Lily:0, Life:1

CWIS (Sea whizz) Essentially a monster version of a Gatling gun
Capable of shooting 2,000 rounds per minute

     I'm fairly certain that I am developing a case of schizophrenia. The last week has been a case of highs and extreme lows. We had a 'family day cruise' at the beginning of the week where family members were invited to come onboard for a day at sea. It gave the ship a chance to test machinery and equipment to verify its functionality and it gave family members (and myself) a tiny taste of what their sailors' lives will be like for the next 7 months. We were able to cruise at full speed, make high speed maneuvers (like ones we would do for a man overboard), we fired several of our weapons (not mine), and were able to do several drills including a simulated helicopter casualty on our helipad (we have two helos on the ship that will be coming with us). It was amazing to see the capabilities of the ship and its skilled sailors. That was obviously the high.


Offloading live rounds and replacing them the dummy rounds
on the CWIS

    As I receive my lifeboat assignment in case of abandoned ship orders, my general quarters (navyspeak for battle) station as a .50 cal gun mount loader, am fitted for a SCBA mask (for firefighting or hazmat situation), and the crew moves in clothes, gaming systems, and other entertainment, reality is setting in for the 7 months we will spend at sea. My low points have been attributed to this as well as continued separation from Zach, long days of learning, but still not being helpful, meeting new people, lack of freedom to move about the island (I have no car here), I don't have my own space, everything is metal (ouch!), and small (I cringe every time the shower curtain skims my skin!). I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given, but I've been sourly wondering why God has even guided me here. I'm praying for a some sort of breakthrough very soon.

Helicopter casualty simulation on our helipad

     After Sunday my posts will be from the Pacific Ocean or various parts of the world! We are headed to Guam first so that will be my first 'land post'! I'm told that internet at sea is pretty spotty, but I will post as often as possible. I will also be checking my email when I can. Feel free to email me. I will not have a phone until we are back at homeport in several months, so I will not receive calls or text messages after Sunday.

     Until next time!


Vertical Launching System for
Tomahawks and Standard Missiles