Yesterday was a great day. Our wing went to visit and embark on the USS Buttercup. We started with a few briefs about the USS Buttercup, and then we embarked. Things were going great until we heard the call on the 1MC that we were being attacked. We were hit twice and our teams had to rush below deck to do damage control. My team was responsible for sealing the tare in one of the seams on the port side of the ship (left side). Others had to repair two pipe breaks, a hatch break in the deck (floor), and several other things. By the time we were finish with the DC (damage control), the water was about up to our shoulders.
Ok, for those of you who don't know, the USS Buttercup is the damage control training ship that is used to train and update training for those that are going into the fleet. Although not confirmed, the ship received the name because back when Captains were allowed a small pet on board, the Captain's dog detected a damaged area of the ship. Had "Buttercup" (the dog) not found that damaged area, it is very possible that the ship could have gone down. So, at every traning facility that has a damage control tranining area, the ship is always named the USS Buttercup. Whether this is a true story or not, no one really knows; but one thing you learn in the Navy is that traditions are extremely important.
Back to the USS Buttercup, my team put together an "H" brace. Essentially, we took a rubber mat (like a yoga mat) and placed it against the breach. Then we took a piece of ply wood and placed it against that. Then by using several cut 4x4's and wedges, we locked that board in place. The fist attempt, we left about 6" of the breach open. We got in on the second attempt though. The instructors managed to take and hide our maul's, so we had to do a little searching there. They ended up topside in the equipment locker. Word to the wise, never let your tools leave you hands.
Today we will have fire fighter training. Should be interesting. We will put out a grease fire as well as a large (contolled) fire. We will put on full fire gear, charge the hoses, and get the fire out. Wing 4 in the house (dorm rooms) did the fire fighting yesterday and will head to Buttercup today. I feel bad for them though...we will be bused to fire fighting (just as they were yesterday), and they will be walking to Buttercup...yesterday it was in the 30's and snowing for us. Today is -1 with the wind chill. Poor them!
In other news, this is the last weekend here at ODS. From the sounds of it, we will be on off-base liberty this weekend with the possibility of wearing civies (civilian clothing). Everyone is looking forward to it. I'm headed to sushi tonight with a few people, then I think I will just stay on base the rest of the weekend. Maybe get a few laps in at the pool and a nice workout at the gym. If I go anywhere, I have to take a cab ($$$$$), and if I stay anywhere, what fun would that be without my beautiful wife and kids? There are a few that are headed to Boston and Connecticut for the weekend (we are allowed a 50 mile radius). Other than that, next week begins week 5 - the last week of ODS. The fun part will be that a new ODS class will begin on Monday, so they will be taking a little more of Sr. Chief's loving attention...LOL! I'm sure we'll hear them on Tuesday around 0345 when they are abruptly awaken for lots of PT and the meeting of their new Sr. Chief.
Next week we have a few enjoyable events. After we do our last PFA on Monday, the rest of the week looks pretty good. Wednesday will be our company night out. We are renting the Liberty Center and will have pizza, sundays and a movie. Thursday, we get to roast the staff (Sr. Chief and our Class Officer). Thursday night, I get to have a great date with my wife at the reception. I am looking forward to it. Then on Friday, 0900 is graduation! As the saying goes here, only 6 days and a wake up!
Alright, I better head out. God bless you all!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
DOLC and Week 4!
We made it to week 4! Wahoo!!! This week has been very different from previous weeks. Since we have taken our exams, we have moved out of BOC (Basic Officer Course) and FOC (Fleet Officer Course) training and have moved to DOLC (Division Officer Leadership Course). Very different atmosphere. First, we are allowed to have coffee and snacks. I don't drink coffee, but the rest of the class sure does. For 63 of us, I think they went through 2 boxes from Dunkin' Doughnuts and about 20 pots of coffee yesterday. We also were allowed to eat the cookies that someone's aunt sent last week. 10-1 gallon bags of cookies made it just past lunch... The training itself is also very different. We are in table groups and the training is interactive and setup to stimiulate conversation. For example, one of the senarios that one group had to deal with yesterday as we discussed mid-year and annual counseling sessions (reviews) was the character being reviewed was having inappropriate relations with an officer (the character was enlisted). The person in the role of the DIVO (Division Officer) had to deal with this, then as a class, we discussed it. Very interesting. Other groups dealt with suicide, co-worker inappropriate relations, etc. Great conversations.
Ok, I've got to jump back a couple of days. Monday was very cold and wet here. We were in the 30's with a nasty wind (approx. 30-40 knot winds - 35-45 mph winds). So, as we marched everywhere, we spend most of the day in very wet pants. Just about the time they dried out, we were on the move again. No worries though. :) We also learned that we were going to be given evening liberty from the end of business to 2000. That means no galley food...unless you really wanted it! The galley food has made everyone very gassy...future ODSers, bring some gasx - your shipmates will appreciate it!
We have to muster in a few minutes to get today rolling for DOLC, but just to give an idea of what today entails as a week 4 day:
0345 - wake-up
0445 - march to gym 302
0500 - PT (and it wasn't all that bad)
0615 - chow
0800 - DOLC (leadership course)
1015 - tour the Arleigh Burke destroyer
1130 - chow
1300 - DOLC
1600 - liberty
2000 - evening muster
Fun day today. :) PT wasn't too bad either. PT this morning was the draw the card and do the 4-count exercise (a heart card had us doing the number on the card of 4-count push-ups...so 6 of hearts is 6 push-ups going down-up-down-up=1) Not too bad. :) Either we're getting stronger or we just make it fun enough that we don't care.
Real quickly, please be in prayer for one of our shipmates here. He found out that his wife is pregnant the first week he was here and this will be their first child. She had previously had a miscarriage, so please be in prayer for them.
Ok, gotta run. God bless everyone and have a wonderful day!
Ok, I've got to jump back a couple of days. Monday was very cold and wet here. We were in the 30's with a nasty wind (approx. 30-40 knot winds - 35-45 mph winds). So, as we marched everywhere, we spend most of the day in very wet pants. Just about the time they dried out, we were on the move again. No worries though. :) We also learned that we were going to be given evening liberty from the end of business to 2000. That means no galley food...unless you really wanted it! The galley food has made everyone very gassy...future ODSers, bring some gasx - your shipmates will appreciate it!
We have to muster in a few minutes to get today rolling for DOLC, but just to give an idea of what today entails as a week 4 day:
0345 - wake-up
0445 - march to gym 302
0500 - PT (and it wasn't all that bad)
0615 - chow
0800 - DOLC (leadership course)
1015 - tour the Arleigh Burke destroyer
1130 - chow
1300 - DOLC
1600 - liberty
2000 - evening muster
Fun day today. :) PT wasn't too bad either. PT this morning was the draw the card and do the 4-count exercise (a heart card had us doing the number on the card of 4-count push-ups...so 6 of hearts is 6 push-ups going down-up-down-up=1) Not too bad. :) Either we're getting stronger or we just make it fun enough that we don't care.
Real quickly, please be in prayer for one of our shipmates here. He found out that his wife is pregnant the first week he was here and this will be their first child. She had previously had a miscarriage, so please be in prayer for them.
Ok, gotta run. God bless everyone and have a wonderful day!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
A few pictures...
The view from my room
My room. I'm on the port side (left)
Kind of a mess...my sea bag is still on my desk from picking up uniforms
Day 1 UOD (Uniform of the Day)
Days 2-5 UOD and PT gear
Every day now UOD This was day one with Khakis...they look better now. LOL
Full Dress Blues just before pictures.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Ahh...Week 3 is just about done
I can finally write this with a sigh of relief. Today was test day...what I mean is that today we had our second PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment), our Basic Officer's Course and Fleet Officer's Course exams (final exams), and a service dress blues uniform inspection. The good news is, I passed all three. Thank you Sally, Isaiah, and Eliana for your prayers just before and during the test (I sent a quick email to them just before). I doubt that I'm in line for the academic award, but I passed both of the exams today with decent marks.
The PFA this morning was kind of funny. I improved all of my tested sections (push-ups, sit-ups, and the 1.5 mile run)...even managed to shave over 20 seconds off the run time. The funny part was that afterwards, it was so cold in the gym that everyone sounded like they were coughing up a lung. That cold air during a run doesn't do a body good. LOL
Plans for this weekend have yet to be formally announced, but our Class Officer (who is on staff here at OTCN and oversees our training) told us that we've been pretty good this week and that we will get off base liberty this weekend. We will have to be in service dress blues (that means ribbons but no medals) if we leave the base. Otherwise, the rest of the base is open to us. That includes the movie theater, bowling alley, and so on. Sadly, many of the folks here are excited to head to the bars in Newport. Alcohol has been authorized, and I really wish that it hadn't. You can imagine that none of the Chaplains will be headed that directions. I know, we are such duds...lol Someone did ask if we can have desert, and although alcohol has been authorized, desert has not been. Go figure. :) That kind of puts the kabosh on what a couple of the Chaplains and I were planning...chow here, then out for ice cream. Such is life. I did hear that there are some great sushi places to visit. Maybe we can get a group together to head there for lunch. Or maybe not...sushi is expensive.
I will say that this trip/training has most definitly stregthened my reliance on Christ. In the times when I thought that I had had enough (generally because I missed my family), I felt His presence picking me up and moving me forward. I have had the opportunity to spend more time in my Bible than I have in a while, and it has been wonderful getting deeper into the Word of God. Chapel services here are pretty light in that they do not go in depth into the Bible, but that's where personal study can take off. There are also studies here as well during the week.
We only have 2 weeks left, and you can tell. The team here (India Company) has moved into survival mode. One of the most common statements you will hear is that people are done and ready to move on. I'm one of those people... :)
The good thing is that next week will be our DLC training (leadership training); part of which is firefighting and sinking ship evacuation. We are looking forward to it! After that, it is week 5, and my family is coming to town on Wednesday of that week. I can't wait to see them!
Isaiah - if mom is reading this to you, I want you to know that a lot of the times that I thought something was hard, I just thought of you and you got me through.
In short - another week down...we survived! God bless everyone!
The PFA this morning was kind of funny. I improved all of my tested sections (push-ups, sit-ups, and the 1.5 mile run)...even managed to shave over 20 seconds off the run time. The funny part was that afterwards, it was so cold in the gym that everyone sounded like they were coughing up a lung. That cold air during a run doesn't do a body good. LOL
Plans for this weekend have yet to be formally announced, but our Class Officer (who is on staff here at OTCN and oversees our training) told us that we've been pretty good this week and that we will get off base liberty this weekend. We will have to be in service dress blues (that means ribbons but no medals) if we leave the base. Otherwise, the rest of the base is open to us. That includes the movie theater, bowling alley, and so on. Sadly, many of the folks here are excited to head to the bars in Newport. Alcohol has been authorized, and I really wish that it hadn't. You can imagine that none of the Chaplains will be headed that directions. I know, we are such duds...lol Someone did ask if we can have desert, and although alcohol has been authorized, desert has not been. Go figure. :) That kind of puts the kabosh on what a couple of the Chaplains and I were planning...chow here, then out for ice cream. Such is life. I did hear that there are some great sushi places to visit. Maybe we can get a group together to head there for lunch. Or maybe not...sushi is expensive.
I will say that this trip/training has most definitly stregthened my reliance on Christ. In the times when I thought that I had had enough (generally because I missed my family), I felt His presence picking me up and moving me forward. I have had the opportunity to spend more time in my Bible than I have in a while, and it has been wonderful getting deeper into the Word of God. Chapel services here are pretty light in that they do not go in depth into the Bible, but that's where personal study can take off. There are also studies here as well during the week.
We only have 2 weeks left, and you can tell. The team here (India Company) has moved into survival mode. One of the most common statements you will hear is that people are done and ready to move on. I'm one of those people... :)
The good thing is that next week will be our DLC training (leadership training); part of which is firefighting and sinking ship evacuation. We are looking forward to it! After that, it is week 5, and my family is coming to town on Wednesday of that week. I can't wait to see them!
Isaiah - if mom is reading this to you, I want you to know that a lot of the times that I thought something was hard, I just thought of you and you got me through.
In short - another week down...we survived! God bless everyone!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Almost the End of Week 3
We're over the hump of the training! Finally! This week has been different, but not too bad. Well, except for PT yesterday. Sr. Chief really nailed us. Run until he says stop, drop down and do the excercise he calls until he says stop (like 2-4 mins of push-ups, sit-ups, flutter kicks, etc.), then get up and run again. There were no breaks between sets either. Yikes! We are all pretty sore today. Not a good thing since tomorrow is our PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment), but we aren't as sore as when we did our first PFA. The Chiefs wanted to show us who was boss then and dropped us to the deck (floor) for a hard workout. The former Marines had said that was harder than anything they did back at Marine boot camp. Glad that was in week one!
Today was a day full of classes. From 0800 - 1630, we were in class. During this time, Sr. Chief did a room inspection. I was so happy to see that we only had 2 discrepencies - one for each of us in the room. We are to make our beds with 6" of sheet folded down from the top and that is to be folded down at the 6" line. Mine was about 1/4" off as was my room mate. No biggie though, we passed!
This weekend is supposed to be our first off base liberty weekend. We are all looking forward to it. We will have to be in service dress blues to leave the base, but that's ok. :)
Well, I hate to cut this short, but I have to polish my shoes and iron my shirt for the dress uniform inspection tomorrow. We also have our second PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment) and our final exam. Should be a busy day.
God bless you all!
Today was a day full of classes. From 0800 - 1630, we were in class. During this time, Sr. Chief did a room inspection. I was so happy to see that we only had 2 discrepencies - one for each of us in the room. We are to make our beds with 6" of sheet folded down from the top and that is to be folded down at the 6" line. Mine was about 1/4" off as was my room mate. No biggie though, we passed!
This weekend is supposed to be our first off base liberty weekend. We are all looking forward to it. We will have to be in service dress blues to leave the base, but that's ok. :)
Well, I hate to cut this short, but I have to polish my shoes and iron my shirt for the dress uniform inspection tomorrow. We also have our second PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment) and our final exam. Should be a busy day.
God bless you all!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Almost the middle of week 3!
Here we are in week 3, and because of Monday's holiday for MLK Jr Day, this week is half over and it just started! Our day today started out with drill for graduation. Boy do we have a lot of work. Normally, we wouldn't drill until week 5, but a new ODS class is coming in that week, and Sr. Chief's hands will be full. It will be so nice that he is spending his quality time with them and not us. ;) We finally earned our company flag (Go India Company!). It was something that we had to earn, and we finally did it. We also earned the privilage to drink coffee at our meals. Not a real biggie to me since I don't drink coffee, but others were really excited. Those that want coffee cannot get it until after the "Eat" command has been called. It cuts into their 15 mins to eat, but most that are coffee drinkers don't care. Besides, we are getting pretty good at finishing our meals within 10 minutes now. I am looking forward to tasting real food again whenever I get home...and spending more than 10 minutes eating. LOL Maybe by next week we will be able to talk during chow (eating) time.
After drill and chow (which it seems like we are always eating even thought it is 3 times a day and for only 15 mins), the chaplains and the first half of the alphabet went down and we recevied our new ID cards. The other half of our class spent the day in classes. Tomorrow we switch and we will be in classes and they will get their ID cards and have the afternoon for studying.
Unfortunately, I have been sick for the past 7 days. Didn't seem like a big deal at first, but by this weekend, I wasn't sleeping because my ears hurt so bad (felt like they were going to burst). I finally got to sick call this morning and am on a series of meds to take care of it. Not counting my nap today, in the past 5 days, I have had about 6 hours of sleep. Can't wait for a good night's rest again (which here is considered to be 4 hours a night - yep, 4 hours is a good solid night's rest!).
The rest of this week will be interesting. Sorry if some of this is a repeat. Tomorrow is a day full of classes for me, then Thursday I think we will get to tour a ship that is coming to port. Friday is a busy day...we have our second PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment - for me, 54 situps in two minutes, 44 pushups in 2 minutes, and a 12 minute 30 second or less mile and a half run). The PFA varies depending on gender and age; but those are my targets. Then we will have 2 final exams. We also have our dress blues inspection that day. Lot's to do!
Next week will begin leadership training week. If the scuttlebutt is right, we will be learning how to fight fires and do a simulated abondon ship/night swim in the pool. Basically, the mock ship begins to fill with water and we have to escape and swim as a group without loosing people. The catch is that the room will be mostly dark, lightening flashes will be simulated, thunder noises will be simulated (with sheet metal I think), and they will be spraying water with fire hoses to simulate rain. The goal is to make it across the pool without loosing anyone. It will be interesting!
The Chaplain here wants to take all of the chaplains out next Sunday (our last Sunday here) to see the first Baptist church in the United States as well as several other colonial period churches. He also wants to take us to Boston to see the Constitution of the United States. How cool is that! Hopefully none of us will have watch and have to miss out.
For those that have been hoping I would call to say hello, sorry that I haven't been able to do that. Our cell phone time has been restricted to 30 mins on liberty (weekends). 30 mins is not a whole lot, so I spend the time talking to Sally and the kids. How I miss them!
In other news, only 15 days and a wake up until graduation. The first time I said that to Sally, she said "What?" So, 15 more days, then we wake up and graduate at 0900. Looking forward to seeing my family again. :)
Please keep my classmates in your prayers. Some have gone through some very trying times (not ODS related) and because they are here, have not been able to help with the situations at home. We have one classmate here that has bronchitis and has been having a rough time health wise. Others are busy working through the fact that their houses are being packed right now and the next time they will see their family will be at their new duty station. Kind of a scary though. Lastly, please be in prayer for our church, First Baptist Church in Kingston. Each person has been in my prayers by name since I have been here, and I would ask all who read this to keep them in your prayers as well.
Ok, that's about it for now on the personal stuff. For those that might be reading this trying to figure out what they've gotten themselves into before they arrive to ODS, here are a few pointers:
1. Don't call the Sr. Chief "sir." You will pay for it. As he says, "You'll either get smarter or get stronger." I recommend getting smarter fast.
2. Be prepared for early wake up days! Our average day begins at 0345 and ends between 2200-0100 (you'll have a lot of stuff to do outside of instruction, so be prepared). If you can get sleep before you get here, make sure you do!
3. If you drink coffee, start cutting back now. You will not earn coffee until possibly week 3, and it is a privilage, not a right. Also, start practicing eating your food in a hurry. You will have 15 mins to eat at every meal, and by the time everyone sits down, your food will most likely be cold.
4. Start doing pushups, situps, and running now. You will literally do hundreds of pushups and situps in your first week alone.
5. Learn how to get along with everyone and help them out. This might sound simple, but until the team starts functioning as a team, your liberties will be very restricted.
6. If you are on reserve or enlisted pay now, talk to your current command and make sure that they get the right information in the system for pay. We have a few reserves that will not get paid this entire month because their reserve commands have not released them properly to active duty.
There's more I could say, but that would take away from the experience. :)
God bless everyone!
After drill and chow (which it seems like we are always eating even thought it is 3 times a day and for only 15 mins), the chaplains and the first half of the alphabet went down and we recevied our new ID cards. The other half of our class spent the day in classes. Tomorrow we switch and we will be in classes and they will get their ID cards and have the afternoon for studying.
Unfortunately, I have been sick for the past 7 days. Didn't seem like a big deal at first, but by this weekend, I wasn't sleeping because my ears hurt so bad (felt like they were going to burst). I finally got to sick call this morning and am on a series of meds to take care of it. Not counting my nap today, in the past 5 days, I have had about 6 hours of sleep. Can't wait for a good night's rest again (which here is considered to be 4 hours a night - yep, 4 hours is a good solid night's rest!).
The rest of this week will be interesting. Sorry if some of this is a repeat. Tomorrow is a day full of classes for me, then Thursday I think we will get to tour a ship that is coming to port. Friday is a busy day...we have our second PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment - for me, 54 situps in two minutes, 44 pushups in 2 minutes, and a 12 minute 30 second or less mile and a half run). The PFA varies depending on gender and age; but those are my targets. Then we will have 2 final exams. We also have our dress blues inspection that day. Lot's to do!
Next week will begin leadership training week. If the scuttlebutt is right, we will be learning how to fight fires and do a simulated abondon ship/night swim in the pool. Basically, the mock ship begins to fill with water and we have to escape and swim as a group without loosing people. The catch is that the room will be mostly dark, lightening flashes will be simulated, thunder noises will be simulated (with sheet metal I think), and they will be spraying water with fire hoses to simulate rain. The goal is to make it across the pool without loosing anyone. It will be interesting!
The Chaplain here wants to take all of the chaplains out next Sunday (our last Sunday here) to see the first Baptist church in the United States as well as several other colonial period churches. He also wants to take us to Boston to see the Constitution of the United States. How cool is that! Hopefully none of us will have watch and have to miss out.
For those that have been hoping I would call to say hello, sorry that I haven't been able to do that. Our cell phone time has been restricted to 30 mins on liberty (weekends). 30 mins is not a whole lot, so I spend the time talking to Sally and the kids. How I miss them!
In other news, only 15 days and a wake up until graduation. The first time I said that to Sally, she said "What?" So, 15 more days, then we wake up and graduate at 0900. Looking forward to seeing my family again. :)
Please keep my classmates in your prayers. Some have gone through some very trying times (not ODS related) and because they are here, have not been able to help with the situations at home. We have one classmate here that has bronchitis and has been having a rough time health wise. Others are busy working through the fact that their houses are being packed right now and the next time they will see their family will be at their new duty station. Kind of a scary though. Lastly, please be in prayer for our church, First Baptist Church in Kingston. Each person has been in my prayers by name since I have been here, and I would ask all who read this to keep them in your prayers as well.
Ok, that's about it for now on the personal stuff. For those that might be reading this trying to figure out what they've gotten themselves into before they arrive to ODS, here are a few pointers:
1. Don't call the Sr. Chief "sir." You will pay for it. As he says, "You'll either get smarter or get stronger." I recommend getting smarter fast.
2. Be prepared for early wake up days! Our average day begins at 0345 and ends between 2200-0100 (you'll have a lot of stuff to do outside of instruction, so be prepared). If you can get sleep before you get here, make sure you do!
3. If you drink coffee, start cutting back now. You will not earn coffee until possibly week 3, and it is a privilage, not a right. Also, start practicing eating your food in a hurry. You will have 15 mins to eat at every meal, and by the time everyone sits down, your food will most likely be cold.
4. Start doing pushups, situps, and running now. You will literally do hundreds of pushups and situps in your first week alone.
5. Learn how to get along with everyone and help them out. This might sound simple, but until the team starts functioning as a team, your liberties will be very restricted.
6. If you are on reserve or enlisted pay now, talk to your current command and make sure that they get the right information in the system for pay. We have a few reserves that will not get paid this entire month because their reserve commands have not released them properly to active duty.
There's more I could say, but that would take away from the experience. :)
God bless everyone!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Weekend #2 - Liberty!
Hello all. This week has been a lot less stressful than week one. Where in week one we were constantly being drilled and on the ground doing pushups for calling our Sr. Chief "sir," this week, we only hit the deck (floor) 5 or 6 times. We do have a "sir count" of 21, which will be paid later, but that's only 210 pushups or so. Not too bad.
This past week has been full with dental checks for everyone, 9 shots over 2 days, and class after class after class...you get the idea; and we have 16 online classes that we are to complete by the end of this week. Some have called our classes "PowerPoint Hell," but I don't think it is all that bad.
One of the classes this week had literally everyone in the class in tears. One of the LT's showed us a slide show from his time in Fallujah in 2004 (when the city was liberated). Wow! Everyone reading this, please do not ever become numb to our soldiers and saliors that fight for our freedom. The LT is in the Nurse Corps, so the pictures were very graphic. I'll leave it at that. Afterwards, we watched the movie "Taking Chance." Not a single dry eye in the room. This movie is based on a true story and shows what this country does for all of the soldiers and sailors that die for our freedoms that we take for granted. I encourage everyone to watch this movie, then say a prayer for our military forces. It is not appropriate for kids (although not graphic and it only has 3 swear words), the content would make any military kid nervous.
Ok, back to ODS stuff. Last Saturday, we picked up our khakis and have been wearing them every day. Yesterday we picked up our dress blues and will have a uniform inspection this week in addition to pictures. This week also holds our next PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment), 2 exams, and a tour of a ship coming into port. I can't remember which one, but with as little sleep as we have all had, it's not that surprising. :) It has been getting better though, and many are hitting the racks (bed) at 2200 after taps.
Life here isn't all that bad now. We eat like it is a cruise ship, except you don't get to eat whenever you want. Let's see...for breakfast, I had scrambled eggs (probably 3 or 4 eggs worth), two sausage links, 2 pieces of french toast, potatoes, fruit, grits with granola, and a cup of juice. All the meals are this large. Crazy though, all of us seem to be hungry before bed; probably from the work outs.
The team has been getting closer as the time has gone by. Today we played a prank on two of the others...they left their lockers wide open, so several of us stood outside their room at attention as if Sr. Chief was inspecting their room. As they came down the hall, one of the guys shoved the chair out of the room and tossed the garbage can out. The look on their face was priceless and it was so hard not to laugh. In general though, we are all helping each other out, and it has been great.
Everyone has to stand watch at different times (I stand watch tomorrow morning from 0445-0745 or so). Not too bad. Let's see, what else? Oh, we have been under a yellow flag since I arrived, which means no marching, formations, or extended time outside. The wind has had the temps between -5 and 2 when we are outside, so this time is limited. The last couple of days, we have been in the 40's and 50's, so with the green flag, we march pretty much everywhere. Can you believe the 40's and 50's in RI in January? It is supposed to snow on Monday, but we'll see. The nice thing is that they do keep the roads very clean here for cars, so no worries about driving for those that are coming to graduation.
Speaking of graduation, we have been working on the graduation ceremony already. Normally this would take place during the 5th week, but a new ODS class comes in then, so we are getting a head start as they will require much of the Sr. Chief's time for the "wonderful" first week.
I'm sure there is more, but I only have a few minutes left at the internet cafe before my time runs out. Talk to you all later!
Please keep Sally and the kids in your prayers. They have had some really bad weather that makes it really hard for Sally to keep the kids occupied. Sally also starts the spring term on Monday, and it will be a tough one for her. Also, please keep First Baptist of Kingston in your prayers. God is watching over them and I continue to pray for the church. Lastly, please do keep our class 10030 (India Company) in your prayers. We have had a couple of injuries and a couple of illnesses that have had some in the quarters for a couple of days.
This past week has been full with dental checks for everyone, 9 shots over 2 days, and class after class after class...you get the idea; and we have 16 online classes that we are to complete by the end of this week. Some have called our classes "PowerPoint Hell," but I don't think it is all that bad.
One of the classes this week had literally everyone in the class in tears. One of the LT's showed us a slide show from his time in Fallujah in 2004 (when the city was liberated). Wow! Everyone reading this, please do not ever become numb to our soldiers and saliors that fight for our freedom. The LT is in the Nurse Corps, so the pictures were very graphic. I'll leave it at that. Afterwards, we watched the movie "Taking Chance." Not a single dry eye in the room. This movie is based on a true story and shows what this country does for all of the soldiers and sailors that die for our freedoms that we take for granted. I encourage everyone to watch this movie, then say a prayer for our military forces. It is not appropriate for kids (although not graphic and it only has 3 swear words), the content would make any military kid nervous.
Ok, back to ODS stuff. Last Saturday, we picked up our khakis and have been wearing them every day. Yesterday we picked up our dress blues and will have a uniform inspection this week in addition to pictures. This week also holds our next PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment), 2 exams, and a tour of a ship coming into port. I can't remember which one, but with as little sleep as we have all had, it's not that surprising. :) It has been getting better though, and many are hitting the racks (bed) at 2200 after taps.
Life here isn't all that bad now. We eat like it is a cruise ship, except you don't get to eat whenever you want. Let's see...for breakfast, I had scrambled eggs (probably 3 or 4 eggs worth), two sausage links, 2 pieces of french toast, potatoes, fruit, grits with granola, and a cup of juice. All the meals are this large. Crazy though, all of us seem to be hungry before bed; probably from the work outs.
The team has been getting closer as the time has gone by. Today we played a prank on two of the others...they left their lockers wide open, so several of us stood outside their room at attention as if Sr. Chief was inspecting their room. As they came down the hall, one of the guys shoved the chair out of the room and tossed the garbage can out. The look on their face was priceless and it was so hard not to laugh. In general though, we are all helping each other out, and it has been great.
Everyone has to stand watch at different times (I stand watch tomorrow morning from 0445-0745 or so). Not too bad. Let's see, what else? Oh, we have been under a yellow flag since I arrived, which means no marching, formations, or extended time outside. The wind has had the temps between -5 and 2 when we are outside, so this time is limited. The last couple of days, we have been in the 40's and 50's, so with the green flag, we march pretty much everywhere. Can you believe the 40's and 50's in RI in January? It is supposed to snow on Monday, but we'll see. The nice thing is that they do keep the roads very clean here for cars, so no worries about driving for those that are coming to graduation.
Speaking of graduation, we have been working on the graduation ceremony already. Normally this would take place during the 5th week, but a new ODS class comes in then, so we are getting a head start as they will require much of the Sr. Chief's time for the "wonderful" first week.
I'm sure there is more, but I only have a few minutes left at the internet cafe before my time runs out. Talk to you all later!
Please keep Sally and the kids in your prayers. They have had some really bad weather that makes it really hard for Sally to keep the kids occupied. Sally also starts the spring term on Monday, and it will be a tough one for her. Also, please keep First Baptist of Kingston in your prayers. God is watching over them and I continue to pray for the church. Lastly, please do keep our class 10030 (India Company) in your prayers. We have had a couple of injuries and a couple of illnesses that have had some in the quarters for a couple of days.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day --- Not sure...
Ok, so it is a strange title, but pretty fitting. The days here seem to blend together as we get up at 0345 having gone to bed at around 2330 - 0000 or later the night before. Hey, that's more sleep than last week, so who's complaining? Anyway, this week has not been nearly as stressful as last week...so far anyway.
Yesterday, wasn't too bad. :) We messed up first thing this morning...the POD (plan of the day) told the guys that PT was in gym 302 (a pretty good walk in the cold; maybe 1/3 of a mile or so at most); the women had to take a pregnancy test. Anyway, we got down there, turned on the lights, rolled up the tarp, and did the warm up just in time to find out that we were supposed to be up at the 4th deck. So, we walked all the way back and then paid for it. Not too bad though. Then we had shot day today. I had 4 or 5 shots and 7 viles drawn for labs. Another shot day on Wednesday. Wahoo.
Today was a drill day at 0500 and then back to back classes until 1700...kind of. The last class was one that we had yesterday, so we got to come back to the house (our rooms) to find that everyone had failed the room inspection. Funny thing was that almost everyone dusted last night and swept this morning before leaving. No biggie, we figure that this is all part of the plan to keep us motivated. I will say that the classes were very difficult to get through today. We were sitting there for close to 7 hours and I don't think anyone made it through all of them without taking a little snooze! We are supposed to stand up at the side or back of the room if we are dozing, but all of the walls were full, so it was time for a little nap. lol Anyway, tonight I had watch at Callahan Hall which is probably the nicest watch to get. It is the only one where you get to sit down and there is a computer there for use. I now only have 5 NKO (Navy Knowledge Online) course left to complete. Whew! I am supposed to be doing voluntary PT tonight, but I got back from watch after it started, so maybe tomorrow...after shots...hmmm, I might have to think about this one.
Tomorrow is a dental and hearing test day as is Thursday. We also have the remainder of our shots tomorrow, so yippee, it will be a blast! Friday is full of classes, and then, hopefully, we will have liberty on base this weekend (I hope). One of the things we learned early on about the Navy or any military service is that you are available 24/7 if needed or ordered, so weekends may or may not be liberty (time off). I am hoping we will get to use our cell phones again. Last weekend, we were able to use them for 30 mins per day (30 Sat/30 Sun). Can't wait to talk to Sally and the kids again. Sally said that everytime the phone rings, Eliana says, "daddy?" Isaiah has been writing me letters, and I love getting them. If you would like to send a letter, and I would love to get one, please send it to the address below. No care packages please as they have to be opened in front of our Class Officer and Sr. Chief, and we aren't allowed any food in our racks (rooms). Thanks!
ENS Nicholas Alander
ODS CLASS # 10030
COMPANY India
Officer Training Command
291 Kollmeyer St.
Newport, RI 02841-1641
Ok, well, I had better get back to work. I am going to try and hit the rack before 2200 tonight. :)
Yesterday, wasn't too bad. :) We messed up first thing this morning...the POD (plan of the day) told the guys that PT was in gym 302 (a pretty good walk in the cold; maybe 1/3 of a mile or so at most); the women had to take a pregnancy test. Anyway, we got down there, turned on the lights, rolled up the tarp, and did the warm up just in time to find out that we were supposed to be up at the 4th deck. So, we walked all the way back and then paid for it. Not too bad though. Then we had shot day today. I had 4 or 5 shots and 7 viles drawn for labs. Another shot day on Wednesday. Wahoo.
Today was a drill day at 0500 and then back to back classes until 1700...kind of. The last class was one that we had yesterday, so we got to come back to the house (our rooms) to find that everyone had failed the room inspection. Funny thing was that almost everyone dusted last night and swept this morning before leaving. No biggie, we figure that this is all part of the plan to keep us motivated. I will say that the classes were very difficult to get through today. We were sitting there for close to 7 hours and I don't think anyone made it through all of them without taking a little snooze! We are supposed to stand up at the side or back of the room if we are dozing, but all of the walls were full, so it was time for a little nap. lol Anyway, tonight I had watch at Callahan Hall which is probably the nicest watch to get. It is the only one where you get to sit down and there is a computer there for use. I now only have 5 NKO (Navy Knowledge Online) course left to complete. Whew! I am supposed to be doing voluntary PT tonight, but I got back from watch after it started, so maybe tomorrow...after shots...hmmm, I might have to think about this one.
Tomorrow is a dental and hearing test day as is Thursday. We also have the remainder of our shots tomorrow, so yippee, it will be a blast! Friday is full of classes, and then, hopefully, we will have liberty on base this weekend (I hope). One of the things we learned early on about the Navy or any military service is that you are available 24/7 if needed or ordered, so weekends may or may not be liberty (time off). I am hoping we will get to use our cell phones again. Last weekend, we were able to use them for 30 mins per day (30 Sat/30 Sun). Can't wait to talk to Sally and the kids again. Sally said that everytime the phone rings, Eliana says, "daddy?" Isaiah has been writing me letters, and I love getting them. If you would like to send a letter, and I would love to get one, please send it to the address below. No care packages please as they have to be opened in front of our Class Officer and Sr. Chief, and we aren't allowed any food in our racks (rooms). Thanks!
ENS Nicholas Alander
ODS CLASS # 10030
COMPANY India
Officer Training Command
291 Kollmeyer St.
Newport, RI 02841-1641
Ok, well, I had better get back to work. I am going to try and hit the rack before 2200 tonight. :)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
ODS Week 1
Wow, week 1 is over...thank God!!!!!! Only 4 more left, for ODS anyway. I apologize that this is so late, but we have had little to no time to do anything around here. Where to start? I arrived on Sunday at about 1330 to Newport and to the base around 1530. I met my room mate, and it has been great. I will try to post pictures when I can. Anyway, I hit the rack (bed) around 2230 or so and thought I was ready for the day to begin. Day one was pretty easy; administration day. We did a lot of hurrying up to wait. We spent about 3 hours in coveralls and then purchased our PT (physical training) gear. We spent the remainder of the first week wearing PT gear. We did a light PT and it wasn't bad at all. Piece of cake, right?
Welcome to Tuesday morning... At 0400, we were woken by our Sr. Chief and several other Chiefs that were yelling and pounding on our doors. We had 30 seconds to get in PT gear and hit the deck in the main P-Way (hall way). No one was awake, but we did an intensive PT for about an hour or more, then had to line up and head to chow (food). We came back and had a little more PT. Anyone that might read this for information about Navy ODS, let me highly recommend that you get the words "ok," "sorry," "uh huh," and when addressing Sr. Chief - "sir" out of your vocabulary. Every one of those led to a 10 pushup drop on the deck (floor). If anyone would sigh, add 5 more. After all that, we headed down to the uniform shop and were sized for our uniforms. Back for more payments for "sirs."
Wednesday was another hard day of PT and payments and a couple of classes. We also did our first class swim test. I passed. Whew! We learned that regardless of anything else, the only thing that would keep you at ODS is the failure of the swim test. It wasn't hard. You have to jump off a 3 meter concrete high dive, a 5 minute face down swim, and a 25 yard swim. After that, we had to get dressed in clothes and inflate them, float, then we were done. We ended the night with a large payment for people not locking their lockers and leaving sensitive information in their desk drawers. Subsequently, we lost the privilage of the chair and the use of the desk drawers.
Thursday continued this pattern, and man it was tough. We started with our PFA (physical fitness assessment). Many people failed, myself in cluded. :( After the beating only 8 hours before the PFA, most people could hardly move let alone do a bunch more push-ups and sit-ups. The only thing I failed was the push-ups. Oh well, we'll be retested in two weeks.
Friday was a lighter day, although we started with PT and drill. The walk down there is quite a distance with that cold wind blowing off the bay. We came back and were in classes the rest of the day.
Saturday and Sunday have been liberty (weekend off...sort of). We had 3 homework assignments and two videos to watch as well as 100 sit-ups and push-ups each night. The day started with a uniform inspection and knowledge test. It was an hour + at attention in brand new shoes...ouch! The rest of the day was restricted liberty (time off); restricted in that we can't go very far. We still had a lot to do this weekend, but that's ok.
Food stuff - the food is a buffet style thing that we all enter in formation. We set our trays, edged to the edge of the tables (with our water bottles to the left - the water bottles go everywhere with us). We stand with our left arm straight out reading our "knowledge" (what we are supposed to memorize) until everyone sits down. We then sit at the tables on command and have 15 minutes to eat. Back to the house (our dorm area) for line up, payments to the Sr. Chief, and then instruction from the Sr. Chief on different subjects like uniform setup and so on.
Ok, the day, we are told that the day does not start until 0500, but reality is that we have to be up at 0345 at the absolute latest. When the day ends at 2000 with Sr. Chief, we have tons to do before the next day, so we are usually up until 0000 or 0100. Needless to say, sleep deprivation is something we are becoming accustomed to. I think in the past 7 days, I have had a total of 17 or so hours of sleep (in perspective, most people get 7 hours a night, or 49 hours a week). Oh yeah, add to that, we stand watch on our deck (floor) or the quarterdeck (where everyone comes in) or one other hall. This entails rounds outside at night...brrrrr!!! The watches range between 2-4 hours and are through the night, standing the whole time.
Tomorrow starts another day where I believe we will start with PT, chow (breakfast), then 11 shots. The ladies will have to take a pregnancy test, which is strange since we all had a urinalysis on Monday. Anyway, this week should be a lot of PowerPoint from what I understand. We will also do a lot of drilling this week.
Sorry if there are a lot of spelling mistakes and whatnot, but I'm pretty tired. Ok, gotta run. We are doing a team building thing as I type (shame on me) and are then off to 100/100 (push-ups/sit-ups) after. Shine the shoes, iron, and head to bed.
Oh, one last thing, we did get phone privilages this weekend for a total of 30 mins each day. Sally has not had water for a couple of days (I am thankful that Mark from church came out to help thaw the pipes today). It has been really cold back home and she slid through and intersection...no one was coming, so everything's ok, but needless to say, she isn't driving a whole lot. Please keep her in your prayers as well as the kids as it has been really hard on all of us. Also, please pray for a couple of things here at ODS. First, one of our shipmates (another Chaplain) had to fly home for an emergency (his wife had to have emergency surgery). The healing will take longer than the surgery recovery. Also, please pray for all of us here at ODS. It isn't easy, but we'll make it. :)
God bless everyone! I'll try to update the next time I get time.
Welcome to Tuesday morning... At 0400, we were woken by our Sr. Chief and several other Chiefs that were yelling and pounding on our doors. We had 30 seconds to get in PT gear and hit the deck in the main P-Way (hall way). No one was awake, but we did an intensive PT for about an hour or more, then had to line up and head to chow (food). We came back and had a little more PT. Anyone that might read this for information about Navy ODS, let me highly recommend that you get the words "ok," "sorry," "uh huh," and when addressing Sr. Chief - "sir" out of your vocabulary. Every one of those led to a 10 pushup drop on the deck (floor). If anyone would sigh, add 5 more. After all that, we headed down to the uniform shop and were sized for our uniforms. Back for more payments for "sirs."
Wednesday was another hard day of PT and payments and a couple of classes. We also did our first class swim test. I passed. Whew! We learned that regardless of anything else, the only thing that would keep you at ODS is the failure of the swim test. It wasn't hard. You have to jump off a 3 meter concrete high dive, a 5 minute face down swim, and a 25 yard swim. After that, we had to get dressed in clothes and inflate them, float, then we were done. We ended the night with a large payment for people not locking their lockers and leaving sensitive information in their desk drawers. Subsequently, we lost the privilage of the chair and the use of the desk drawers.
Thursday continued this pattern, and man it was tough. We started with our PFA (physical fitness assessment). Many people failed, myself in cluded. :( After the beating only 8 hours before the PFA, most people could hardly move let alone do a bunch more push-ups and sit-ups. The only thing I failed was the push-ups. Oh well, we'll be retested in two weeks.
Friday was a lighter day, although we started with PT and drill. The walk down there is quite a distance with that cold wind blowing off the bay. We came back and were in classes the rest of the day.
Saturday and Sunday have been liberty (weekend off...sort of). We had 3 homework assignments and two videos to watch as well as 100 sit-ups and push-ups each night. The day started with a uniform inspection and knowledge test. It was an hour + at attention in brand new shoes...ouch! The rest of the day was restricted liberty (time off); restricted in that we can't go very far. We still had a lot to do this weekend, but that's ok.
Food stuff - the food is a buffet style thing that we all enter in formation. We set our trays, edged to the edge of the tables (with our water bottles to the left - the water bottles go everywhere with us). We stand with our left arm straight out reading our "knowledge" (what we are supposed to memorize) until everyone sits down. We then sit at the tables on command and have 15 minutes to eat. Back to the house (our dorm area) for line up, payments to the Sr. Chief, and then instruction from the Sr. Chief on different subjects like uniform setup and so on.
Ok, the day, we are told that the day does not start until 0500, but reality is that we have to be up at 0345 at the absolute latest. When the day ends at 2000 with Sr. Chief, we have tons to do before the next day, so we are usually up until 0000 or 0100. Needless to say, sleep deprivation is something we are becoming accustomed to. I think in the past 7 days, I have had a total of 17 or so hours of sleep (in perspective, most people get 7 hours a night, or 49 hours a week). Oh yeah, add to that, we stand watch on our deck (floor) or the quarterdeck (where everyone comes in) or one other hall. This entails rounds outside at night...brrrrr!!! The watches range between 2-4 hours and are through the night, standing the whole time.
Tomorrow starts another day where I believe we will start with PT, chow (breakfast), then 11 shots. The ladies will have to take a pregnancy test, which is strange since we all had a urinalysis on Monday. Anyway, this week should be a lot of PowerPoint from what I understand. We will also do a lot of drilling this week.
Sorry if there are a lot of spelling mistakes and whatnot, but I'm pretty tired. Ok, gotta run. We are doing a team building thing as I type (shame on me) and are then off to 100/100 (push-ups/sit-ups) after. Shine the shoes, iron, and head to bed.
Oh, one last thing, we did get phone privilages this weekend for a total of 30 mins each day. Sally has not had water for a couple of days (I am thankful that Mark from church came out to help thaw the pipes today). It has been really cold back home and she slid through and intersection...no one was coming, so everything's ok, but needless to say, she isn't driving a whole lot. Please keep her in your prayers as well as the kids as it has been really hard on all of us. Also, please pray for a couple of things here at ODS. First, one of our shipmates (another Chaplain) had to fly home for an emergency (his wife had to have emergency surgery). The healing will take longer than the surgery recovery. Also, please pray for all of us here at ODS. It isn't easy, but we'll make it. :)
God bless everyone! I'll try to update the next time I get time.
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