Just Call Me Augie Farks

DISCLAIMER: PG-13 entry (Sorry Ma and Momma H.)

So much of our job as sailors is preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. It can feel, at times, like Live Action Role Playing (LARP). Drill after drill we drill again. Often running drills into the evening or right away in the morning after a midnight watch. Firefighting, HAZMAT, flooding, live gun shoots, medical emergencies, missile firing scenarios, force protection, man over-board, and engine failures. All of which have little chance of happening, on a scale that would be detrimental, thus making it all too easy to become complacent. However, we are in a situation now, that may make us take on these drills with more motivation.

It's time to re-fuel. Plan A has fallen through and plan B...well, plan B is 4 days away. 4 days... This isn't your run of the mill I got a flat tire-call dad type of scale. This is there is no one to help for multiple days and hundreds of miles, DO NOT fuck this up, someone-will-die type of scale. By no means are we in dyer distress (today), but it opens my eyes to how vast the ocean truly is and, even more pertinent, how important it is that we face causalities with precision and speed. Practicing day in and day out my seem like a game of LARP, but being prepared for anything could mean the difference between going home or meeting Davey Jones.

NavySpeak of the Day:

'Rack'- Our bed; stacked three high like bunk beds, the mattress opens up to storage where we place our belongings. Other related terms: 'Rack out'- a term we use to say we are going to bed. Also, rack ops (operations).

Hello, My Name is _______________

     My name is USS Chafee. I live in Peral Harbor Hawaii and love my career as a US Naval war ship. I was commissioned in 2003 as an AEGIS destroyer. I am named after former Rhode Island senator and secretary of the Navy John Chafee. I work hard transporting my family around the Pacific Ocean so they may carryout their duties as United States Sailors.
     I love star gazing, watching sunsets, and long ocean cruises. However, the salty seawater does a number on my skin! It will rust my equipment if I don't keep it in check. The crew spends much time rinsing my surface with freshwater from hoses and much physical labor to chip and repaint where they were too late. They work up a good sweat, especially so close to the equator. I like to think it's a labor of love, but without me they wouldn't make it long.
    Recently, I've enjoyed a number of flybys of jets, helo flight operations, and we've even played war games with some of our allies in a large training event. With all the excitement we haven't been able to stop much. My guys are feeling the drag of deployment...we've entered the dark ages. What excitement there was before we left, has diminished as the days and weeks drone on without a port visit.
    There has been many efforts in keeping morale up. Sunday picnics on the flight deck have become a crew favorite. Enjoying grilled food, games, cigars, and watching the sunset. Fishing and movie projections are a bonus too! They have shown interest in many tournaments and competitions ranging from card games, to video games to talent shows, and photo submissions. Almost daily, there are gun shoots to participate and learn. The M240 machine gun was a few days ago and that was pretty amazing. One particular sailor (me!), helped carry the ammo and both guns up 4 floors (or decks as we call them) and was exhausted long before getting to shoot. There have also been M9, shotgun, .50 cal, and our 5" gun/cannon shoots. All guns need to be in working order, and those operating them are required to be proficient. The said sailor is also learning how to load and operate the 5". One round of this ammo is 70 lbs.! Lifting weights are in order if she is to load more than 5 rounds at a time....
     With all this, still the most talked about event is our next port visit, still to be determined. As always, I will do my best to deliver them safely. Hopefully it will be soon!

NavySpeak of the Day:
Belay my last; used to make a correction when you misspeak.
Example: "The girl has red hair, belay my last, she had blond hair."

Untitled

Gazing out at the endless blue,
some would say it's a peaceful view.

Where the ocean ends and the sky begins,
is a seamless portrait of a battle with in.

My chest burns hot with active frustration.
Yet, saturated in pride and determination.
A tear of repeated sacrifice
one full of commitment, but compromise
defies my fierce loyalties.
But my fears; enveloped in comradery.
This pure proud heart has been betrayed;
Fischers of sorrow being portrayed.

These weights and wings of turmoil will be
What paints our flag as the land of the free.