Deployment started with me floundering about, attempting to gain my sea legs, trust from my shimates, making my way around the ship, and adapting to a new schedule. I was only accutely aware that we had guests aboard to assist in fulfilling our mission. The US Coast Gaurd accompanied us on the first few weeks enforcing maritime security laws. With the help of our boarding teams, they were boarding various vessels we encountered to ensure no trafficking of persons, drugs, or illegal fishing was taking place. Collaberation between the Navy and Coast Gaurd led to safe and organized boardings, though their days proved tough with a constant rotation of teams boarding vessels several times per day.
As we wrapped up with the Coast Gaurd we pulled into Brisbane, Australia for some R & R. There were thousands of sailors as we pulled in with several other US Naval ships. The city was saturated with sailors and the night life was popping, but soon it was time to get back on the clock. War games were calling! Our ship was privilaged to 'play' with other US and Australian Naval ships in several days of
orchestrated war games. We were able to show off our finely tuned skills and brush up on others. It was a huge success and an honor to be part of.
From there, our focus shifted to the more serious note of escorting the USS George Washington, a nuclear powered air craft carrier, to their destination. My ship is designated as an underwater warefare warship; sub hunters. We were responsible for maintaining a safe perimeter for travel of our strike group. With exagerated efforts from our helos and sonar equipment successful execution was acheived. Now, it was time for a brief stop in Guam to refuel and resupply with some liberty to enjoy. However, as we were working to bring supplies onboard our sub hunting skills were needed for real time naval efforts. We were to head right back out to sea, leaving liberty on the shores of Guam.
This would have us roll right back into another Coast Gaurd collaboration and yet another liberty disappointment in Guam. It was August at this point with no liberty since June. Needless to say we were all going a bit crazy. I believe I described it in an earlier blog as the dark ages...Whispers of Japan came about, then a shift to San Diego. As plans for San Diego solidified the crew grew giddy with the option to fly family out to meet us as we were to arrive in a US port. We started steaming in that direction, but had a couple weeks before we would make it there.
As we made the cruise I was able to get an entry level Security Reaction Force qualification. We learned tactics in weapon retention, takedowns, tactical movements and room clearing. We were also certified to carry OC spray, but not before we were sprayed and taken through an obstacle course...A bit of advice; don't run from the authorities, my friends. You will have a very negative experience.
I also receievd a qualification to stand armed watches. We were able to set up a gun range on our flight deck and were taught and qualified to shoot pistols and rifles. I managed to score high enough in the pistol portion to earn and 'expert' designation. It doesn't mean much other than bragging rights and I can wear a special ribbon on my uniforms.
When we finally arrived in San Diego it was an amazing relief to be on land! We hadn't stopped anywhere for over two months. And I got to see Zach! We had a beautiful time, but came to an end all too soon. It was a crushing goodbye and low spirits as the thought fo 3 more months at sea came to the forefront of my mind.
On the bright side, we are more than halfway through and have several port calls scheduled for the coming half. As I get back into the swing of things the more excited I will be to make the most of these experiences with much more learning and growing to be had I am sure.
NavySpeak: Liberty- Free time, time off from work to play or relax
