It's been way too long since I've updated this blog. Don't blame it on being lazy, however. For the last couple weeks I've been at sea on the USS Mt Whitney http://www.mtwhitney.navy.mil/default.aspx, the command ship from the US Navy's 6th Fleet (see crappy phone cam pix below). This was one of those experiences that I am sure I will be telling my grandchildren about...
When I joined the Air Force I never had any idea that one day they would put me on a ship for a couple week cruise for a major wargame. After all, the Air Force conjures up images of dusty bases in Middle America, not cruises the middle of the Med. Regardless, I was very glad to have had the opportunity to get my sea legs.
The biggest adjustment was getting used to the sleeping arrangements. I had a stateroom that was the size of a walk in closet. Oh yeah, there were six "racks" or bunks in there as well. Needless to say, things were pretty cramped. I was fortunate enough to get a top bunk so I technically had another foot or so of headspace but for some reason, the Navy put a couple crossbars right on the head and foot of the bed. I am convinced this was designed specifically so people would bash their heads into it...which I did...every night. Also, being on a ship means being inside for about 23 1/2 hours a day. This was definitely tough to get used to.
While certain aspects of shipboard life were tough to swallow, others were not nearly as bad as I thought. For example, the food on the ship was phenomenal. I'm afraid to hop on the scale after this cruise. It's no wonder why most of these Navy guys who were part of the permanent crew of the ship usually carried around a bit extra
around the midsection. Also, I really enjoyed watching some of the cool "gee whiz" moments such as a ship-to-ship cargo transfer, watching the anti-missile weapons tested, and of course pulling into and out of port in Gaeta (see pix of me about to go aboard our ship).
As soon as I get back to Germany I will be sure to upload some pictures. For the moment I am taking it easy in Naples awaiting my flight back to the fatherland. Also, I've got plenty of stuff to share about Naples as well but that will have to wait for another blog entry.
Ciao!
When I joined the Air Force I never had any idea that one day they would put me on a ship for a couple week cruise for a major wargame. After all, the Air Force conjures up images of dusty bases in Middle America, not cruises the middle of the Med. Regardless, I was very glad to have had the opportunity to get my sea legs.
The biggest adjustment was getting used to the sleeping arrangements. I had a stateroom that was the size of a walk in closet. Oh yeah, there were six "racks" or bunks in there as well. Needless to say, things were pretty cramped. I was fortunate enough to get a top bunk so I technically had another foot or so of headspace but for some reason, the Navy put a couple crossbars right on the head and foot of the bed. I am convinced this was designed specifically so people would bash their heads into it...which I did...every night. Also, being on a ship means being inside for about 23 1/2 hours a day. This was definitely tough to get used to.While certain aspects of shipboard life were tough to swallow, others were not nearly as bad as I thought. For example, the food on the ship was phenomenal. I'm afraid to hop on the scale after this cruise. It's no wonder why most of these Navy guys who were part of the permanent crew of the ship usually carried around a bit extra
around the midsection. Also, I really enjoyed watching some of the cool "gee whiz" moments such as a ship-to-ship cargo transfer, watching the anti-missile weapons tested, and of course pulling into and out of port in Gaeta (see pix of me about to go aboard our ship).As soon as I get back to Germany I will be sure to upload some pictures. For the moment I am taking it easy in Naples awaiting my flight back to the fatherland. Also, I've got plenty of stuff to share about Naples as well but that will have to wait for another blog entry.
Ciao!
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