USS Buttercup

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!