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.