Qualifications

I started getting qualifications the second day I arrived on board. When a ship is in port, the main duty for Officers is Officer on Deck (OOD). There are multiple pages that need to be initialed by qualified watch standers. I had to "UI" every watch and observe what happens during each period of time. I learned how to perform morning and evening colors, flag etiquette and proper honors rendered for senior Officers among many other aspects. This knowledge was tested by a board which signs off the last requirements. I was almost done when the ship went underway for the second time. All that is left to do now is route the qual sheet up the chain of command.

When a ship is underway the entire crew is on board. That means plenty of people for training and qualifications. I spent every night training for basic damage control and 3-M (maintenance). These skills are what set the U.S. Navy apart from all the other Navies in the world. Being about to trouble shoot problems out at sea enables us to sail all over the world for months on end.

Every Officer is required to do weekly spot checks on their divisions. Work and repairs need to be done quickly and correctly. It is up to the Division Officers to ensure their departments are staying on schedule and doing proper maintenance. Before they do their spot checks, Officers need the same basic training they expect their seamen to follow. I am almost ready to start doing spot checks on my guys.

I did receive some bad news on one of my main qualifications though. Apparently since I have bad depth perception, I am not allowed to be a Helicopter Control Officer. I found this out after having completed HCO school and landing a couple of helicopters. That was not a good day but I think I may try qualifying for weapons and operations instead. I think I like the idea of being in control of Tomahawk cruise missles more than landing helicopters anyway.