On the last JO training session before our summer deployment, we took a tour of a destroyer, the USS STETHAM, in dry dock. Most ship repairs are completed while moored but every once in a while a ship requires repairs or updates to its hull and/or keel. This requires the ship to use a lock that can be drained of water. The ship is then supported by a system of blocks that keep the keel and sonar dome from hitting the concrete below. It is quite an impressive sight to see an entire destroyer out of water.
It is impossible to get a good sense of how large a ship actually is until you see it out of the water. One of the first things I looked for was where the water line was located on the hull. It seemed surpisingly high, the dry dock was three or four floors below ground and the majority of the ship's structure below the waterline was still below ground level.
One of the main points stressed was the location of the sonar dome. This is the ship's lowest point and also one of the most sensitive areas. Everytime a ship moors or anchors, particular attention is paid to ensure nothing hits the dome. Another point was the system used to prevent rust and deterioration of the hull. Zinc blocks and cathodes are used to center the deterioation on the block or charge the hull. The Surface Warfare Officers spent some time anaylizing the rudders and props but most of that discussion went over my head.
The tour ended up being taped by a military corespondent. Several Officers ended up giving statements at the end. One of my friends emailed me to say he had seen me on televison. I have yet to see the segment since we left port before it was shown. I am very curious to see it at some point.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
HMAS DARWIN
During the last day of the LTT, the HMAS Darwin moored across the pier from us. This was an Austrialian frigate, an Oliver Hazard Perry class built by American shipyards. I did some research on it and found out that the first six frigates produced actually went to Australia.
I had never seen a frigate upclose before and the lime green paint made it catch my attention all the more. The steel gray of American and Japanese ships can get old after a while. Frigates are smaller than destroyers, not so much by length but by the superstructure. Seeing the size difference made me appreciate being on a destroyer all the more. A big storm would be much worse inside a frigate.
Not to sterotype, but if this ship is typical of the Australian Navy, the best way to describe them would be to go back twenty or thirty years and look at our sailors. They are allowed to grow full beards and their uniforms include shorts. They also enjoy rations of beer every so often. That was something many of the sailors on board my ship were immediately envious of.
While I was on shipmate patrol shortly afterwards, it was interesting to watch the interaction between American and Austrialian sailors. It was not always easy to tell them apart, that is until one of the spoke. I wonder if the Japanese could tell us apart, even with the accent. They were always surrounded by Americans though so that probably made it a little easier.
The DARWIN hosted a party shortly after arriving for any Officers who wanted to attend. That was the night I had shipmate patrol so I did not get the chance to go and socialize. Everyone on the pier was in summer whites though so the event was hard to miss. Many dignitaries and Flag Officers showed up to greet the Austrailians and from the noise level, it sounded like everyone was having fun.
I had never seen a frigate upclose before and the lime green paint made it catch my attention all the more. The steel gray of American and Japanese ships can get old after a while. Frigates are smaller than destroyers, not so much by length but by the superstructure. Seeing the size difference made me appreciate being on a destroyer all the more. A big storm would be much worse inside a frigate.
Not to sterotype, but if this ship is typical of the Australian Navy, the best way to describe them would be to go back twenty or thirty years and look at our sailors. They are allowed to grow full beards and their uniforms include shorts. They also enjoy rations of beer every so often. That was something many of the sailors on board my ship were immediately envious of.
While I was on shipmate patrol shortly afterwards, it was interesting to watch the interaction between American and Austrialian sailors. It was not always easy to tell them apart, that is until one of the spoke. I wonder if the Japanese could tell us apart, even with the accent. They were always surrounded by Americans though so that probably made it a little easier.
The DARWIN hosted a party shortly after arriving for any Officers who wanted to attend. That was the night I had shipmate patrol so I did not get the chance to go and socialize. Everyone on the pier was in summer whites though so the event was hard to miss. Many dignitaries and Flag Officers showed up to greet the Austrailians and from the noise level, it sounded like everyone was having fun.
Supply LTT
The next day following that unfortunate sortie started a new challenge for the supply department. This would entail a week long inspection of all the ship's supply divisions. That meant chiefs looking over all aspects of the department including; supply management, parts and material ordering, food services, mail, laundry, and retail operations. For my part, I am accountable for laundry and retail operations. My SUPPO is accountable for management, parts and food services. Mail is a little different situation.
After a quick introduction the chiefs split up among the three divisions and started looking over our records. This was a little nerve racking because mistakes are always going to be found in records dating back about a year. After they were done evaluating the records, they inpected my spaces and equipment. Then they talked to and conducted training with my Leading Petty Officer and seamen.
I will admit they found some discrepancies in all the divisions, I was expecting that. The whole point of LTT is to find the problems that need to be fixed before the SMC inpection. This inspection is practice for that certifying event. The LTT is not really a graded evolution so to speak. It is practice for what will happen during SMC. The point is to become a little more comfortable with the inspectors and root out potential problems so they can be fixed ahead of time.
The Captain was briefed at the end of the week on the strengths and weaknesses of the Supply department as a whole. The inspectors were thorough and quite frank with my CO. To a degree, I appreciated that they did not hold anything back. At the same time, every little problem started adding up. Now I just need to start fixing all the discrepancies and become more knowledgeable about my operations. Neither of those tasks intimidate me in the least. I am just glad I got through it realitively unscathed.
After a quick introduction the chiefs split up among the three divisions and started looking over our records. This was a little nerve racking because mistakes are always going to be found in records dating back about a year. After they were done evaluating the records, they inpected my spaces and equipment. Then they talked to and conducted training with my Leading Petty Officer and seamen.
I will admit they found some discrepancies in all the divisions, I was expecting that. The whole point of LTT is to find the problems that need to be fixed before the SMC inpection. This inspection is practice for that certifying event. The LTT is not really a graded evolution so to speak. It is practice for what will happen during SMC. The point is to become a little more comfortable with the inspectors and root out potential problems so they can be fixed ahead of time.
The Captain was briefed at the end of the week on the strengths and weaknesses of the Supply department as a whole. The inspectors were thorough and quite frank with my CO. To a degree, I appreciated that they did not hold anything back. At the same time, every little problem started adding up. Now I just need to start fixing all the discrepancies and become more knowledgeable about my operations. Neither of those tasks intimidate me in the least. I am just glad I got through it realitively unscathed.
Sortie
The morning after family day ended the USS CURTIS WILBUR ended up being sortied. A sortie refers to anytime a ship is required to leave port unexpectedly. Sorties can happen for a variety of reasons, this particular one was because a super typhoon was bearing down on Japan. The crew was extemely disappointed because it was the start of a holiday weekend with their family and friends. We left port under clear skies and pleasant seas but that did not last for long.
The ship was part of a small formation, all of whom left port at the same time to escape the typhoon. About a day after leaving, the typhoon hit us while we were out at sea. These were definately the roughest seas I have experienced so far. With the crests regularly breaking over the bow and submerging the forecastle, this was not a good time to be out. I was able to tough it out for about a day before getting sea sick again. The next day I spent all afternoon in my rack, a good portion of the crew were doing the exact same thing.
The next day, the ship was given permission to start back into port. This would take several days as we circled behind the worst of the typhoon. We were also given permission to increase our speed. This helped significantly reduce bobbing through the swells. The knowledge that we were headed back home did not hurt either. Although I have to admit that ending up being the last ship in the formation to moor was a bit irritating.
The ship was part of a small formation, all of whom left port at the same time to escape the typhoon. About a day after leaving, the typhoon hit us while we were out at sea. These were definately the roughest seas I have experienced so far. With the crests regularly breaking over the bow and submerging the forecastle, this was not a good time to be out. I was able to tough it out for about a day before getting sea sick again. The next day I spent all afternoon in my rack, a good portion of the crew were doing the exact same thing.
The next day, the ship was given permission to start back into port. This would take several days as we circled behind the worst of the typhoon. We were also given permission to increase our speed. This helped significantly reduce bobbing through the swells. The knowledge that we were headed back home did not hurt either. Although I have to admit that ending up being the last ship in the formation to moor was a bit irritating.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Family Day
I was recently introduced to a new Navy tradition. Before a ship goes out on a long deployment a day is set aside for sailors to bring their families on-board. This gives the family a chance to see the ship and meet with the Captain and officials from the base. These people are there to assist the families should there be any problems while their significant others are deployed.
The day started with lunch and then an awards ceremony for some of the crew. Having grilled hotdogs and hamburgers on a base in Japan was somehow a bit comforting. There are not all that many families attached to the members of my crew though. The majority of the sailors on my ship had their billets to Japan chosen because they were unattached. These does not really apply to Officers and Chiefs but for the junior enlisted, single is preferred.
The officials set up shop on the mess decks after the award ceremony ended. I picked up a few interesting brochures on tours around Tokyo. I also learned that I am probably going to have to wait until next year to climb Mount Fuji.
I was kept busy providing sodas and opening up the ship's store for the families. Various members of the crew had suddenly lost their Navycash cards, the only means of paying for items out of the ship's store. So I replaced those for them and then monitored the store for a little while. It was nice to be able to take the day off and meet a few new people, some of whom I had helped evacuate during the crisis.
The day started with lunch and then an awards ceremony for some of the crew. Having grilled hotdogs and hamburgers on a base in Japan was somehow a bit comforting. There are not all that many families attached to the members of my crew though. The majority of the sailors on my ship had their billets to Japan chosen because they were unattached. These does not really apply to Officers and Chiefs but for the junior enlisted, single is preferred.
The officials set up shop on the mess decks after the award ceremony ended. I picked up a few interesting brochures on tours around Tokyo. I also learned that I am probably going to have to wait until next year to climb Mount Fuji.
I was kept busy providing sodas and opening up the ship's store for the families. Various members of the crew had suddenly lost their Navycash cards, the only means of paying for items out of the ship's store. So I replaced those for them and then monitored the store for a little while. It was nice to be able to take the day off and meet a few new people, some of whom I had helped evacuate during the crisis.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Fire Training
I ended up taking a second class at the fire school on base after having completed my Locker Leader Class. This was a basic firefighting class. I had completed this same course while at OCS so this was meant as a refresher. The training was centered on how to maintain and use the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This is the Navy equivalent to a fire fighting suit. They are very similar in design.
We ended up in a classroom for the first few hours going over the necessary duties, equipment and safety involved in the process of firefighting. Firefighting in done in teams and each person has an assigned position and role to play. Everyone from the nozzleman to the plugman needs to know what he/she needs to do in an emergency.
After the classroom portion was finished it was time for the practical exercise. We had a quick dry run of the environments where we would be putting out the simulated fires. After that it was time to suit up. We grabbed our suits, boots, gloves, masks and SCBAs. After inspecting all the equipment, we then attached the oxygen bottles and tested them. We put on the suits and boots and then slung the SCBAs over our shoulders and strapped them on. The masks fit over a fire retardant hood so the entire head is covered by several layers. This also makes the ensemble very hot. Once the air supply connection had been tested we were ready to start firefighting.
I was a plugman for the first demonstration, meaning it was my responsibility to turn on the water from the fireplug and make sure a constant supply was coming out. I was then switched to the hose team and moved up to the nozzleman position. I was still holding the nozzle when the team was told to back out of the compartment. We call out the movements in turn one at a time down the hose while going backward so no one trips over the person in back of them. This is true of any commands called out. In the firefighting suits it is difficult to hear what people are saying.
The second demonstration was conducted in a more confined space. This meant fewer people could operate inside the space. Obsticles were also encountered that needed to be worked around. The hose also needed to be braced on several corners. Positions on the hose team were switched up more often in this case.
It is unlikely that I will need to suit up while serving as a Repair Locker Officer but the point is that I know how to do it. I do not envy the people who are required to suit up during the main space drills. Those suits and equipment are a pain to put on. They get uncomfortable pretty fast.
We ended up in a classroom for the first few hours going over the necessary duties, equipment and safety involved in the process of firefighting. Firefighting in done in teams and each person has an assigned position and role to play. Everyone from the nozzleman to the plugman needs to know what he/she needs to do in an emergency.
After the classroom portion was finished it was time for the practical exercise. We had a quick dry run of the environments where we would be putting out the simulated fires. After that it was time to suit up. We grabbed our suits, boots, gloves, masks and SCBAs. After inspecting all the equipment, we then attached the oxygen bottles and tested them. We put on the suits and boots and then slung the SCBAs over our shoulders and strapped them on. The masks fit over a fire retardant hood so the entire head is covered by several layers. This also makes the ensemble very hot. Once the air supply connection had been tested we were ready to start firefighting.
I was a plugman for the first demonstration, meaning it was my responsibility to turn on the water from the fireplug and make sure a constant supply was coming out. I was then switched to the hose team and moved up to the nozzleman position. I was still holding the nozzle when the team was told to back out of the compartment. We call out the movements in turn one at a time down the hose while going backward so no one trips over the person in back of them. This is true of any commands called out. In the firefighting suits it is difficult to hear what people are saying.
The second demonstration was conducted in a more confined space. This meant fewer people could operate inside the space. Obsticles were also encountered that needed to be worked around. The hose also needed to be braced on several corners. Positions on the hose team were switched up more often in this case.
It is unlikely that I will need to suit up while serving as a Repair Locker Officer but the point is that I know how to do it. I do not envy the people who are required to suit up during the main space drills. Those suits and equipment are a pain to put on. They get uncomfortable pretty fast.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
OC Spray-Yeah!
I had completed my SRF-B class several months previous but had been unable to go through the final trial due to the start of my damage control locker leader classes. The last evolution was being sprayed in the face with OC spray. You may not be all that familiar with the military term for this spray so I will refer to it as "pepper spray" from now on.
One of the chiefs and a large part of the crew had been eagerly anticipating this for a while. Back in the states, it is common to see military sentries carry pepper spray. The theory is that we need to experience the pain that comes with using the spray. Of course if I follow that logic, since sentries are also equipped with batons, does that not mean we need to be hit with them as well? Every sentry carries a loaded firearm too.
All the participants left the ship after lunch time and went across the base to an isolated field so we would not hit any bystanders by accident. I ended up being the last one sprayed since I needed to be present for a general quarters drill before I could leave the ship. I escorted the second to last person around the course after he was sprayed so I would know where to go when I was sprayed next. Then it was my turn.
I stood with my back to the Chief holding the spray can with my eyes closed and upon his call performed an about face. With my eyes still closed, he sprayed a cloud over my forehead and eyes. Then I was told to open my eyes a wait a second. The pepper spray has a delayed reaction, it takes a second or two before the nerves in the eye react. Then the pain becomes excruciating and you have no choice but to shut your eyes again. I had to wait until I could open my eyes to see how many fingers Chief was holding up and then start the course.
The first obstacle was a person holding a punching bag which needed to be punched and kneed. After a minute, a take down using pressure points was then required before moving on. Pressure points are painful even in practice and mock situations. I then grabbed a padded baton before arriving at the next station. At this point I was between two punching bags held by people. I used both ends of the baton to hit the punching bags on either side. Then I moved on to the last station which required me to block incoming blows by deflecting them with the baton in guard positions. Then I was told to conduct another take down and run back to the start line.
This was only the beginning of the pain because pepper spray sticks to skin, there is no easy way to get it off. Even after washing my face off in a hose, I endured reflash after reflash trying to get the pepper out of my eyes. All I could do was face into the wind, which luckily was fairly strong that day, and try to open my eyes as long as possible. This allowed my tears a small window to flush out the peppers a little at a time. Keep in mind the pepper is getting into my nose and mouth. My nose was constantly running while I am choking and still trying to open my eyes.
After about an hour I was taken back to the ship with only minor pain still lingering. I stuck my face in front of a fan for about another hour while my forehead cooled down. Now at this point most people consider the experience to be over but the pepper spray has one more nasty surprise. Eventually you have to take a shower to get the remaining spray off your forehead and eyelids. I was warned about this, I did not use any soap or try to scrub my forehead. I still had a bad reflash for the next half hour after the shower. The following day I had another reflash in one eye during a Navigation brief.
Pepper spray is really nasty stuff. At least I can check that off as been there done that now. I do not have quite as much of a fear of it now. Some of the Officers and Chiefs have been sprayed so often, it is a yearly requirement for the ship's reaction force, they are becoming almost immune to it.
One of the chiefs and a large part of the crew had been eagerly anticipating this for a while. Back in the states, it is common to see military sentries carry pepper spray. The theory is that we need to experience the pain that comes with using the spray. Of course if I follow that logic, since sentries are also equipped with batons, does that not mean we need to be hit with them as well? Every sentry carries a loaded firearm too.
All the participants left the ship after lunch time and went across the base to an isolated field so we would not hit any bystanders by accident. I ended up being the last one sprayed since I needed to be present for a general quarters drill before I could leave the ship. I escorted the second to last person around the course after he was sprayed so I would know where to go when I was sprayed next. Then it was my turn.
I stood with my back to the Chief holding the spray can with my eyes closed and upon his call performed an about face. With my eyes still closed, he sprayed a cloud over my forehead and eyes. Then I was told to open my eyes a wait a second. The pepper spray has a delayed reaction, it takes a second or two before the nerves in the eye react. Then the pain becomes excruciating and you have no choice but to shut your eyes again. I had to wait until I could open my eyes to see how many fingers Chief was holding up and then start the course.
The first obstacle was a person holding a punching bag which needed to be punched and kneed. After a minute, a take down using pressure points was then required before moving on. Pressure points are painful even in practice and mock situations. I then grabbed a padded baton before arriving at the next station. At this point I was between two punching bags held by people. I used both ends of the baton to hit the punching bags on either side. Then I moved on to the last station which required me to block incoming blows by deflecting them with the baton in guard positions. Then I was told to conduct another take down and run back to the start line.
This was only the beginning of the pain because pepper spray sticks to skin, there is no easy way to get it off. Even after washing my face off in a hose, I endured reflash after reflash trying to get the pepper out of my eyes. All I could do was face into the wind, which luckily was fairly strong that day, and try to open my eyes as long as possible. This allowed my tears a small window to flush out the peppers a little at a time. Keep in mind the pepper is getting into my nose and mouth. My nose was constantly running while I am choking and still trying to open my eyes.
After about an hour I was taken back to the ship with only minor pain still lingering. I stuck my face in front of a fan for about another hour while my forehead cooled down. Now at this point most people consider the experience to be over but the pepper spray has one more nasty surprise. Eventually you have to take a shower to get the remaining spray off your forehead and eyelids. I was warned about this, I did not use any soap or try to scrub my forehead. I still had a bad reflash for the next half hour after the shower. The following day I had another reflash in one eye during a Navigation brief.
Pepper spray is really nasty stuff. At least I can check that off as been there done that now. I do not have quite as much of a fear of it now. Some of the Officers and Chiefs have been sprayed so often, it is a yearly requirement for the ship's reaction force, they are becoming almost immune to it.
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