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.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Rememberall
Dear Future Chase,
If you are thinking about re-enlisting or coming back into the Navy after you become a civilian, please remember a day like this one, and the other reasons you said you were getting out. But first, smack yo' self, foo. I'm waiting.....did that feel good? No? Good.
1. Wearing PT gear in extremely hot weather instead of coveralls that become incredibly hot makes the work seem a little better. Wearing said PT gear, then having a "khaki" that just came out of the A/C to inspect your working progress and telling you that you need to be wearing coveralls while working outside, makes me a little upset.
2. Painting in the rain really does happen, and it is a bad idea. Water-based mean that WATER THINS THE PAINT.
3. Sweeping water
4. Howard, the "do as I say, not as I do" capital. Telling you not to drink and make a fool of yourself, then seeing the same person later that night...passed out.
5. YOU ARE ON PERMANENT SHORE DUTY, DO YOU NEED A BETTER REASON?!?!?
So, Future Chase, I hope you learned something. Even though there are only five examples here, I'm sure a flood of memories will start resurfacing. Remember, you are a special person to me, you are a contributing member of society, and dog-gone it people like you.
Love,
Past Chase
If you are thinking about re-enlisting or coming back into the Navy after you become a civilian, please remember a day like this one, and the other reasons you said you were getting out. But first, smack yo' self, foo. I'm waiting.....did that feel good? No? Good.
1. Wearing PT gear in extremely hot weather instead of coveralls that become incredibly hot makes the work seem a little better. Wearing said PT gear, then having a "khaki" that just came out of the A/C to inspect your working progress and telling you that you need to be wearing coveralls while working outside, makes me a little upset.
2. Painting in the rain really does happen, and it is a bad idea. Water-based mean that WATER THINS THE PAINT.
3. Sweeping water
4. Howard, the "do as I say, not as I do" capital. Telling you not to drink and make a fool of yourself, then seeing the same person later that night...passed out.
5. YOU ARE ON PERMANENT SHORE DUTY, DO YOU NEED A BETTER REASON?!?!?
So, Future Chase, I hope you learned something. Even though there are only five examples here, I'm sure a flood of memories will start resurfacing. Remember, you are a special person to me, you are a contributing member of society, and dog-gone it people like you.
Love,
Past Chase
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Reflections on Folk art
This post really has nothing to do with being underway, though it does have something to do with my frame of mind while at sea. So, there, I justified myself, ha!
While listening to Joni Mitchell to relax I looked my iPod to check out more songs and noticed that I was looking at an album cover that Ms. Mitchell created herself. I had forgotten how much I really liked her simplistic approach so I brought up Court and Spark, then So Far. Those albums brought up two points, 1. Album art is a lost art now (Which my friend Andy Voelker and I constantly exchange points of view on), and 2. I absolutely love Joni's folk art from the 60's and 70's, mostly consisting of single-line drawings and minimal/solid coloring.
I've never been the subject of any kind of art, and probably will never be because I've got an ugly mug these days, hah! But imagine being Graham Nash or Neil Young and being captured forever in a work of art by someone like Joni Mitchell?
So, make friends with artists, you never know where they'll end up!While growing up I was exposed to Penland School of the Arts, now let me tell you...If you were a child with an active imagination, then Penland was probably the place to be. Sculptures of every kind were (and still are!) in every nook and cranny on the wooded campus, just waiting to be discovered. It was a little dreamland for the child with his/her feet not quite on the ground. My friend Kaete and her older brother Richie seemed to have a lot of fun here during the early 80's, as both our fathers taught at the school.
This school set the mood for how I view the 70's and 80's, a crazy, wonderful world filled with a bit of cigarette haze, handmade dresses, acoustic guitar music, bare hand-carved wood, and wide open spaces.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
In the Name of our Ford
I'm currently re-reading 1984 again. Seems like every time I get into the mood to read that book I'm always underway. It also seems that I keep drawing the same parallels between the world of Big Brother and our current state. Mind you, I don't mean to say that we are living in a "Negative Utopian" world, but the more the idea of "Doublethink".
We, the people, say we are free. But we give up our rights in the name of the Patriot Act. Tapping phones, fondling for screening at the airport, being treated like cattle, forcing to abide through sheer threats of being detained....it's all ok if it's for a great purpose (read: finding those anti-freedom terrorists). We have let the government take us hostage, like an overbearing mother with her precious offspring.
Warning: Opinion is expressed in the next paragraph.
I'm not anti-government at all. But when you have folks in congress that couldn't give two shits about someone that makes less money than they do (and they make a lot), then you have situations where their own military may go without getting paid.
That being said, it seems like there are too many parallels within 1984 and Atlas Shrugged for me to be comfortable with. If one doesn't find the cap and/or ability to control Internet connectivity, surveillance everywhere, the huge debt we're incurring, a blatant disregard from the high class that depends on the working class, and most of all...the insane dependence on oil.
Again, not anti-gov't, just upset with our situation.
Decadence is dependence...
We, the people, say we are free. But we give up our rights in the name of the Patriot Act. Tapping phones, fondling for screening at the airport, being treated like cattle, forcing to abide through sheer threats of being detained....it's all ok if it's for a great purpose (read: finding those anti-freedom terrorists). We have let the government take us hostage, like an overbearing mother with her precious offspring.
Warning: Opinion is expressed in the next paragraph.
I'm not anti-government at all. But when you have folks in congress that couldn't give two shits about someone that makes less money than they do (and they make a lot), then you have situations where their own military may go without getting paid.
That being said, it seems like there are too many parallels within 1984 and Atlas Shrugged for me to be comfortable with. If one doesn't find the cap and/or ability to control Internet connectivity, surveillance everywhere, the huge debt we're incurring, a blatant disregard from the high class that depends on the working class, and most of all...the insane dependence on oil.
Again, not anti-gov't, just upset with our situation.
Decadence is dependence...
Friday, July 8, 2011
A Re-occurring Dream
This is a re-occurring dream that I originally had when I about 5 years old. It originally came to me I think when I had a friend stay the night and I remember it was an exceptionally clear night when I looked out of the window. I've had this particular dream several times over the years with very little change to the overall feel. About a month into deployment it happened again, so I thought I would share it in prose form.
The Machinist's Plan
Hums of a mechanical heart purr away.
The one in my arms, her cares are astray.
Our final minute once seemed so long,
the starlight highlights this last time.
The dark sky feels the home I know not,
A danger nearby that could have hardly forgot.
The machine hums closer, without eyes guiding.
The girl closes her eyes, our thoughts collide.
We're outside sleeping on concrete unreal.
Whispers back and forth of innocence we feel.
It makes it hard to see beyond the metal,
and the deathly steel which a doom will settle.
Stars are now falling all around & between.
The calm in our eyes and thoughts are now seen.
"They will be fine, and the others like them.",
a voice calmly tells us, a voice without sin.
The scene is now ending, two loves are removed.
the machina's will of desire for now, soothed.
the mechanical heart still purrs away,
the night that should never be, stays at bay.
The Machinist's Plan
Hums of a mechanical heart purr away.
The one in my arms, her cares are astray.
Our final minute once seemed so long,
the starlight highlights this last time.
The dark sky feels the home I know not,
A danger nearby that could have hardly forgot.
The machine hums closer, without eyes guiding.
The girl closes her eyes, our thoughts collide.
We're outside sleeping on concrete unreal.
Whispers back and forth of innocence we feel.
It makes it hard to see beyond the metal,
and the deathly steel which a doom will settle.
Stars are now falling all around & between.
The calm in our eyes and thoughts are now seen.
"They will be fine, and the others like them.",
a voice calmly tells us, a voice without sin.
The scene is now ending, two loves are removed.
the machina's will of desire for now, soothed.
the mechanical heart still purrs away,
the night that should never be, stays at bay.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Oh, the things you will see.
This entry roughly makes my third time trying to piece words together in a blank text field. This is mostly due to an overwhelming amount of information to relay to a limited number of folks eagerly awaiting word from me. It's been 10 days since my last entry, and so much has happened...I suppose a good place to start would be the beginning. Who knew?
We arrived in Puerto Princesa, Philippines on the 28th of June and even though I didn't have duty until the 30th I either remained aboard the ship or cruised into town only for food. Really what I was doing was conserving my monies for the hotel that I was wholly anticipating!
I've been to the Philippines twice before in my life, once in Manila where I was very close to where my grandfather had been during World War 2, and the second in a nice city named Cebu! Both were great places filled with a friendly populous, who were intrigued by blue-eyed, light-skinned folk not unlike myself. I tried a bit of the food and was surprised by how delicious it was! But none of that would compare to what I experienced here in Puerto Princesa.
The day finally arrived that I would get to stay in my first actual bed in 2 1/2 months, on the 1st of July. I could hardly wait, the anticipation was killing me! I departed the ship with my liberty buddy, FC2 Richard Manley, and we signed out of the logbook as "O/N", or Over Night and we made our way to the buses that would drop us off in town. On it's way into town we passed the usual sights that I've grown accustomed to, the small tin-roofed, nail-and-board shops with hand painted signs advertising their fares hanging on chicken wire. Small children shouting prices for their goods, chickens running around behind said shops, and the exposed orange dirt that seems to take the place of grass in these more urban areas and is always seen underfoot of the everyman. The scene is completed with the smell that can only be associated with certain Pacific countries, the smell that will always remind me of my navy days. It's a smell that's a mix of food in various stages of preparation, something of raw fish displayed for selling, the grilling of pork, chicken, and fish on open grills...and of the ocean.
I took many pictures on my way to the town center, at which on our arrival we rented a "Tuk Tuk". The best way to describe these Tuk Tuks is to imagine a 155cc motorcycle, now fit that motorcycle with a sidecar that seats two people, one sitting forward and one sitting backwards. Now, rust over the entire vehicle and cover the whole thing with a roof and a small luggage rack in the rear. This is a Tuk Tuk. A lot of the Tuk Tuk drivers will decorate their vehicles with a plastic body that would resemble a sports car.
We took the Tuk Tuk to the hotel which turned out to be on the outskirts of town, an added bonus! No one was really around, which added to what a great find this was. We walked onto the property and found a veritable paradise, the kind of place where a sailor can go to unwind. Many of the rooms were being renovated and we were shown around the property by the owner, Mark, who as it turns out, has traveled more than most people I know. He was an incredible host keeping us company through meals, sharing his stories, and letting us put music on his sound system while we swam in the HUGE pool located in the center of everything.
Our first day at the hotel/resort was mainly filled with lounging at the pool and having a much appreciated intake of alcohol. We had a fantastic sampling of local food at the pool-bar. The dish I sampling was something that sounded like "See-See", not sure if that's exactly how you spell it though. I was told what it was until after I had taken a few bites, though even when they told me I still had more, it was delicious! Turns out it was cartilage, pork face, and some pork intestines. Yum! We left the pool after our appetizer and ate ourselves a phenomenal dinner at the huge restaurant just past the pool. At this point I had had enough of the local brews, San Miguel and Re Horse, to be feeling pretty fancy-free. I don't remember many of the pictures taken at this point. C'est la Vie, I was having a blast, that much I remember. Good fun times with good people. I went to bed that night in my REAL bed, my belly full, my spirits high, and the anticipation of getting to webcam with my wife and daughter for the first time since I left her in San Diego, California.
The next morning I woke up and flipped open my laptop and immediately jumped on Google Chat, which is our main means of communication on and off the ship. What luck! She was signed in and active, so I gave her a poke and we got things up and going on my flimsy-at-best connection. She was the most beautiful thing I had seen in quite some time...then my daughter came into view. Oh my God, how she had grown in the short time I had been away. "I can see you, daddy! Can you see me?!" She said. Choking back tears of joy I said, "Of course I can, Shelby, it's so nice to see you!". Shelby continued to dominate the conversation, which I had no problem with. She went on to show me her "Daddy Doll", and tell me that she liked when I tell her stories at bedtime. All this while speaking very fluidly and much more developed than when I had left, she's getting so smart and interactive! Laura and I seemed content to finally be able to each other in real-time again. It was good to see those pictures of Laura finally come to life to tell me they loved me in return.
After about an hour or so of talking, we had to say our reluctant goodbyes because the fellas I checked out with had plans for the day!
We met up with a Filipino buddy, LS2 Juliber Fernandez, who had some of his family come down to meet him in Puerto Princesa. His folks had set up an entire day of island hopping in one of the many catamaran boats at the local port. The trip to the first island took about 30 minutes or so, but this was where we ate the homemade meal that his sister had brought along. Pork Adobo, corn, grilled squid, pork jaw, beer, and even more food! Eating on the island beach with coconut trees around us with the salty wind blowing in from the ocean, the sand in my toes and a beer in my hand. For three hours I thought nothing of a Navy ship, nothing of the worries of the world, nothing of hate, anger, jealousy, of the hurt of being gone.
I found my Zen on that island. I was at peace, and loved so many beautiful things in the world.
I've posted pictures on my Facebook account under the folder "Deployment 2011", they'll be some of the pictures at the bottom of the list, but they'll be labeled appropriately.
Later that night after spending all day at the islands we came back to the hotel where I started finishing off the bottle of that delicious local rum. I wondered on down to the pool again where some of the local folks were splashing around, that's when I ran into four local college students. One of the girls was celebrating her 20st birthday by trading shot of the same local rum with her other four cohorts. My buddy, Steve, has never met a stranger in his life and we quickly became friends with the celebrators. The guy I was talking with was a hotels & restaurant management major. After a while I decided to buy everyone a round of beer, but before I order they asked if I would be interested in trying some more of the local food. Feeling the liquid courage building inside me, "Hell Yeah!".
I forget the name of it, something like Chi-Caron...the American version of Chicarrons? I tried some, not too bad, a little tough but otherwise very enjoyable. Turns out I was munching on some fried pork intestines again, prepared differently. I had fun with our friends that night, we exchanged stories about our different lives and how alike that we really are in more ways than we know. We all talked until the pool closed at 11:30pm and we wish each other well and good fortune in the future. I went to bed that night, knowing it was my last time sleeping in a bed that didn't have an inch-thick mattress in a coffin-like space.
In the morning we all woke up early even though we didn't have to and made our way down to the restaurant and had an English breakfast of Sunny side up eggs, orange marmalade and toast, & bacon. I went for a quick swim to get the blood flowing and to wake up a bit, then settled the bill and headed out to the ship via Tuk Tuk for duty.
I fell in love with the people and their food, and I can easily see why my grandfather loved it here. The hotel & resort we stayed at is called the Royal Olberoi.
Here's to finding Zen on your remote Pacific island.
We arrived in Puerto Princesa, Philippines on the 28th of June and even though I didn't have duty until the 30th I either remained aboard the ship or cruised into town only for food. Really what I was doing was conserving my monies for the hotel that I was wholly anticipating!
I've been to the Philippines twice before in my life, once in Manila where I was very close to where my grandfather had been during World War 2, and the second in a nice city named Cebu! Both were great places filled with a friendly populous, who were intrigued by blue-eyed, light-skinned folk not unlike myself. I tried a bit of the food and was surprised by how delicious it was! But none of that would compare to what I experienced here in Puerto Princesa.
The day finally arrived that I would get to stay in my first actual bed in 2 1/2 months, on the 1st of July. I could hardly wait, the anticipation was killing me! I departed the ship with my liberty buddy, FC2 Richard Manley, and we signed out of the logbook as "O/N", or Over Night and we made our way to the buses that would drop us off in town. On it's way into town we passed the usual sights that I've grown accustomed to, the small tin-roofed, nail-and-board shops with hand painted signs advertising their fares hanging on chicken wire. Small children shouting prices for their goods, chickens running around behind said shops, and the exposed orange dirt that seems to take the place of grass in these more urban areas and is always seen underfoot of the everyman. The scene is completed with the smell that can only be associated with certain Pacific countries, the smell that will always remind me of my navy days. It's a smell that's a mix of food in various stages of preparation, something of raw fish displayed for selling, the grilling of pork, chicken, and fish on open grills...and of the ocean.
I took many pictures on my way to the town center, at which on our arrival we rented a "Tuk Tuk". The best way to describe these Tuk Tuks is to imagine a 155cc motorcycle, now fit that motorcycle with a sidecar that seats two people, one sitting forward and one sitting backwards. Now, rust over the entire vehicle and cover the whole thing with a roof and a small luggage rack in the rear. This is a Tuk Tuk. A lot of the Tuk Tuk drivers will decorate their vehicles with a plastic body that would resemble a sports car.
We took the Tuk Tuk to the hotel which turned out to be on the outskirts of town, an added bonus! No one was really around, which added to what a great find this was. We walked onto the property and found a veritable paradise, the kind of place where a sailor can go to unwind. Many of the rooms were being renovated and we were shown around the property by the owner, Mark, who as it turns out, has traveled more than most people I know. He was an incredible host keeping us company through meals, sharing his stories, and letting us put music on his sound system while we swam in the HUGE pool located in the center of everything.
Our first day at the hotel/resort was mainly filled with lounging at the pool and having a much appreciated intake of alcohol. We had a fantastic sampling of local food at the pool-bar. The dish I sampling was something that sounded like "See-See", not sure if that's exactly how you spell it though. I was told what it was until after I had taken a few bites, though even when they told me I still had more, it was delicious! Turns out it was cartilage, pork face, and some pork intestines. Yum! We left the pool after our appetizer and ate ourselves a phenomenal dinner at the huge restaurant just past the pool. At this point I had had enough of the local brews, San Miguel and Re Horse, to be feeling pretty fancy-free. I don't remember many of the pictures taken at this point. C'est la Vie, I was having a blast, that much I remember. Good fun times with good people. I went to bed that night in my REAL bed, my belly full, my spirits high, and the anticipation of getting to webcam with my wife and daughter for the first time since I left her in San Diego, California.
The next morning I woke up and flipped open my laptop and immediately jumped on Google Chat, which is our main means of communication on and off the ship. What luck! She was signed in and active, so I gave her a poke and we got things up and going on my flimsy-at-best connection. She was the most beautiful thing I had seen in quite some time...then my daughter came into view. Oh my God, how she had grown in the short time I had been away. "I can see you, daddy! Can you see me?!" She said. Choking back tears of joy I said, "Of course I can, Shelby, it's so nice to see you!". Shelby continued to dominate the conversation, which I had no problem with. She went on to show me her "Daddy Doll", and tell me that she liked when I tell her stories at bedtime. All this while speaking very fluidly and much more developed than when I had left, she's getting so smart and interactive! Laura and I seemed content to finally be able to each other in real-time again. It was good to see those pictures of Laura finally come to life to tell me they loved me in return.
After about an hour or so of talking, we had to say our reluctant goodbyes because the fellas I checked out with had plans for the day!
We met up with a Filipino buddy, LS2 Juliber Fernandez, who had some of his family come down to meet him in Puerto Princesa. His folks had set up an entire day of island hopping in one of the many catamaran boats at the local port. The trip to the first island took about 30 minutes or so, but this was where we ate the homemade meal that his sister had brought along. Pork Adobo, corn, grilled squid, pork jaw, beer, and even more food! Eating on the island beach with coconut trees around us with the salty wind blowing in from the ocean, the sand in my toes and a beer in my hand. For three hours I thought nothing of a Navy ship, nothing of the worries of the world, nothing of hate, anger, jealousy, of the hurt of being gone.
I found my Zen on that island. I was at peace, and loved so many beautiful things in the world.
I've posted pictures on my Facebook account under the folder "Deployment 2011", they'll be some of the pictures at the bottom of the list, but they'll be labeled appropriately.
Later that night after spending all day at the islands we came back to the hotel where I started finishing off the bottle of that delicious local rum. I wondered on down to the pool again where some of the local folks were splashing around, that's when I ran into four local college students. One of the girls was celebrating her 20st birthday by trading shot of the same local rum with her other four cohorts. My buddy, Steve, has never met a stranger in his life and we quickly became friends with the celebrators. The guy I was talking with was a hotels & restaurant management major. After a while I decided to buy everyone a round of beer, but before I order they asked if I would be interested in trying some more of the local food. Feeling the liquid courage building inside me, "Hell Yeah!".
I forget the name of it, something like Chi-Caron...the American version of Chicarrons? I tried some, not too bad, a little tough but otherwise very enjoyable. Turns out I was munching on some fried pork intestines again, prepared differently. I had fun with our friends that night, we exchanged stories about our different lives and how alike that we really are in more ways than we know. We all talked until the pool closed at 11:30pm and we wish each other well and good fortune in the future. I went to bed that night, knowing it was my last time sleeping in a bed that didn't have an inch-thick mattress in a coffin-like space.
In the morning we all woke up early even though we didn't have to and made our way down to the restaurant and had an English breakfast of Sunny side up eggs, orange marmalade and toast, & bacon. I went for a quick swim to get the blood flowing and to wake up a bit, then settled the bill and headed out to the ship via Tuk Tuk for duty.
I fell in love with the people and their food, and I can easily see why my grandfather loved it here. The hotel & resort we stayed at is called the Royal Olberoi.
Here's to finding Zen on your remote Pacific island.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Care packages!!!
Today we pulled into Puerto Prinsesa, Philippines and recieved mail....a month's-worth of mail. Packages, postcards, snail mail, anything and everything. If you want to see some sailors as happy as a child on Christmas morning then all you need to do is witness a mass of packages being distributed throughout the ship. Everyone's sharing a portion of various baked goods, packaged meat (SlimJims, Jerky), and other assorted goodies. One of the more common and prized bounties are homemade cookies/brownies. I was lucky enough to have received some rather well-travelled cookies (Chocolate Chip and Peanutbutter Kisses! SQUEE!) from my wife. I was able to trade a few of them, not unlike prison currency.
My mother in-law even had an awesome idea to put wooden block puzzles, yo-yos, crazy putty, and cup & ball game in her package. I'll enjoy those when I'm slowing going insane on the console.
Ramen is always a welcomed sight. I can never have too much of it, especially since my watch hours easily dictate when I sleep and what meals I miss. It's always handy to have a bowl of ramen ready to head up when the mess lines are long since closed.
Also, part of my Amazon.com order arrived that included a couple of my favorite books to read while underway. 1984 by George Orwell and A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I would always rather carry a paper (read: Analog. For those technophiles in the crowd) copy of the books than digital. Owen Meany gives a person hope and reminds me that regardless how little of a role one plays in their life, your actions oculd mean the world to another. Funny enough, I first heard of the book through a song called "Goodbye Sky Harbor" by Jimmy Eat World. I suggest you check both out.
Long day for me, watch started at midnight and ended at 0700. I've been awake since because of one thing or another, and it's not 1800 (6:00pm). Lunch was a processed Chicken patty's excuse for Parmesian Chicken. The patties are a go-to these days for being eatible. Then I missed dinner altogether. Oh well....RAMEN!
Think I'm going to take a nap. I miss my girls badly. To quote the Cure (cliche?), "I've been looking so long at these pictures of you, that I almost believe that they're real." Goodnight everyone.
My mother in-law even had an awesome idea to put wooden block puzzles, yo-yos, crazy putty, and cup & ball game in her package. I'll enjoy those when I'm slowing going insane on the console.
Ramen is always a welcomed sight. I can never have too much of it, especially since my watch hours easily dictate when I sleep and what meals I miss. It's always handy to have a bowl of ramen ready to head up when the mess lines are long since closed.
Also, part of my Amazon.com order arrived that included a couple of my favorite books to read while underway. 1984 by George Orwell and A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I would always rather carry a paper (read: Analog. For those technophiles in the crowd) copy of the books than digital. Owen Meany gives a person hope and reminds me that regardless how little of a role one plays in their life, your actions oculd mean the world to another. Funny enough, I first heard of the book through a song called "Goodbye Sky Harbor" by Jimmy Eat World. I suggest you check both out.
Long day for me, watch started at midnight and ended at 0700. I've been awake since because of one thing or another, and it's not 1800 (6:00pm). Lunch was a processed Chicken patty's excuse for Parmesian Chicken. The patties are a go-to these days for being eatible. Then I missed dinner altogether. Oh well....RAMEN!
Think I'm going to take a nap. I miss my girls badly. To quote the Cure (cliche?), "I've been looking so long at these pictures of you, that I almost believe that they're real." Goodnight everyone.
Friday, June 24, 2011
I'll never take my own bed for granted again, pinky promise.
With prospect of finally staying overnight in a n actual bed, I'm started to think I may be pampering myself. The place we're looking at staying is a privately owned little hotel with a nice little get up. A relaxing-looking pool with a bar in the water, free WiFi interwebz that I might finally get to video chat with my wife and daughter after 2 1/2 months. It will be a nice chance to take it easy and lie down in bed and watch some TV, maybe see some sights and get some more souvenirs.
My souvenirs, may I add, are staring to pile up and I've had to find a new hding spot for them during our space inspections.
During this time I'll actually sit down and post some pictures to this blog, laong with my Facebook profile. Something that is long overdue for anyone who keeps up with this blog. I'll post some pics of the place I'll be staying also, though I can't disclose quite where it is yet.
Interesting note; someone in Shanghai, China is checking out this blog. Friend? Foe? Ni Hao!
My souvenirs, may I add, are staring to pile up and I've had to find a new hding spot for them during our space inspections.
During this time I'll actually sit down and post some pictures to this blog, laong with my Facebook profile. Something that is long overdue for anyone who keeps up with this blog. I'll post some pics of the place I'll be staying also, though I can't disclose quite where it is yet.
Interesting note; someone in Shanghai, China is checking out this blog. Friend? Foe? Ni Hao!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
IIII wanna perform preventative maintenance all niiiight, and party every day.
Sometimes there are long nights on the ship...well, most of the time. I'll wake up around 11:15pm, and grab some midrats(Midnight rations) to eat, and try to make some coffee before I start on the night's agenda. Most of the time I'm pretty well-rested and ready for either maintenance of the preventative or corrective kind. If all I need to do is straighten the workspace up, then it usually ends up with me finishing early and reflecting on things. With a huge inspection coming up, I'm getting tasking from at least 5 supervisors telling me they all need lists made, corrections applied, statuses updated, blah blah blah blah, etc. Honestly, it feels like Office Space. And yes, we have something similar to TPS reports, right down to the same 5 people telling me that I did them wrong. Our inspection isn't for another 7-8 months away.
Tonight's problem; I am aware that my cooling syetem needs some TLC. We apparently recieved an email from the leading Petty Officer in that particular engineering space about it, because there is a creeping leak in it, causing water to create running rust. My workcenter has been focusing on other matters, and my superiors know about this. I'll probably be reminded again, in the morning for the third time from someone else, that I need to focus on the skid. I love it. We stand 5-7 hours of watch on the console, then we can take 5-7 hours for oursleves for working out, eating, or the occasional movie...or any paperwork/ corrective work. Every third day, I like to relax and unwind by watching a movie for myself after my 1200-1700 watch. Doesn't always happen because things will pop up. Then we have 5-7 hours for sleeping. The times we get for all those depends on what watch we have during the day.
I'm ready to be done with all this. Taking classes is going to seem like a cakewalk. Some folk's schedules are even more insane, like the folks on Flight Quarters staitons, those people are up at all hours of the night for Helo support. They also get paid extra though, haha!
This is just a another rant about life while underway. Time to resume the watch...goodnight.
Tonight's problem; I am aware that my cooling syetem needs some TLC. We apparently recieved an email from the leading Petty Officer in that particular engineering space about it, because there is a creeping leak in it, causing water to create running rust. My workcenter has been focusing on other matters, and my superiors know about this. I'll probably be reminded again, in the morning for the third time from someone else, that I need to focus on the skid. I love it. We stand 5-7 hours of watch on the console, then we can take 5-7 hours for oursleves for working out, eating, or the occasional movie...or any paperwork/ corrective work. Every third day, I like to relax and unwind by watching a movie for myself after my 1200-1700 watch. Doesn't always happen because things will pop up. Then we have 5-7 hours for sleeping. The times we get for all those depends on what watch we have during the day.
I'm ready to be done with all this. Taking classes is going to seem like a cakewalk. Some folk's schedules are even more insane, like the folks on Flight Quarters staitons, those people are up at all hours of the night for Helo support. They also get paid extra though, haha!
This is just a another rant about life while underway. Time to resume the watch...goodnight.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Another day to mark off the countdown calendar.
It seems like seeing the Coronado bridge pass overhead for the last time is a sweet distant memory of the my life in San Diego. Though, it's crazy to think that it's only been a couple of months since that moment. Next time I pass under it I'll be throwing my white "Dixie cup" hat over the side to follow tradition, a happy thought I keep in the back of my mind.
According to tradition, at least from what I've heard in San Diego, a sailor returning home from his last deployment must throw his White Hat over the side when directly underneath the symbol of returning/leaving port that is the Coronado bridge. If the White Hat floats, the sailor is destined to go back to sea. If it sinks, the sailor will never see another deployment in his life. As you can guess, most sailor's tie the heaviest object they can possibly lift to the Dixie Hat so that there's no question what's in store for their future.
I feel like I would like cheating fate would only encourage it, so I'll be throwing my Dixie Cup sans weight with a clear mind.
In other news, I have received my acceptance into Middle Tennessee State University for the completion of my degree in Music Recording Industry! The last time I felt this excited about going to school must have been when I was in Kindergarten. I'm looking forward to finally working on completing my dream of being a producer and owner of my own studio and label.
I have my wife, Laura, to thank for helping me keep my dream alive when I was about to just throw in the towel and settle for less.
I have already routed my separation request for Dec 2nd, 2011 and I'll be taking my terminal leave about 20 days before that. With any luck we'll be back in North Carolina by mid-late November and looking for our new home in Nashville. Will know something soon about my request. Looking forward to seeing everyone once I get back!
PARTY AT MY PLACE WHEN WHEN I SEPARATE!!!!
Sending the Zen-
~chase
According to tradition, at least from what I've heard in San Diego, a sailor returning home from his last deployment must throw his White Hat over the side when directly underneath the symbol of returning/leaving port that is the Coronado bridge. If the White Hat floats, the sailor is destined to go back to sea. If it sinks, the sailor will never see another deployment in his life. As you can guess, most sailor's tie the heaviest object they can possibly lift to the Dixie Hat so that there's no question what's in store for their future.
I feel like I would like cheating fate would only encourage it, so I'll be throwing my Dixie Cup sans weight with a clear mind.
In other news, I have received my acceptance into Middle Tennessee State University for the completion of my degree in Music Recording Industry! The last time I felt this excited about going to school must have been when I was in Kindergarten. I'm looking forward to finally working on completing my dream of being a producer and owner of my own studio and label.
I have my wife, Laura, to thank for helping me keep my dream alive when I was about to just throw in the towel and settle for less.
I have already routed my separation request for Dec 2nd, 2011 and I'll be taking my terminal leave about 20 days before that. With any luck we'll be back in North Carolina by mid-late November and looking for our new home in Nashville. Will know something soon about my request. Looking forward to seeing everyone once I get back!
PARTY AT MY PLACE WHEN WHEN I SEPARATE!!!!
Sending the Zen-
~chase
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A peek into my small world
Some of the folks that read this blog have been asking me what it's like to live as a Tin Can Sailor. Well, I figured it was about time to post some pictures I was able to snag from my wife when she visited my berthing area.
When I lay on my back in the rack I'm able to bend my arm at the elbow and touch the top of the rack. There is a gap of about 6 inches from the bottom of my mattress to the very end of the enclosure that is my rack, my feet hang off this gap onto the cold metal. I've made a habit of putting my old fleece sleeping bag in that area to keep out the cold air.
I've actually attached velcro to the top of the rack so I can put my iPad up there to watch movies or TV shows. Works pretty well, imagine sitting really close to a big screen TV.
You can't see them in these pictures, but I've put pictures of my loved one on the side of the wall inside, where I sleep.
When I lay on my back in the rack I'm able to bend my arm at the elbow and touch the top of the rack. There is a gap of about 6 inches from the bottom of my mattress to the very end of the enclosure that is my rack, my feet hang off this gap onto the cold metal. I've made a habit of putting my old fleece sleeping bag in that area to keep out the cold air.
I've actually attached velcro to the top of the rack so I can put my iPad up there to watch movies or TV shows. Works pretty well, imagine sitting really close to a big screen TV.
You can't see them in these pictures, but I've put pictures of my loved one on the side of the wall inside, where I sleep.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Starbucks, a universal constant in this world.
Regardless of where I may find myself in the world, there's something that will always be there. If you find yourself one day after all these years at the gates of hell or heaven (whichever your case may be), I could almost guarantee that there will be a Starbucks Coffee shop on the corner adjacent to it. Thanks to globalization, and the fact that the store itself isn't too much of a capital investment, you can find these puppies just about everywhere. In fact, due to the unique nature of these shops and the fact that they offer location-based mugs that have the city names on them, many folks I know onboard the ship have started to collect these mugs as they would Hard Rock Cafe pins/glasses to show where they've been with something that is as recognized as a McDonald's would be. I myself have purchased a Jakarta mug due to a lack of good coffee mugs that I own on the ship.
There's something to be said for being able to make your own coffee onboard a ship. Lets say that you've stayed up all night troubleshooting a problem with the system and you're now running on fumes...but alas, you forgot, you have the next watch at 1200-1700. Damn. At least you have the option to make your favorite caffeinated beverage of choice.
Kuantan, Malaysia;
Initially I was a bit skeptical about heading out into this port. Though, I have to say that it isn't as oppressive as Indonesia was. Quite a bit more laid back, and not nearly as populated. It's a bit how I imagine the general living of a Micronesian area to be like. The food is still quite alien to me, as I can't recognize most of it, and it still surprises me that there is so much English. On more than one occasion I've seen hamburgers advertised as "Hamburgers, USA style".
Souvenirs have been few and far between, but thanks to my mother for suggesting looking for some Batik fabric, I stumbled upon one of the best shops I've seen since being deployed. Batik is a process of graphical design that utilizes a prepared beeswax drawn onto any fabric such as silk, cotton, hemp, canvas, anything really. Once the wax has hardened you may use any combination of colors that you would like to fill in the designs between the wax. I picked up several selections for my mother and wife, and even a little DIY batik kit for my daughter! if you would like to see the shop yourself, it is called Natural Batik Village. The journey to get there wasn't bad at all really, just found a cab and showed him the address, 10 minutes later we arrived and asked the cabbie to wait for us. The whole round trip was 20 USD.
I wish that I a little bit more money to spent at the shop because I could find something for nearly everyone there. My buddy ended up spending over $200 there on apparel and paintings. I think I managed to keep my budget under $75, so I think I managed alright.
With any luck, I'll have enough liberty time to reserve a hotel and upload some pictures and other items with the provided interwebs. That's all for now!
There's something to be said for being able to make your own coffee onboard a ship. Lets say that you've stayed up all night troubleshooting a problem with the system and you're now running on fumes...but alas, you forgot, you have the next watch at 1200-1700. Damn. At least you have the option to make your favorite caffeinated beverage of choice.
Kuantan, Malaysia;
Initially I was a bit skeptical about heading out into this port. Though, I have to say that it isn't as oppressive as Indonesia was. Quite a bit more laid back, and not nearly as populated. It's a bit how I imagine the general living of a Micronesian area to be like. The food is still quite alien to me, as I can't recognize most of it, and it still surprises me that there is so much English. On more than one occasion I've seen hamburgers advertised as "Hamburgers, USA style".
Souvenirs have been few and far between, but thanks to my mother for suggesting looking for some Batik fabric, I stumbled upon one of the best shops I've seen since being deployed. Batik is a process of graphical design that utilizes a prepared beeswax drawn onto any fabric such as silk, cotton, hemp, canvas, anything really. Once the wax has hardened you may use any combination of colors that you would like to fill in the designs between the wax. I picked up several selections for my mother and wife, and even a little DIY batik kit for my daughter! if you would like to see the shop yourself, it is called Natural Batik Village. The journey to get there wasn't bad at all really, just found a cab and showed him the address, 10 minutes later we arrived and asked the cabbie to wait for us. The whole round trip was 20 USD.
I wish that I a little bit more money to spent at the shop because I could find something for nearly everyone there. My buddy ended up spending over $200 there on apparel and paintings. I think I managed to keep my budget under $75, so I think I managed alright.
With any luck, I'll have enough liberty time to reserve a hotel and upload some pictures and other items with the provided interwebs. That's all for now!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Dear Diary pt. 2....
I found a way to top Rick 'Rolling the entire ship one morning....I have now Rick 'Rolled the ship twice. Thank you, and good night.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Made in Indonesia
I've never heard of Jakarta, but that's usually how my experience with port visits start out. We pull in somewhere that I've never heard of and end up finding out something new about the world we live in. This time I learned that there are places that might rival the outskirts of Manila in destitute. Naturally, this being a port town, had it's fair share of classier spots(read: seedier).
It literally smells like no less than a hundred wet dogs just chillin' on the pier in the equatorial sun. Yum.
Indonesia, for the most part, is a Muslim country. This in itself is a new experience to me, and I think that put me on my guard for a majority of the time while we ported here. It's not that I'm a bigot in a religous manner, but is a new experience for me and I was curious and caught myself staring at many of the mosques, statues, and people.
The burkas and religious clothing, the otherworldly foods, the crescent moons on the top of the mosques. I took it all in, but was afraid of taking too many pictures. I am by no means a representative of the Christian community, but you get the idea that you're lumped into that category just for being white.
At a point in our travels where our taksi (Indonesian word for the phonetic) was bringing us downtown we went through a bit of a slum. Some of the scenes were just too incredible, like many things I saw in Manila. I would say that the movie "Slumdog Millionare" comes pretty dead-on to what you would see in the streets. Beggars from every age, taxis ranging from bicycles to scooters for 4 people to converted motorcycles that now had three wheels and a stained plastic shell. Masses of people were living on the railways, fishing out of the stream that trickles through the clogs made from trash and sewage. Trash, everywhere, was the one constant. The colors of red rust and dirt brown covered everything in this heat.
I looked over in the bus that came beside us and saw a girl, couldn't have been much older than 15 or 16 holding a baby. Whether it was hers or her absent mother's, I could not tell you, either scenario is possible. She was looking directly at me through the window that was permanently stained brown. The bus was a relic of another time, resurrected again and again through mechanical miracle. I wanted to help her out somehow, but our contact was cut short when we pulled on ahead in the traffic that could only be described as nightmarish at its best time. Imagine the New York City rush hour, but everyone is moving at one in that gridiron pattern.
I felt guilty for having an iPod in my bag. I felt like just my presence there was insulting. Then I thought about the rich girl on that YouTube video that was throwing a fit about getting a brand new car from daddy on her birthday that was the *wrong color*. I felt incredible rage and shame. The girl on the bus probably didn't have a lot of options growing up. The rich girl has plenty of options and education, which is totally wasted on frivolous things.
Sometimes I anger myself too much with things that could only be solved in the world on a person-to-person basis.
Sorry about the long post, but I've never been to Jakarta before and I was reminded again of humility.
~chase
It literally smells like no less than a hundred wet dogs just chillin' on the pier in the equatorial sun. Yum.
Indonesia, for the most part, is a Muslim country. This in itself is a new experience to me, and I think that put me on my guard for a majority of the time while we ported here. It's not that I'm a bigot in a religous manner, but is a new experience for me and I was curious and caught myself staring at many of the mosques, statues, and people.
The burkas and religious clothing, the otherworldly foods, the crescent moons on the top of the mosques. I took it all in, but was afraid of taking too many pictures. I am by no means a representative of the Christian community, but you get the idea that you're lumped into that category just for being white.
At a point in our travels where our taksi (Indonesian word for the phonetic) was bringing us downtown we went through a bit of a slum. Some of the scenes were just too incredible, like many things I saw in Manila. I would say that the movie "Slumdog Millionare" comes pretty dead-on to what you would see in the streets. Beggars from every age, taxis ranging from bicycles to scooters for 4 people to converted motorcycles that now had three wheels and a stained plastic shell. Masses of people were living on the railways, fishing out of the stream that trickles through the clogs made from trash and sewage. Trash, everywhere, was the one constant. The colors of red rust and dirt brown covered everything in this heat.
I looked over in the bus that came beside us and saw a girl, couldn't have been much older than 15 or 16 holding a baby. Whether it was hers or her absent mother's, I could not tell you, either scenario is possible. She was looking directly at me through the window that was permanently stained brown. The bus was a relic of another time, resurrected again and again through mechanical miracle. I wanted to help her out somehow, but our contact was cut short when we pulled on ahead in the traffic that could only be described as nightmarish at its best time. Imagine the New York City rush hour, but everyone is moving at one in that gridiron pattern.
I felt guilty for having an iPod in my bag. I felt like just my presence there was insulting. Then I thought about the rich girl on that YouTube video that was throwing a fit about getting a brand new car from daddy on her birthday that was the *wrong color*. I felt incredible rage and shame. The girl on the bus probably didn't have a lot of options growing up. The rich girl has plenty of options and education, which is totally wasted on frivolous things.
Sometimes I anger myself too much with things that could only be solved in the world on a person-to-person basis.
Sorry about the long post, but I've never been to Jakarta before and I was reminded again of humility.
~chase
Friday, May 27, 2011
Pattaya is hot...very very hot, and humid.
So my time in Pattaya was long this time around, though I like to think it was eventful. I was able to get a *very* nice suit made, a Hugo Boss from what I understand. Got plenty of souvenirs for the wife and daughter. And had some incredible food, to include Coco's Ichibanya Curry! The only problem I had the entire time was the fact that I sweated everywhere I went. I mean, I don't think I've ever sweated so much just walking place to place.
The atmosphere was pretty much the same as I remember; vendors literally hounding you on every street asking you to buy their knock-off merch. The stuff looks authentic enough, hell I almost bought a Rolex knock-off for $10 just because it looked so much like the real deal. Though, everything was extremely cheap there, I think I ate and got around pretty well for $80 for all eight days. A litre of bottled water was about 70 cents, Red Bull was around 50 cents, and the average dish of food was around 120-160 baht which is around $4-6 for a dish of Thai food.
Thailand was also the first place in a while that I've smelled that Asian port smell, it's kind of a mix with dirty water and sidewalk-vendor grilled fish/squid. Hard to explain, but it takes me back to those ports everytime. As soon as I am able to, I'll post some pictures of everything thus far, but because I've only been able to access internet through the ship's computers I'm not able to post any of my personal pictures yet. With any luck, i'll be able to nab an overnight chit in one of the next ports and upload a load of pictures.
Until then...
The atmosphere was pretty much the same as I remember; vendors literally hounding you on every street asking you to buy their knock-off merch. The stuff looks authentic enough, hell I almost bought a Rolex knock-off for $10 just because it looked so much like the real deal. Though, everything was extremely cheap there, I think I ate and got around pretty well for $80 for all eight days. A litre of bottled water was about 70 cents, Red Bull was around 50 cents, and the average dish of food was around 120-160 baht which is around $4-6 for a dish of Thai food.
Thailand was also the first place in a while that I've smelled that Asian port smell, it's kind of a mix with dirty water and sidewalk-vendor grilled fish/squid. Hard to explain, but it takes me back to those ports everytime. As soon as I am able to, I'll post some pictures of everything thus far, but because I've only been able to access internet through the ship's computers I'm not able to post any of my personal pictures yet. With any luck, i'll be able to nab an overnight chit in one of the next ports and upload a load of pictures.
Until then...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
It sinks in...finally
The attitudes of people onboard, the general feeling of resentment, the sense of a journey only begun. I think it's now occurring to most people that they are now on deployment, and not just a small cruise out and back again. I know that's pretty much the case with me, and it really couldn't have come at a worst time.
I find it hard to properly communicate through email quite everything I would like to. I'm so tired.
I find it hard to properly communicate through email quite everything I would like to. I'm so tired.
Monday, May 16, 2011
A Negative that is a Positive
Did you ever have a teacher that finally made things *click* for you when trying to learn something that was just beyond your grasp? A teacher that went out of their way to help, to let you be creative, to let your inner-nerd escape? To let you perform experiments and build machines during recess while everyone else is outside playing on the monkey bars?
I did.
I first met Mrs. Street when I was sitting outside My 2nd grade teacher's door, tasked to complete the math homework I didn't finish the night before. I didn't understand the negative numbers that were new to me at the time, and was too embarassed to ask help with.
She walked by me and asked why I was sitting outside the door. Thinking that I was about to be in more trouble for being outside the classroom decided to be honest about things. I told her that I did not understand my math assignment.
"Oh, that's the easiest part of numbers! They just start going backwards when you go behind the zero!"
"Behind the zero?" I asked.
"Yes, let me show you what I mean, I show this to all my 3rd graders!" she replied rather enthusiastically.
Enter the Number Line. Mrs. Street showed me a single line starting from zero and going up to the number 5, each number having their own dot along the line.
Ok, got it.
Then she warped my mind by putting a -1 to the left of the zero with it's own dot on the line. And then a -2, then a -3....it was madness. It might have been SPARTA!
After she let me figure out the rest of my homework...by myself...she let me go back into the classroom and annouce to my teacher that I would never have a problem with my negative numbers again. And I didn't.
Skip ahead a few years...
Even long after I had passed her class, I kept returning to give model rocket demonstrations for the kids in her class. She had such an impact on my life as a student that I would continue to visit her, even when I was home on leave from the military. I only wish that I was a slightly better student after her class.
Although, I hope she knew that with her help so early in my learning development, I was able to breeze through all my schooling in the Navy and become the head of my class for maintaining and operating the most advanced radar on US Navy Aegis Cruisers and Destroyers. Through this radar we are able to Track and, if needed, detroy ballistic missiles aimed to destroy people or cities traveling well over 5 times the speed to sound. It's like hitting a bullet...with another bullet....in space. How's that for someone that loved to build model rockets growing up?
Thank you Mrs. Jackie Street, I will remember you always for what you taught me and will pass those things to my own daughter.
By the Way, Mrs. Street, my radar's sensitivity is measured in negative numbers.
I did.
I first met Mrs. Street when I was sitting outside My 2nd grade teacher's door, tasked to complete the math homework I didn't finish the night before. I didn't understand the negative numbers that were new to me at the time, and was too embarassed to ask help with.
She walked by me and asked why I was sitting outside the door. Thinking that I was about to be in more trouble for being outside the classroom decided to be honest about things. I told her that I did not understand my math assignment.
"Oh, that's the easiest part of numbers! They just start going backwards when you go behind the zero!"
"Behind the zero?" I asked.
"Yes, let me show you what I mean, I show this to all my 3rd graders!" she replied rather enthusiastically.
Enter the Number Line. Mrs. Street showed me a single line starting from zero and going up to the number 5, each number having their own dot along the line.
Ok, got it.
Then she warped my mind by putting a -1 to the left of the zero with it's own dot on the line. And then a -2, then a -3....it was madness. It might have been SPARTA!
After she let me figure out the rest of my homework...by myself...she let me go back into the classroom and annouce to my teacher that I would never have a problem with my negative numbers again. And I didn't.
Skip ahead a few years...
Even long after I had passed her class, I kept returning to give model rocket demonstrations for the kids in her class. She had such an impact on my life as a student that I would continue to visit her, even when I was home on leave from the military. I only wish that I was a slightly better student after her class.
Although, I hope she knew that with her help so early in my learning development, I was able to breeze through all my schooling in the Navy and become the head of my class for maintaining and operating the most advanced radar on US Navy Aegis Cruisers and Destroyers. Through this radar we are able to Track and, if needed, detroy ballistic missiles aimed to destroy people or cities traveling well over 5 times the speed to sound. It's like hitting a bullet...with another bullet....in space. How's that for someone that loved to build model rockets growing up?
Thank you Mrs. Jackie Street, I will remember you always for what you taught me and will pass those things to my own daughter.
By the Way, Mrs. Street, my radar's sensitivity is measured in negative numbers.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
In the Name of our Ford
*Sigh*....it's a really good thing I brought a coffee maker underway, otherwise I would never make it on the night watches. I'm on auto-pilt on nights like this, which isn't bad, just...bleh. I'm starting to look forward to the watch rotation because it gives me time to work on whatever I need, and I have a looooong time to think to myself.
I've been doing a lot of thinking to myself about the similarities between today's USA and the novel, "1984" by George Orwell. We've even got some quotes written on the console screen. Quotes like "Beware the Thought Police", "Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength". Substitute Ford is "Big Oil", and you've got yourself a manifesto. Keeping the nation at war for nationalism and controlling what the public know about events. I need to read that book again.
Time for watch...
I've been doing a lot of thinking to myself about the similarities between today's USA and the novel, "1984" by George Orwell. We've even got some quotes written on the console screen. Quotes like "Beware the Thought Police", "Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength". Substitute Ford is "Big Oil", and you've got yourself a manifesto. Keeping the nation at war for nationalism and controlling what the public know about events. I need to read that book again.
Time for watch...
Monday, May 2, 2011
Closure?
I remember where I was when the towers fell, I remember what went through my mind as well. I was a civilian then.
Yes, I'm damned proud to see this day as a member of the armed forces.
I only hope it doesn't serve as a rallying call of a martyr.
Yes, I'm damned proud to see this day as a member of the armed forces.
I only hope it doesn't serve as a rallying call of a martyr.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Reflecting on the departure
Well the past few days have seemed to pass as slowly as January molasses, but it also seems so long ago that I left them on the pier. At least things seem to be passing a little more quick. With any luck it'll seem like the days are flying by before too much longer.
This is a picture of Andrew and I the day we left port. We're smiling only because there's a camera.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Need...coffee....braaaaiiiiiinnnnssssssss
I'm up an hour earlier than I meant to be, no thanks to me not adjusting my clock for all the danged time zones we keep crossing. Eh well, gives me time to make some coffee. So, listening to Archers of Loaf, brewing some coffee, and looking at good news to see if there's anything worth reading about...apparently not. Honestly,I could not give two shits about the royal couple. Now there's all the opinion articles on the poor(now rich) girl's wedding dress. I seem to remember that the news had more coverage on that event than the earthquakes/tsunami in Japan when it was breaking news. Anger.
I will be posting some pictures soon of Andrew and my own's experience of Hawaii. I have to wait until I receive my laptop power cable in the mail that my darling wife is sending me. Yes....I forgot the very object that power my computer, I like to think I had a lot on my mind when I was packing for 6 month's worth of underway time.
I miss my girls, I miss kissing my wife on the cheek every morning before I leave for work. I miss watching Shelby trying to holding my massive Nerf gun than stand a good three heads taller than her and saying "got you, daddy!". I'm never leaving them behind ever again. Of course I can't say never, but I'll never have to leave them for 6 months at a time.
~chase
I will be posting some pictures soon of Andrew and my own's experience of Hawaii. I have to wait until I receive my laptop power cable in the mail that my darling wife is sending me. Yes....I forgot the very object that power my computer, I like to think I had a lot on my mind when I was packing for 6 month's worth of underway time.
I miss my girls, I miss kissing my wife on the cheek every morning before I leave for work. I miss watching Shelby trying to holding my massive Nerf gun than stand a good three heads taller than her and saying "got you, daddy!". I'm never leaving them behind ever again. Of course I can't say never, but I'll never have to leave them for 6 months at a time.
~chase
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hi, my name is Bill Murray. Welcome to Groundhog Day.
So, almost a half month into this little deployment. Try as I might, I can't make the days pass any faster. Although a good sign is showing itself, the days are starting to blur together. Three days can pass at a time before I realise how much time is passing. So yeah, welcome to my world, Groundhog Day as it were. Trying to keep myself sane and balance, though I really have a lack of motivation as depression has started to set in a little. I can tell through my interactions with people, I don't feel like excercising or doing much more than standing watch and sleeping.
I think it hit me just the other day when I was writing a hand-written letter to my daughter just how much we as people has lost in communication when we've done nothing but enhance communication in the past 15 years! Yes, we write emails and texts, all the while cutting back on everything else. Hell, I ran into someone before I left that said they would rather text a person than call them anymore.
In my opinion, the hand-written word hold higher value now more than ever. When's the last time you received a written letter, cards don't count...an honest written-out letter. I love my aunt Glennie, but sometimes she can drive my father to the drink, hah! She recently had sent my daughter a Cabbage Patch doll in the mail that was lost in delivery. In an inquiry to the location of said doll, she hand-wrote a letter to the residence of our address pleading a safe return of said way-ward child. I'm not always old-fashioned, but dammit, some things like good handwriting and grammar should come back.
I'm rambling now and sounding like a crotchety old man. *sigh* When did I get old?
I think it hit me just the other day when I was writing a hand-written letter to my daughter just how much we as people has lost in communication when we've done nothing but enhance communication in the past 15 years! Yes, we write emails and texts, all the while cutting back on everything else. Hell, I ran into someone before I left that said they would rather text a person than call them anymore.
In my opinion, the hand-written word hold higher value now more than ever. When's the last time you received a written letter, cards don't count...an honest written-out letter. I love my aunt Glennie, but sometimes she can drive my father to the drink, hah! She recently had sent my daughter a Cabbage Patch doll in the mail that was lost in delivery. In an inquiry to the location of said doll, she hand-wrote a letter to the residence of our address pleading a safe return of said way-ward child. I'm not always old-fashioned, but dammit, some things like good handwriting and grammar should come back.
I'm rambling now and sounding like a crotchety old man. *sigh* When did I get old?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes...literally
Changes in Latitudes; It's been a few days since we've left Hawaii. It was the very first time that I had ever been, there was so much that I wanted to see...the Arizona Memorial, the Might Mo, the submarine museum, the punchbowl crater. What I actually accomplished out of all that: none.
What I was able to actually do was go an impromptu car trip across the island with Andrew and took some extraordinary pictures of the most scenic island I've ever seen. Pictures to follow. I had no regrets, hell, he even treated me to a couple bottle of Sierra Nevada Torpedoes at the end of the night. Twas a good evening, so I can't even complain that I missed the main sights.
Changes in attitudes; Something I've noticed lately, and call me a hipocrite if you must, but more and more some country music speaks more powerfully to me than it did before. Namely the Zac Brown Band on "The Foundation" record. Maybe I'm just missing some of the simple things I used to take for granted about living in the mountains. But it also seems like as soon as I left that area I starting missing it. So, maybe it's just my fickle being afterall.
On another note, I finally got around to calling one of the eletrician's mates to come take a look at our lights in my office space. It longer looks like an alley where homeless folks would reside. Although, if you ever just look into the array room to see us SPY techs watching TV or playing games, it would definately look like we were desistitute(sp?). All of us just laying where there is a bit of cushion, like rags...huddling for warmth from the cold handsof the A/C that keeps our space just under a comfortable temperature of 35 degrees...
I miss my girls something terrible. Laura tells me that Shelby says "Goodnight, I love you!" to my image on the DVD of bedtime stories that I made her before I left. I cried a little when she told me that, a happy kind of cry though.
~chase
What I was able to actually do was go an impromptu car trip across the island with Andrew and took some extraordinary pictures of the most scenic island I've ever seen. Pictures to follow. I had no regrets, hell, he even treated me to a couple bottle of Sierra Nevada Torpedoes at the end of the night. Twas a good evening, so I can't even complain that I missed the main sights.
Changes in attitudes; Something I've noticed lately, and call me a hipocrite if you must, but more and more some country music speaks more powerfully to me than it did before. Namely the Zac Brown Band on "The Foundation" record. Maybe I'm just missing some of the simple things I used to take for granted about living in the mountains. But it also seems like as soon as I left that area I starting missing it. So, maybe it's just my fickle being afterall.
On another note, I finally got around to calling one of the eletrician's mates to come take a look at our lights in my office space. It longer looks like an alley where homeless folks would reside. Although, if you ever just look into the array room to see us SPY techs watching TV or playing games, it would definately look like we were desistitute(sp?). All of us just laying where there is a bit of cushion, like rags...huddling for warmth from the cold handsof the A/C that keeps our space just under a comfortable temperature of 35 degrees...
I miss my girls something terrible. Laura tells me that Shelby says "Goodnight, I love you!" to my image on the DVD of bedtime stories that I made her before I left. I cried a little when she told me that, a happy kind of cry though.
~chase
Friday, April 22, 2011
Scrawled on a book with a broken spine.
"When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die."
-Jean-Paul Sartre, The Devil and the Good Lord (1951) act 1
French author & existentialist philosopher (1905 - 1980)
-Jean-Paul Sartre, The Devil and the Good Lord (1951) act 1
French author & existentialist philosopher (1905 - 1980)
It was only a matter of time
I've had some supervisors in the past that made me want to stay Navy all the way until retirement, those supervisors (read: Chiefs) would fight for their people in a very vocal way.
This isn't the Navy circa 1942. A sailor isn't expected to start a fight in a bar, if he/she wants to make themselves better and admits that they have a problem with alcohol they are forever branded an alcoholic and troublemaker.
These days, even though the steady pay, insurance, living arrangements, and world experience is wonderful and slendid...I just don't think I can deal with the underway time and military heirarchy anymore than my obligation insists.
Yes, I know that folks rotate out and that things are only temporary. But the fact of the matter is that I have to deal with it now, while underway and stressed out already. Yes, people will leave this command and go to others but who's to say that someone even worse will replace him. They don't screen personalities when picking orders.
Wallowing through narcisism and facades, seems like this is all I've experienced in 6 years of Navy. Yeah, i know in the grand scheme it's really not that long for military, so don't burn me. They tell me that if I stay in and make Chief one day that I could make the change by being a better Chief. Who's to say that I wouldn't become a victim of that cycle and turn out the same way? I'm not giving it the chance, I don't want to become that kind of person. Even if I am the "good Chief that would fight for my people", that the people under me would look up to, I would only be a bucket of hot water in a cold ocean.
Also, folks that refer to people as "warm bodies" really gets under my skin.
This isn't the Navy circa 1942. A sailor isn't expected to start a fight in a bar, if he/she wants to make themselves better and admits that they have a problem with alcohol they are forever branded an alcoholic and troublemaker.
These days, even though the steady pay, insurance, living arrangements, and world experience is wonderful and slendid...I just don't think I can deal with the underway time and military heirarchy anymore than my obligation insists.
Yes, I know that folks rotate out and that things are only temporary. But the fact of the matter is that I have to deal with it now, while underway and stressed out already. Yes, people will leave this command and go to others but who's to say that someone even worse will replace him. They don't screen personalities when picking orders.
Wallowing through narcisism and facades, seems like this is all I've experienced in 6 years of Navy. Yeah, i know in the grand scheme it's really not that long for military, so don't burn me. They tell me that if I stay in and make Chief one day that I could make the change by being a better Chief. Who's to say that I wouldn't become a victim of that cycle and turn out the same way? I'm not giving it the chance, I don't want to become that kind of person. Even if I am the "good Chief that would fight for my people", that the people under me would look up to, I would only be a bucket of hot water in a cold ocean.
Also, folks that refer to people as "warm bodies" really gets under my skin.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Step 1: Insert soul into blender.
Step 2: Press "Puree"
The days are starting to blend together, which is an excellent thing while underway. One only stands watches and is not concerned about trivial matters...like food...or sleep. The hours will seem to slip away as you slip into routine, this is not a bad thing unless you have a kind of deadline.
I don't believe I've let everything set it, though the other night I had this terrible feeling in the back of my mind. It was a fear that I only felt last in boot camp. I suppose it was something along the lines of going into the unknown, but like boot camp, I just kept the idea that once this is all said and done that I would never have to be separated from my family again. That after this I would be leaving the Navy life behind me for, hopefully, better things.
It's a happy thought I keep in my pocket until depression from separation sets in finally. After that point, it should be downhill. On one hand, yes, I have to be away from everything for a while. But on the other hand, this will be my last deployment ever...it feels like senior year of high school or something to that nature.
Well, it's incredibly late after working on paperwork. I need to try and sleep, shouldn't be too hard at this point.
Listening to: Peter Gabriel "So"
Sending the Zen,
~chase
The days are starting to blend together, which is an excellent thing while underway. One only stands watches and is not concerned about trivial matters...like food...or sleep. The hours will seem to slip away as you slip into routine, this is not a bad thing unless you have a kind of deadline.
I don't believe I've let everything set it, though the other night I had this terrible feeling in the back of my mind. It was a fear that I only felt last in boot camp. I suppose it was something along the lines of going into the unknown, but like boot camp, I just kept the idea that once this is all said and done that I would never have to be separated from my family again. That after this I would be leaving the Navy life behind me for, hopefully, better things.
It's a happy thought I keep in my pocket until depression from separation sets in finally. After that point, it should be downhill. On one hand, yes, I have to be away from everything for a while. But on the other hand, this will be my last deployment ever...it feels like senior year of high school or something to that nature.
Well, it's incredibly late after working on paperwork. I need to try and sleep, shouldn't be too hard at this point.
Listening to: Peter Gabriel "So"
Sending the Zen,
~chase
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Dear Diary,
Today I "Rick Roll'ed" the ship. It was of epic biblical awesomeness. It's only day three. How can I top that?
Friday, April 15, 2011
Things I just remembered that I do underway:
1. When no one is looking I dance to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance", ala On The Rocks a capela group.
2. Listen to more country music than is good for me...for anyone.
3. Even though I am a straight male I tell many, many men that I would sleep with them for money...or to trade deck watches.
4. Speak in a different language. Ex; Hey Scotty, I'm running down to the head in berthing and will stopping at the scuttlebutt to fill my camelback. Need anything from the geedunk machine? Also, we need to take a look at the DPD because it looks like we have a phase alignment issue, could see something do do with the CFA reverse power problem. TWT...
5. Every movie on SITE TV is a true story that I would rather live in for an hour and a half.
6. A whiteboard is a primary means of communication through the watches.
7. The blue lights in combat are the best cure for insomnia, I don't care how much caffine one has. the deathly pale blue lights in CIC will consume your soul and life.
That being said...
8. A coffee machine in your workspace is on par to being in jail but being able to make your own toilet wine.
9. I'm pretty sure the Justin Timberlake bobble head standing beside said coffee maker in workspace follows me with it's eyes and plans to kill me if I nod off while working on paperwork by the computer. Send help.
10. Days no longer matter, only hours...That you coordinate different events within.
2. Listen to more country music than is good for me...for anyone.
3. Even though I am a straight male I tell many, many men that I would sleep with them for money...or to trade deck watches.
4. Speak in a different language. Ex; Hey Scotty, I'm running down to the head in berthing and will stopping at the scuttlebutt to fill my camelback. Need anything from the geedunk machine? Also, we need to take a look at the DPD because it looks like we have a phase alignment issue, could see something do do with the CFA reverse power problem. TWT...
5. Every movie on SITE TV is a true story that I would rather live in for an hour and a half.
6. A whiteboard is a primary means of communication through the watches.
7. The blue lights in combat are the best cure for insomnia, I don't care how much caffine one has. the deathly pale blue lights in CIC will consume your soul and life.
That being said...
8. A coffee machine in your workspace is on par to being in jail but being able to make your own toilet wine.
9. I'm pretty sure the Justin Timberlake bobble head standing beside said coffee maker in workspace follows me with it's eyes and plans to kill me if I nod off while working on paperwork by the computer. Send help.
10. Days no longer matter, only hours...That you coordinate different events within.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Man the rails? No thanks, I'm trying to quit.
Well, it is the first day of deployment...yeah, it sucks already.
We've just pulled from the harbor and come from manning the rails, in fact, I'm still in my dress whites as I'm typing. Mostly because I know berthing will be full if I try to do down to change now. Saying goodbye is hard to do regardless of how you do it. Shelby was so upset when we arrived to the pier that she got sick. It was tough to send Laura and Shelby on their way off the ship.
I have fears of leaving my family alone for so long, just as any person would. But those fears become all-so-real when the pier team take the brow from the quarterdeck, and the only way to come on and off the ship is ripped away both physically and metaphorically.
In the middle of all the sadness of departing is a glimmer of happiness, knowing that you're finally starting a deployment that has been hovering over the heads of everyone onboard the ship...Finally starting that countdown clock that will, eventually, end.
Homecoming will be incredible.
~chase
We've just pulled from the harbor and come from manning the rails, in fact, I'm still in my dress whites as I'm typing. Mostly because I know berthing will be full if I try to do down to change now. Saying goodbye is hard to do regardless of how you do it. Shelby was so upset when we arrived to the pier that she got sick. It was tough to send Laura and Shelby on their way off the ship.
I have fears of leaving my family alone for so long, just as any person would. But those fears become all-so-real when the pier team take the brow from the quarterdeck, and the only way to come on and off the ship is ripped away both physically and metaphorically.
In the middle of all the sadness of departing is a glimmer of happiness, knowing that you're finally starting a deployment that has been hovering over the heads of everyone onboard the ship...Finally starting that countdown clock that will, eventually, end.
Homecoming will be incredible.
~chase
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Ocean, she calls me..but I screen my calls.
Not too bad, the time has gone by a little quicker than I thought it would. My first and only summer has passed me by, and I feel that we had a pretty good time of it. Went to some beaches, and took in everything that the California coast has to offer for the most part...complete with the idiot drivers that seems to flock to the greater San Diego area. For the first time since joining the Navy, I was able to spend my entire summer/fall with my family, and it was superb. I even had a chance to take a vacation to Europe with my wife, courtesy of the USS Shiloh.
The only thing standing between me and the rest of my life, wherever that may end up being, is my longest deployment. Although it's going to be an extremely lengthy deployment, it looks like it may be my most interesting, going to places that I've never been to before! But, like all underway periods, I'll probably become very depressed and won't be able to really fully appreciate the places I'll see. So, here's to hoping I'll get my head out of "Emo Mode" and get out to enjoy my last trip 'round the world.
Listening to Pink Floyd's "Animals" album, a hidden gem in the midst of their catalog really.
While doing some research online for my self-assessed evaluation for this year, I came across the job detailing website that lets you put in applications for jobs/location in the Navy. Two shore duty offers for Japan came up, one of them was not my particular skill, but the other one was for working security for the Naval Air Base in Atsugi. My wife and I starting talking about how we missed the Yokosuka area. By no means do I want to be a "lifer" in the Navy, but the steady pay, the Cost Of Living Allowance we get for living in Japan, the Japanese lifestyle, and the benefits we get make it a strong argument. We both miss it, a lot. I can't speak for Laura, but for myself living in San Diego has brought to light a lot of the things I dislike about my own culture, and living in Japan exposes a lot of the things that we as American take as a god-given right...To be rude, to not work as a people as a whole, and not take pride in what we do, among so many other things.
I'll get off my soapbox, but I've found myself being so much happier and proud to be a part of something when I'm not in the US.
So, deployment...then school, with any luck. I was planning on visiting MTSU and taking a tour of the campus with our pre-deployment stand down leave, but the rumor now is that the leave period is going to be cut substantially...by HALF! So, instead of the 12 or 13 days that as talked about, it's going to be around 6. Unfortunately I can't justify spending $800 to fly to NC/TN for 5 days. So, there goes that idea. The good news is that, with any luck, my early separation will go through and I'll be separating from the Navy AS SOON as the ship pulls into home port!
So, it's been a fun run, but I've had my share of being ordered what to do. The constant threat of having your pay reduced for ANY and all infractions. I was late one day by 5 minutes, I kid you not, because of the insane traffic here and was written up for it and told that if I was ever late again I would be sent up to the Captain. The senior enlisted leadership doesn't seem to lead by example here; they also don't stand watches like the rest of the ship. Even the junior and senior officers stand at least one watch.
I'm tired of making comparisons though, I'll be done with it soon enough, and I need to keep remembering what drives me to want to separate. I'm sure that I’ll run into some of the same damned things out in the civilian sector that I've forgotten about. But I remember thinking in boot camp, "What the hell was I so whiny about the Navy, that was nothing!” So, we'll see.
I found an old classmate's blog the other day. They were talking about relationship troubles and how they were glad to be done with it. Wish I knew her well enough to pass on good thoughts. "All Things Must Pass"
Sending the zen,
~chase
The only thing standing between me and the rest of my life, wherever that may end up being, is my longest deployment. Although it's going to be an extremely lengthy deployment, it looks like it may be my most interesting, going to places that I've never been to before! But, like all underway periods, I'll probably become very depressed and won't be able to really fully appreciate the places I'll see. So, here's to hoping I'll get my head out of "Emo Mode" and get out to enjoy my last trip 'round the world.
Listening to Pink Floyd's "Animals" album, a hidden gem in the midst of their catalog really.
While doing some research online for my self-assessed evaluation for this year, I came across the job detailing website that lets you put in applications for jobs/location in the Navy. Two shore duty offers for Japan came up, one of them was not my particular skill, but the other one was for working security for the Naval Air Base in Atsugi. My wife and I starting talking about how we missed the Yokosuka area. By no means do I want to be a "lifer" in the Navy, but the steady pay, the Cost Of Living Allowance we get for living in Japan, the Japanese lifestyle, and the benefits we get make it a strong argument. We both miss it, a lot. I can't speak for Laura, but for myself living in San Diego has brought to light a lot of the things I dislike about my own culture, and living in Japan exposes a lot of the things that we as American take as a god-given right...To be rude, to not work as a people as a whole, and not take pride in what we do, among so many other things.
I'll get off my soapbox, but I've found myself being so much happier and proud to be a part of something when I'm not in the US.
So, deployment...then school, with any luck. I was planning on visiting MTSU and taking a tour of the campus with our pre-deployment stand down leave, but the rumor now is that the leave period is going to be cut substantially...by HALF! So, instead of the 12 or 13 days that as talked about, it's going to be around 6. Unfortunately I can't justify spending $800 to fly to NC/TN for 5 days. So, there goes that idea. The good news is that, with any luck, my early separation will go through and I'll be separating from the Navy AS SOON as the ship pulls into home port!
So, it's been a fun run, but I've had my share of being ordered what to do. The constant threat of having your pay reduced for ANY and all infractions. I was late one day by 5 minutes, I kid you not, because of the insane traffic here and was written up for it and told that if I was ever late again I would be sent up to the Captain. The senior enlisted leadership doesn't seem to lead by example here; they also don't stand watches like the rest of the ship. Even the junior and senior officers stand at least one watch.
I'm tired of making comparisons though, I'll be done with it soon enough, and I need to keep remembering what drives me to want to separate. I'm sure that I’ll run into some of the same damned things out in the civilian sector that I've forgotten about. But I remember thinking in boot camp, "What the hell was I so whiny about the Navy, that was nothing!” So, we'll see.
I found an old classmate's blog the other day. They were talking about relationship troubles and how they were glad to be done with it. Wish I knew her well enough to pass on good thoughts. "All Things Must Pass"
Sending the zen,
~chase
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