That Crank Life Though

It’s taken me a while, and this probably isn’t one of the uplifting things I have learned about the Navy, but I have learned that it’s better to have limited expectations entering into your routine. Flexibility (aka, try not to get your hopes up) is the key for smooth sailing around here. Plans are always changing and things are never what you expect them to be whether good or bad.

For the past couple of months I had been temporarily assigned to work in the kitchen and berthings as my primary duty. Instead of working with Tomahawks in my own work center, I was pulled to help in the galley. I prepped and served food, cleaned living spaces, and dropped off/picked up the crew’s laundry. It’s a three month period that everyone has the privilege of doing in their first year or so of arriving to their first ship. The term used for this cranking, so that made me a crank.

My days consisted of a 0430 wake up to have breakfast ready by 0600. After clean up in the kitchen, I would head to the living spaces where I cleaned and picked up or dropped off laundry depending on what day of the week it was. That would roll right into getting lunch ready and then before I knew it dinner was beckoning. Between cleaning, prepping, and serving, my days were pretty packed servicing the rest of the crew. Days were long, full, and agitating at times. This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind when I joined or the purpose I thought I would fulfill.

I worked hard and tried to have a good attitude. I made some friends while I was there and even was recognized with a letter of appreciation. My work there was done, and I was very much looking forward to one last liberty port without having to crank and in beautiful Curacao not to mention! We were only going to be there a day, but it was just what I thought I needed to refresh my body and mind.

Low and behold I was put in to the duty section that held down duty that day… womp, womp. There was work to be done and a ship to take care of. I didn’t get time to relax away from the ship.

Though I was unable to get out and enjoy the sights, I was being thought of. I had friends buy souvenirs and food for me as they returned to the ship after their day of rest. I was also able to get some speedy wifi and surf the net a little. It’s amazing how cheerful these small things made me, but considering life deployed I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.

We’re back underway with our homecoming in the double digits! We are all very anxious and appreciate our loved ones support. We will see you soon!