolk very late Monday night (the 18th). Checked into our hotel and stayed up even later, getting my dress whites ready for the morning and worrying about when I needed to check in, since nobody told me. I figured it probably didn't matter as long as it was in the morning... and I was right. Got a little turned around my first time on base. Google had given me poor advice about where TPU (Transient Personnel Unit) was actually located; correct street, just wrong side of the base. :)
At first I thought I wouldn't need my cell... reinforced thinking from San Diego... and started out on foot in search of TPU. I used the TSC building to ask directions, since I know about them, and a senior chief directed me the right way, mentioning I needed to drive a little further down the road. So I returned to the car, and just when I did, my ship called me, giving direction about checking into TPU. It was easy from there on. Nimitz Hall (for TPU) had an adjacent parking lot. Had to stop for colors on the way, but that was fitting for my first day back. First thing to do in the office, fill out forms, then report one floor upstairs to the FFT (Further Fleet Transfers) office. A couple more forms, then since I was the only one checking in at the time, the staff petty officer, AM2, talked about housing with me, mentioning that the place I wanted was extremely inconvenient. He had lived there for 3 years... and between the hour commute in the morning, the constant noise from the F-18's, and the mosquitoes from the nearby swamps, he was very excited to be moving somewhere else next week. So that was very timely information...
On the way back to the hotel I stopped by the military housing support center and talked with an agent in person for the first time. My application (faxed in on the 12th) had been approved on the 18th... and it was still alright to change the location preference. Whew! My husband and I spent the rest of the day looking at our four options... one across the street, one up north, one by the Amphibious base, and lastly, one by the Naval Air Station, which I already knew I didn't want; just wanted to see it. The second one won out... the community manager was there and offered to show us a unit later in the day. The pool was being used by kids, and there seemed to be a good atmosphere around the place.
Talk about a busy first day! The next day -Wednesday- (after a morning filled up with urinalysis) I got the contract at the office to go over with my husband, then we looked at the exterior of our specific unit (that happened to be the same design as the one we were shown) and then returned to the office to sign the contract. Not bad work for the first two days!
Thursday morning, about 25 of us had command Indoc. The XO, CMC and another Master Chief, along with a staff petty officer went over the usual Indoc concepts. Welcome, here's where everything is, be good Sailors, come to work, don't abuse alcohol, know about suicide, and bear with us as we try to get you to your next command ASAP. :) On the way home I unpacked my very tightly packed car into a local self-storage unit so I would feel safer and less awkward driving around. It happened to be 92 degrees that morning, so it was hot in my NWUs as I emptied the car.
Friday, we had training in the partition next to the one we had for Indoc. I overheard the CMC give his talk very much the same way he had given it to us yesterday... "On your feet"... "attention to the Sailor's Creed"... "stand at attention for inspection"...and he was a very down-to-earth type of guy too. Our training was GM2 answering questions about fleet life. It was a good session and I learned a few things.
At first I thought I wouldn't need my cell... reinforced thinking from San Diego... and started out on foot in search of TPU. I used the TSC building to ask directions, since I know about them, and a senior chief directed me the right way, mentioning I needed to drive a little further down the road. So I returned to the car, and just when I did, my ship called me, giving direction about checking into TPU. It was easy from there on. Nimitz Hall (for TPU) had an adjacent parking lot. Had to stop for colors on the way, but that was fitting for my first day back. First thing to do in the office, fill out forms, then report one floor upstairs to the FFT (Further Fleet Transfers) office. A couple more forms, then since I was the only one checking in at the time, the staff petty officer, AM2, talked about housing with me, mentioning that the place I wanted was extremely inconvenient. He had lived there for 3 years... and between the hour commute in the morning, the constant noise from the F-18's, and the mosquitoes from the nearby swamps, he was very excited to be moving somewhere else next week. So that was very timely information...
On the way back to the hotel I stopped by the military housing support center and talked with an agent in person for the first time. My application (faxed in on the 12th) had been approved on the 18th... and it was still alright to change the location preference. Whew! My husband and I spent the rest of the day looking at our four options... one across the street, one up north, one by the Amphibious base, and lastly, one by the Naval Air Station, which I already knew I didn't want; just wanted to see it. The second one won out... the community manager was there and offered to show us a unit later in the day. The pool was being used by kids, and there seemed to be a good atmosphere around the place.
Talk about a busy first day! The next day -Wednesday- (after a morning filled up with urinalysis) I got the contract at the office to go over with my husband, then we looked at the exterior of our specific unit (that happened to be the same design as the one we were shown) and then returned to the office to sign the contract. Not bad work for the first two days!
Thursday morning, about 25 of us had command Indoc. The XO, CMC and another Master Chief, along with a staff petty officer went over the usual Indoc concepts. Welcome, here's where everything is, be good Sailors, come to work, don't abuse alcohol, know about suicide, and bear with us as we try to get you to your next command ASAP. :) On the way home I unpacked my very tightly packed car into a local self-storage unit so I would feel safer and less awkward driving around. It happened to be 92 degrees that morning, so it was hot in my NWUs as I emptied the car.
Friday, we had training in the partition next to the one we had for Indoc. I overheard the CMC give his talk very much the same way he had given it to us yesterday... "On your feet"... "attention to the Sailor's Creed"... "stand at attention for inspection"...and he was a very down-to-earth type of guy too. Our training was GM2 answering questions about fleet life. It was a good session and I learned a few things.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Checked Out of TSC San Diego
Tuesday was very like Monday... except I reported early to Building 1 after letting Holds know what was going on, and there was pizza for lunch instead of burgers. Also, the commodore of the attending DESRON spoke to me and the Australian officer about good books to read about American Naval strategy in WWII! - after looking over my book by Admiral Sims. He recommended Neptune's Inferno... pretty sure I'll be reading it soon.
Wednesday after muster I found myself on the same working party, except this time for a different conference in a different building. It had already started before muster and was completely covered. I checked out with the Petty Officer in charge the next day, and they still didn't need me. This afforded me extremely valuable time to pack my things in anticipation of my move today.
Friday, today, I checked out from the BPO (barracks) first, went to muster, then went to admin. They sent me to NMT first, then I came back and was all checked out by 0900! I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it all was. At NMT, STG1 from my duty section signed me out. He asked me if I completed my goals from when I first checked in... saving money: check, reading Navy books: check, doing better on the PRT run... well... I'm still in progress. I had forgotten about writing them... it was so long ago.
I walked of base and climbed the steps to the bridge to overflow parking with a lightness I've never had before. I certainly enjoyed my 16 months here... it's just so exciting to move on to bigger things. I'm impressed that my two extra years on my contract works out just about right before I check in to my first ship.
Wednesday after muster I found myself on the same working party, except this time for a different conference in a different building. It had already started before muster and was completely covered. I checked out with the Petty Officer in charge the next day, and they still didn't need me. This afforded me extremely valuable time to pack my things in anticipation of my move today.
Friday, today, I checked out from the BPO (barracks) first, went to muster, then went to admin. They sent me to NMT first, then I came back and was all checked out by 0900! I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it all was. At NMT, STG1 from my duty section signed me out. He asked me if I completed my goals from when I first checked in... saving money: check, reading Navy books: check, doing better on the PRT run... well... I'm still in progress. I had forgotten about writing them... it was so long ago.
I walked of base and climbed the steps to the bridge to overflow parking with a lightness I've never had before. I certainly enjoyed my 16 months here... it's just so exciting to move on to bigger things. I'm impressed that my two extra years on my contract works out just about right before I check in to my first ship.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Escorting and Getting Help
I volunteered this morning when they asked for two people from the Holds muster to help out at Bldg. 1. They needed someone to check badges for a conference, so the seaman and I who volunteered have been switching on and off, sitting at the desk just inside the door with the master list of attendees.
They were selling a burger and a hotdog, plus chips and drink for $5 for lunch. I got myself some, and read a little in Admiral Sims book about ASW in WWI... a commander came by trying to tease me for reading, asking if it was appropriate Navy material... I guess it was, but he was still laughing for making me snap out of my reading. :) There were a bunch of Chiefs who were serving. One came by and asked if I got enough and then paid for it himself when he found that I had paid out of pocket. Gosh, I love the Chiefs! If you're working for them, they take care of you.
Also loved hearing a couple British officers talking about some sort of sports match (can only assume it was soccer). And an American Chief ribbed an British officer, asking him to say "Lieutenant", even slowly... and the Englishman only replied back, "Left-enant"... even slowly! After the chief left, he said it our way to me. :)
I was covered by the seaman when I had my appointment with Fleet & Family Services on Rosecrans later this morning. The lady was very helpful, showing me different sites and telling me about various resources I could use. I also found out that Virginia's BAH is about $600 less than San Diego's... but so are the average rates there. I feel much better about the upcoming decision.
An Australian officer gave me "four marks" for reading Admiral Sims's book, while he called my counterpart's sci-fi book "trash"... with a smile.
They were selling a burger and a hotdog, plus chips and drink for $5 for lunch. I got myself some, and read a little in Admiral Sims book about ASW in WWI... a commander came by trying to tease me for reading, asking if it was appropriate Navy material... I guess it was, but he was still laughing for making me snap out of my reading. :) There were a bunch of Chiefs who were serving. One came by and asked if I got enough and then paid for it himself when he found that I had paid out of pocket. Gosh, I love the Chiefs! If you're working for them, they take care of you.
Also loved hearing a couple British officers talking about some sort of sports match (can only assume it was soccer). And an American Chief ribbed an British officer, asking him to say "Lieutenant", even slowly... and the Englishman only replied back, "Left-enant"... even slowly! After the chief left, he said it our way to me. :)
I was covered by the seaman when I had my appointment with Fleet & Family Services on Rosecrans later this morning. The lady was very helpful, showing me different sites and telling me about various resources I could use. I also found out that Virginia's BAH is about $600 less than San Diego's... but so are the average rates there. I feel much better about the upcoming decision.
An Australian officer gave me "four marks" for reading Admiral Sims's book, while he called my counterpart's sci-fi book "trash"... with a smile.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Last Duty in San Diego
So I never missed a morning duty section muster. :) OS1, our watch-bill coordinator, had to fill some slots due to people classing up at the last minute. I was the only one who raised my hand when she asked who was on Hold. Yikes! She switched me from the last 51 access watch (early Saturday morning) to the five-and-a-half-hour mid watch, and someone who couldn't do that one filled the one I had before. As we straightened all this out, I also got her to sign off on my check-out sheet... I was in the front row.
Had breakfast and lunch at the galley to make my day more simple. I had one sign-off to get on the third deck of the schoolhouse for the mentorship coordinator, then stopped by admin for a few more. Only needing the last day's sign-offs now.
My watch went pretty well... my feet survived: neither of them fell asleep. My new dress shoes are worth their weight in gold (good thing... they were $82). The first couple hours I was alert and gung-ho about getting through it. The afternoon muster went on outside the door, and I had to keep saluting and allowing people to pass, even when I heard them call my name (somebody rogered up, telling OSC I was on watch for me). The next couple hours were much slower, as usual, but I managed to read through the entire Civil War portion of the Navy Chronology book I started last time, and it helped a lot. Traffic was much slower later on, since most people run away from base as fast as they can on Friday afternoons. :) It's a pretty sad existence when you live for a 15-second phone call you get to make every hour, along with a short sentence you get to write in the log. :)
Had breakfast and lunch at the galley to make my day more simple. I had one sign-off to get on the third deck of the schoolhouse for the mentorship coordinator, then stopped by admin for a few more. Only needing the last day's sign-offs now.
My watch went pretty well... my feet survived: neither of them fell asleep. My new dress shoes are worth their weight in gold (good thing... they were $82). The first couple hours I was alert and gung-ho about getting through it. The afternoon muster went on outside the door, and I had to keep saluting and allowing people to pass, even when I heard them call my name (somebody rogered up, telling OSC I was on watch for me). The next couple hours were much slower, as usual, but I managed to read through the entire Civil War portion of the Navy Chronology book I started last time, and it helped a lot. Traffic was much slower later on, since most people run away from base as fast as they can on Friday afternoons. :) It's a pretty sad existence when you live for a 15-second phone call you get to make every hour, along with a short sentence you get to write in the log. :)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wild Couple Days
Tuesday, first day back this week, you know of. After I took care of the orders stuff in the morning, I had another usual workout before the afternoon Holds PT muster. Elliptical and weights for about a half hour.
Wednesday I found out some specifics from my sponsor on the Truxtun, and got a welcome email from my Senior Chief (LCPO - leading chief petty officer). I had my screening with the doctor, and along with getting that done, we found out that we were both very much in to military history. She recommended reading Helmet For My Pillow, and we talked about the Norfolk area. She also had the neatest picture on the wall of her grandmother from 1938, dressed in Sailor dress blues outside a house... sort of like this old recruiting poster, but much more normal. :)
Today was crazy! Went straight into the office and turned in my medical clearance page from the doctor. Then I talked with a lady in admin about the transfer days, about how it meant I could detach anytime in June 2012, not on June 12th, like I had mistaken it for. She gave me an extra week so that I could get money for the transfer in advance (it needs processing time). So it's official: I leave June 8, and with my 11 days of leave on the books and requested, I report on June 19. She told me I'd get up to 8 days back when I arrive. To fill out the form completely, I had to go home and get my banking information... and I let my family know the news. Back at base, they helped me find and print my "Page 2"... proving I was married so that my husband could transfer with me. Then I was handed a checkout sheet. Just like that.
Went straight to Dental, got my record, swung by the Post Office, and they stamped my sheet. Dropped off my car at the NEX so it could be safety-checked for the long drive and smog-checked so I could already have military decals when I arrive, and not have to mess with vehicle access. While I waited for that, I walked over to Medical, got my record (checking out) and stopped by for the checkup on my immunization from Tuesday. Walked a little further and had an outstanding "Mediterranean chicken salad" at the Luna Grill in Liberty Station for lunch, and even caught a little of the women's softball world series on TV. Walked back to the NEX, got the next installment of MHQ, then waited at the NEX garage for the car to be done (reading a great article about Midway... it's the 70th anniversary next week). When I did get it, I cleaned the windows and got gas around the corner, then went to the Sub Base for my decals.
When I got home from that, it was 1400, and time to change into the PT uniform for muster. Muster was short, then I went up to the Cabrillo National Monument for a half-hour run/walk on the 3.2K trail loop. What a view! I forget how I hate running when I'm out there.
Back at base, I called my Senior Chief from the boat to tell him the dates and talk about housing. Cleaned up at the pool house (the gym's showers are closed), then waited for the Van Lady by the barracks to pick up the two extra sets of coveralls (she sewed all those patches on) and the new dry-cleaned dress white pants that I had dropped off on Tuesday.
Then I talked with my family in North Carolina and then my family in Seattle (who are going to North Carolina during the time I'm driving across the country) for a good long time about our very near plans.
Wednesday I found out some specifics from my sponsor on the Truxtun, and got a welcome email from my Senior Chief (LCPO - leading chief petty officer). I had my screening with the doctor, and along with getting that done, we found out that we were both very much in to military history. She recommended reading Helmet For My Pillow, and we talked about the Norfolk area. She also had the neatest picture on the wall of her grandmother from 1938, dressed in Sailor dress blues outside a house... sort of like this old recruiting poster, but much more normal. :)
Today was crazy! Went straight into the office and turned in my medical clearance page from the doctor. Then I talked with a lady in admin about the transfer days, about how it meant I could detach anytime in June 2012, not on June 12th, like I had mistaken it for. She gave me an extra week so that I could get money for the transfer in advance (it needs processing time). So it's official: I leave June 8, and with my 11 days of leave on the books and requested, I report on June 19. She told me I'd get up to 8 days back when I arrive. To fill out the form completely, I had to go home and get my banking information... and I let my family know the news. Back at base, they helped me find and print my "Page 2"... proving I was married so that my husband could transfer with me. Then I was handed a checkout sheet. Just like that.
Went straight to Dental, got my record, swung by the Post Office, and they stamped my sheet. Dropped off my car at the NEX so it could be safety-checked for the long drive and smog-checked so I could already have military decals when I arrive, and not have to mess with vehicle access. While I waited for that, I walked over to Medical, got my record (checking out) and stopped by for the checkup on my immunization from Tuesday. Walked a little further and had an outstanding "Mediterranean chicken salad" at the Luna Grill in Liberty Station for lunch, and even caught a little of the women's softball world series on TV. Walked back to the NEX, got the next installment of MHQ, then waited at the NEX garage for the car to be done (reading a great article about Midway... it's the 70th anniversary next week). When I did get it, I cleaned the windows and got gas around the corner, then went to the Sub Base for my decals.
When I got home from that, it was 1400, and time to change into the PT uniform for muster. Muster was short, then I went up to the Cabrillo National Monument for a half-hour run/walk on the 3.2K trail loop. What a view! I forget how I hate running when I'm out there.
Back at base, I called my Senior Chief from the boat to tell him the dates and talk about housing. Cleaned up at the pool house (the gym's showers are closed), then waited for the Van Lady by the barracks to pick up the two extra sets of coveralls (she sewed all those patches on) and the new dry-cleaned dress white pants that I had dropped off on Tuesday.
Then I talked with my family in North Carolina and then my family in Seattle (who are going to North Carolina during the time I'm driving across the country) for a good long time about our very near plans.
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