As this will probably be one of my last entries into this underway journal, there are some reflections I've been thinking about. In February of 2007 I made my first port visit aboard the USS Shiloh, only a month after I first reported to Yokosuka, Japan. My wife hadn't even made the trip yet as my daughter Shelby was just born three months prior. FC3 Slagle was brand new to the ship, and as such was stuck out on the fantail of the ship as a line-handler. Mostly heaving around line as we moor the ship up and settle it out.
As the ship was making its approach to the pier of White Beach Naval Facilities in Okinawa, Japan, the clouds started to roll over the mountains and spill out onto the flat land before the ocean kissed the shore. Islands as small as a house dotted the seas on the final stretch of water before the pier started, and a few cliffs could be seen in the misty distance. Even though it was the middle of the day, the rainy weather would make it seem that we were making port in the evening after a long day. I could imagine myself in Feudal Japan, sailing into this ancient port with the mists rolling in like a spirit of the island.
That night I enjoyed some of my first Kirin Japanese beer as I was introduced to the island. Unfortunately the night would end on a bad note. As my liberty buddies and I were not largely familiar with the island's layout, our cabbie took us on a very long route to build up his meter bill. This nice little detour in the middle of the night made us exactly 10 minutes late to our ship's quarterdeck and attracting the attention of my Chief Petty Officer. We all thought we were done by the way he was talking to us, we thought we would be standing in front of the Chief's mess in our Whites. Luckily nothing permanent happened to us that night, but that Chief who is today a Master Chief made sure he reminded me of that until the day he left the command 2 and a half years later.
Today, the USS Howard pulled into Okinawa in much the same way as I arrived over four years ago. It was rainy, cloudy, and in an almost ethereal way the island appeared from the mist. Ironic that I should end my brief 6-year naval career almost exactly where I started it, as far as foreign ports go.
Okinawa, I'll miss her.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Carry On My Wayward Sailor
I realise that it's been quite a bit of time since I've last written on here, and it's for good reason. For reasons out of my control, the communications to and from the ship were restricted. I'm unable to go into detail at this moment.
So after some long debate and self-searching, I think that Laura and I have finally come to a decision about our future. I called the Lockheed Martin recruiter yesterday to get a better idea of what kind of salary/benefits I could be looking at. The salary they were offering didn't even come close to what I was expecting out of them, so this made the decision much easier for us.
As of Spring 2012 I'll be attending Middle Tennessee State University as a double major in Audio Production and Music Business, without any "what-if" or "I Coulda" kind of thoughts.
As this deployment is coming to a close I find myself becoming less and less a part of the machine. Yes, I still stand watch. Yes, I still conduct my maintenance. And yes, I still do all the things necessary of a Sailor that is deployed, like cleaning, mustering, etc. Instead of leading the maintenance, I show my replacement how to. Instead of standing watch, I show my replacement how to condition the radar to allow for maximum efficiency. Even though I've only been a part of the Navy for 6 years, it still gives me a small sense of pride to pass along what I've learned in my short stay here. And even though I feel like I was written off as a short-timer here without much say in the matter, I can pass along what I've learned in the 7th fleet and hope that the next generation doesn't develop a sense of entitlement like the last USS Howard generation had.
That being said, I have seen some beautiful things in the world. It feels like I have travelled to at least three of the four corners of the world. From Australia, to Europe, from the Middle East to the Far East. I've got pictures to prove I was at Hiroshima, the place where the bomb dropped, as well at the memorial to peace there that the city build to show to rest of the world. I've literally been to paradise as I island hopped around Palawan and indulged in Pork Adobo and fresh fruit in the Philippines.
But you know, out of every wondrous and breathtaking scene I have burned forever into my memory, there's no other place I'd rather be than with my Wife and Daughter. Someday I hope to have the opportunity to show them everything I can, go to Germany again, fly to Kyoto, Japan. I'm glad I've had these opportunities, but it's time to focus of myself and the future that I would like to have. That is why I'm going back to school, and that is why I decided against selling my dream for a steady paycheck.
I have no idea if we'll have a steady check, or even if it will be a very big one for that matter. But, I'll tell you this: I'll be home every night, I'll never be more than a couple hour's drive away at any given time, I'll never get a call telling me that the ship has to get underway, and my rank will never be in constant jeopardy because someone with a higher rank than I is having a bad day or their spouse tossed them out. ALSO, NO CHITS TO FILL OUT!
We still have a couple more ports before I'll be closing the blog out, so stick around just a bit longer. It won't be too long before I post whether the Dixie cup hat I throw over the side floated or sank.
~chase
Monday, August 22, 2011
Carpe Pisces (Seize the Fish)
For the first time since departing our home port it seems that folks onboard can finally start to see a small glimmer of light on the horizon. The night that has been the constant rocking of the ship, the never-ending hours of watches stood in the darkness of combat, the same rotation of the compacted life underway. The wake-up to get dressed out, the chow, the watch, the maintenance, the workout or relax, then hit your rack for the 4-5 hours that you're grateful for. Rinse & repeat.
Sometimes when we hit a port I find myself with so much free time that I'm exhausted before the night is over. One finds themselves locked into a cycle that once entered is not noticed until a couple days, a week, then finally a month whirs by quite painlessly...in almost a anesthetic kind of way. That is the nice thing about such a dependable cycle. Though, once you get back into the daily ventures of home, you start asking yourself "How in the hell did I live like that?".
This habit, this...life...isn't really life. It's the answer to the question I keep asking myself; "How the hell did I end up at 30? Last time I checked I was still getting over the fact that I was 27." I feel that just "passing the time", is slowly letting life happen to me without my realizing it. This isn't just about Carpe Diem, this is about gaining control of my life and doing more than just standing a watch, or attending useless training, or counting down the days until I get to play with my daughter again.
My job doesn't make me feel like I'm doing something for the greater good anymore, of course I also thought I was joining the Navy circa 1942. When the enemy had a face and everything was on the line. People in America then would commit suicide if they were deemed unfit or too unhealthy to join the service. Today, people complain if too harsh of a word is used, they complain about being treated equally then become pregnant before deployment begins to get out of it, they question everything to a point where the leadership can't get anything done. It sickens me to think that this is where we are after so many years.
Sorry about the random tangent, but this is an underway blog.
Since homecoming has gotten closer, my homecoming dreams are starting to become more frequent. I don't desire this because it always end with me waking up to disappointment in my coffin-for-a-bed.
It will be a glorious day regardless.
Sometimes when we hit a port I find myself with so much free time that I'm exhausted before the night is over. One finds themselves locked into a cycle that once entered is not noticed until a couple days, a week, then finally a month whirs by quite painlessly...in almost a anesthetic kind of way. That is the nice thing about such a dependable cycle. Though, once you get back into the daily ventures of home, you start asking yourself "How in the hell did I live like that?".
This habit, this...life...isn't really life. It's the answer to the question I keep asking myself; "How the hell did I end up at 30? Last time I checked I was still getting over the fact that I was 27." I feel that just "passing the time", is slowly letting life happen to me without my realizing it. This isn't just about Carpe Diem, this is about gaining control of my life and doing more than just standing a watch, or attending useless training, or counting down the days until I get to play with my daughter again.
My job doesn't make me feel like I'm doing something for the greater good anymore, of course I also thought I was joining the Navy circa 1942. When the enemy had a face and everything was on the line. People in America then would commit suicide if they were deemed unfit or too unhealthy to join the service. Today, people complain if too harsh of a word is used, they complain about being treated equally then become pregnant before deployment begins to get out of it, they question everything to a point where the leadership can't get anything done. It sickens me to think that this is where we are after so many years.
Sorry about the random tangent, but this is an underway blog.
Since homecoming has gotten closer, my homecoming dreams are starting to become more frequent. I don't desire this because it always end with me waking up to disappointment in my coffin-for-a-bed.
It will be a glorious day regardless.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I always believe in Futures
A quick note on post-naval thoughts. I received an email the other day stating, pending funding, that there was a job opening up with Lockheed Martin at Surface Combat Systems Center, Wallops Island....or as most folks in the Navy refer to it, "The Fleet in the Sand".
I initially wrote back to the Lockheed Martin recruiter that I would just like some more information on the job, does it pay well, are the benefits good, is the travel at a minimum? General information that I could digest. I was sure to mention that my current plans are to attend school to finish my bachelors degree, but I would consider the job if the pay was convincing enough. That number would have to be substantial for me to consider giving up 6 year's worth of planning and anticipation.
Though, looking up the area that it was in was proving to be very enticing. A small area, a faculty of only around 300 people (military and civilian), local schools, and the ability to keep my clearance and connection to the Navy.
The adult trying to come out in me is telling me that I should strongly consider this job to support my new family, which altogether isn't a bad idea at all if it pays well. I suppose though that I'll wait until I am able to call the L-M recruiter to find out what kind of salary I would be looking at first.
Going back to school to finish something I started and get into a new career in the Recording Industry, or going on to a radar electronics career that I know will probably set me up for life?
I initially wrote back to the Lockheed Martin recruiter that I would just like some more information on the job, does it pay well, are the benefits good, is the travel at a minimum? General information that I could digest. I was sure to mention that my current plans are to attend school to finish my bachelors degree, but I would consider the job if the pay was convincing enough. That number would have to be substantial for me to consider giving up 6 year's worth of planning and anticipation.
Though, looking up the area that it was in was proving to be very enticing. A small area, a faculty of only around 300 people (military and civilian), local schools, and the ability to keep my clearance and connection to the Navy.
The adult trying to come out in me is telling me that I should strongly consider this job to support my new family, which altogether isn't a bad idea at all if it pays well. I suppose though that I'll wait until I am able to call the L-M recruiter to find out what kind of salary I would be looking at first.
Going back to school to finish something I started and get into a new career in the Recording Industry, or going on to a radar electronics career that I know will probably set me up for life?
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Singapore Sucks
Listening to: Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
It's been a little while since I've last written on this blog, so I need to apologize about that. Been up to my neck in all sorts of tasks, also attempting to keep my mind from wandering too much back to San Diego. That tends to happen when I write here, I start thinking about how nice it would be to be back in the low-humidity of that desert city.
In my entire time stationed out of Yokosuka, Japan, Singapore seemed like a bit of a mystery. All the ships had visited there, even some of the crew from Shiloh who at the time were based on the Chancellorsville before they hull-swapped. They would always talk about it, and how much fun it was.
So this past port I was able to see what all the hub-bub was about. It's the Chinese version of America....except a hell of a lot more expensive, not to mention all the insane laws they have. Just do a search for "Singapore Laws" on Google if you want a bit of a culture shock. I was afraid to carry a Red Bull in my backpack for fear of getting the "CANE" for God's sake!
In better news, we're more than halfway through this deployment! Unfortunately it seems like a bittersweet distant memory that I said goodbye to Laura and Shelby on that pier. It was be pure bliss when I get to see them again. Hell, I even miss the way Shelby would ask to "Play birds on your phone?", hehe. My God, how I miss them. So, here's to hoping that the next space of time goes by quickly enough...
It's been a little while since I've last written on this blog, so I need to apologize about that. Been up to my neck in all sorts of tasks, also attempting to keep my mind from wandering too much back to San Diego. That tends to happen when I write here, I start thinking about how nice it would be to be back in the low-humidity of that desert city.
In my entire time stationed out of Yokosuka, Japan, Singapore seemed like a bit of a mystery. All the ships had visited there, even some of the crew from Shiloh who at the time were based on the Chancellorsville before they hull-swapped. They would always talk about it, and how much fun it was.
So this past port I was able to see what all the hub-bub was about. It's the Chinese version of America....except a hell of a lot more expensive, not to mention all the insane laws they have. Just do a search for "Singapore Laws" on Google if you want a bit of a culture shock. I was afraid to carry a Red Bull in my backpack for fear of getting the "CANE" for God's sake!
In better news, we're more than halfway through this deployment! Unfortunately it seems like a bittersweet distant memory that I said goodbye to Laura and Shelby on that pier. It was be pure bliss when I get to see them again. Hell, I even miss the way Shelby would ask to "Play birds on your phone?", hehe. My God, how I miss them. So, here's to hoping that the next space of time goes by quickly enough...
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Why We Fight
Everyone has their own personal reasons for serving in the military. Some do it for education, some for personal growth, a few for a sense of patriotism, still others because of a court order, hah! Whatever the reason, we all still put that uniform on and head out every day.
This is my story.
Growing up around my grandfather, I kept hearing key words like "the war", or "Asiatic Fleet", and "my old ship". Those words didn't mean a lot to me at the time, until I tagged along during an Asiatic Fleet Four-Stacker Destroyer reunion. I met those people he served with, I would catch a story here and there and soon realized that they had gone through hell and back.
The romantic idea of the World War 2 Navy stayed with me all the way to the day I took my own oath on April 27th 2005. My wife and I decided that the military would be a good way to start our new lives together in bad economy. We didn't have a lot of money, we had just been evicted out of our home, and neither of our job prospects looked very good at all. Those 6 months in Erwin, TN at my grandparents old home I spent running, lifting weights, doing push-ups, and thinking about what the Navy will be like.
This continued all the way until Laura and I traveled to Cullowhee to drop me off the day before I was supposed to ship off to Boot Camp, Oct 31 2005. That goodbye has been the hardest to date.
I was processed at the Charlotte MEPS stationed and sent to the airport on my favorite holiday, Halloween. The plane arrived at O'Hare airport that night at around 9pm, and we were ushered to the USO. From there we were marched onto the bus, where on the way I executed a perfect marching band-style corner turn. I was yelled at for attempted such a maneuver, though years of marching told me otherwise, hah!
It didn't take me long after I arrived at boot camp, went on to my schools, and finally out to the fleet to realize that it was now what we refer to as the "new Navy". Yeah sure, hearing my grandfather's stories, seeing those battleships in Mobile Bay, Alabama and Wilmington, NC and being inspired by the characters in films like Band of Brothers really influenced what I though life was going to be like in the service. I'm happy that I was able to experience everything that I seen and done, I think it has made me a better, more worldly person. I think that it has made my marriage that much stronger for having endured through all these deployments.
My motivation was originally a sense of duty and a means to start a family. I promised Laura that if we wanted to start a family, I would show her how committed I was. Along the way I've gained technical training, seen many many countries, lived in Japan, and received many accolades for my work. The new Navy's been pretty good to me.
A skipped a lot, but that's basically my story.
This is my story.
Growing up around my grandfather, I kept hearing key words like "the war", or "Asiatic Fleet", and "my old ship". Those words didn't mean a lot to me at the time, until I tagged along during an Asiatic Fleet Four-Stacker Destroyer reunion. I met those people he served with, I would catch a story here and there and soon realized that they had gone through hell and back.
The romantic idea of the World War 2 Navy stayed with me all the way to the day I took my own oath on April 27th 2005. My wife and I decided that the military would be a good way to start our new lives together in bad economy. We didn't have a lot of money, we had just been evicted out of our home, and neither of our job prospects looked very good at all. Those 6 months in Erwin, TN at my grandparents old home I spent running, lifting weights, doing push-ups, and thinking about what the Navy will be like.
This continued all the way until Laura and I traveled to Cullowhee to drop me off the day before I was supposed to ship off to Boot Camp, Oct 31 2005. That goodbye has been the hardest to date.
I was processed at the Charlotte MEPS stationed and sent to the airport on my favorite holiday, Halloween. The plane arrived at O'Hare airport that night at around 9pm, and we were ushered to the USO. From there we were marched onto the bus, where on the way I executed a perfect marching band-style corner turn. I was yelled at for attempted such a maneuver, though years of marching told me otherwise, hah!
It didn't take me long after I arrived at boot camp, went on to my schools, and finally out to the fleet to realize that it was now what we refer to as the "new Navy". Yeah sure, hearing my grandfather's stories, seeing those battleships in Mobile Bay, Alabama and Wilmington, NC and being inspired by the characters in films like Band of Brothers really influenced what I though life was going to be like in the service. I'm happy that I was able to experience everything that I seen and done, I think it has made me a better, more worldly person. I think that it has made my marriage that much stronger for having endured through all these deployments.
My motivation was originally a sense of duty and a means to start a family. I promised Laura that if we wanted to start a family, I would show her how committed I was. Along the way I've gained technical training, seen many many countries, lived in Japan, and received many accolades for my work. The new Navy's been pretty good to me.
A skipped a lot, but that's basically my story.
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