All Hollow’s Eve

As we continue to move more and more south the weather gets colder and colder. The average temperature in Peru and Chile would now be a dream come true for us all. The drop in air temperature means a drop in the water temp which in turn makes the ship and its water harder to heat. Cold days lead to cold showers followed by a freezing nights’ sleep. Extra layers under uniforms for us all!

Ice cold showers and long underwear is the tradeoff for a once in a lifetime experience as we cruise through the Straits of Magellan at the southernmost tip of South America. Completely stunning! Snowcapped mountains on either side of us as we steam through the rocky seas. We trudge through 10-14ft swells at times with 40 knot winds. The strait is well known for being very rough as the Pacific and Atlantic currents collide. All equipment and belonging were secured for the seas, but not everything escaped unscathed. Condiments at dinner, partially prepared meals, chairs, papers, a good night’s sleep and much more met their doom.

The eerie sight of greenish water with giant looming swells traveling as fast as we were and wind whipping spray around was balanced by costumes, decorations, scary movies and trick or treating as we traveled through on Halloween. What a scene right? A bunch of grown adults in costume, trick or treating around a US naval ship on deployment… trust and believe as silly as it sounds it’s just the kind of morale booster we look forward to at this point on deployment.

We’re keeping our heads up, but as we get closer to the end it seems time creeps slower, but if I’ve learned anything in the last few years is that time will continue and this stage will end eventually. I will get home.

Replay in Chile

Our Chilean experience started out similar to a child playing with a yo-yo. Disappointment rattled the crew as we moored pier side in Valparaiso Chile, but left a handful of hours later to avoid incurring damages by a coming storm, only to loiter in circles for over a day all the while wondering if we would pull in at all.

Finally, late in the evening the following day, we anchored in their harbor and anxiously waited for morning when we could snag some R & R. However, we were unable to leave the ship until late afternoon for circumstances unknown to me. When we finally had permission to leave there was still the ‘small’ feat of departing the ship.

We were still anchored, as opposed to moored to the pier, and we had sustained damage to the ladder typically used to for getting into small boats from the ship during our anchoring evolution the night before. Instead, we used a rope ladder directly over the side of the ship. It led to a small dock about 10 steps down and finally onto a small boat which would take us to the shore. Keep in mind we were originally held up due to a storm and the sea was still a bit choppy. I looked over the side at the sight and momentarily doubted my desire to leave the ship. I enjoyed being safe and unharmed…but my need to get off the ship outweighed my fears.

Though our arrival was delayed, we still had a mission to fulfil. We headed out to sea after two days to conduct training exercise with the Chilean Navy. Our training was a huge success and I was able to have a small hand in a live fire training event with Chilean, Mexican, US Navies, and US Marines. The excitement of smooth coordination between countries and a live fire event lifted moral and gave some purpose to, what can be a mundane, daily routine here. It was a good reminder of why we are out here and/or why we joined.

We made a trip back to Chile after the organized events and our time in port was much smoother. Chile had wine, soccer, shopping, horseback riding, gorgeous views, and great food to offer.  I felt like I was at a wedding during the wine tasting tour I did. There were dancers, yummy food (lots of fresh veggies, almost a delicacy to us onboard a ship), fancy décor, and beautiful vineyards with mountains in the back ground. Also, while we were there Chile played the US in a soccer world cup qualifier for their U17 teams. Tickets were sold out, but it made for friendly banter at the local bar/restaurants.

Chile was fantastic and I wish we had more time there.  If I go back, however, I will be learning more Spanish!  A day in the city can easily turn in a stressful and unrelaxing experience with a language barrier. I am so very thankful for my Spanish speaking friends!

I got news I was an Auntie while there too! Finley Paul Johnson is beautiful and healthy. I am so excited to meet him when I visit MN in January. But one feat at a time…finish deployment out strong.

NavySpeak of the Day: Berthing; the living space where we sleep and have a bathroom. I love the end of the work day when I can head to berthing and go to sleep.

Hola Mi Amigos!

Where to begin?! I feel as though I have been MIA from my blog scene; my apologies. I’ve been struggling to convey in words my thoughts and experiences the last several weeks.

Let me start out by saying the end of deployment is rapidly approaching and I cannot begin to describe to you the excitement I feel! My life will slowly become ‘normal’ again after 12 long months; living in a house with my husband, having a car, freedom to purchase and cook my own food, leaving work at the end of the day, returning to my hobbies, and overall less stress are just a few things I am looking forward to. That being said, getting to my 1^st command and going directly on deployment has given me the opportunity to develop strong relationships despite my relatively short time here. This is something I never expected and something I am truly blessed with. I have enjoyed many port calls in South America in the last several weeks and this is something I will never forget either.

Following San Diego, I was fortunate enough to spend my birthday in Mexico! We spent evenings celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day with local dancing and dress. Also, during the day to fight the unrelenting heat we retreated to the water where we played water games and enjoyed conversation and sunshine.

From there we headed to Panama for some fuel and a single night of liberty. However, due to the needs of our strike group we got our fuel and supplies and had to reconvene with them immediately. Panama was enjoyed from afar taking in the sight of the city and the many ships awaiting the canal.

We continued south along the western side of South America and stopped in Callou, Peru. We were able to accomplish service projects with the local community as well as strengthen foreign relationships through organized soccer and basketball games with the Peruvian Navy. We also swapped a handful of our crew for tours of each other’s ships and their naval base.

Peru was full of alpaca fur! They produce vast amount of sweaters, hats, and socks. Since it was winter transitioning to spring, and us being from Hawaii, the ‘cold’ 50 degree days called for many alpaca cold weather clothes purchases by visiting sailors.

Peru is known for their seafood as well. I never liked octopus much until I tried it in Peru. I will likely not enjoy it the same anywhere else either. They also have a drink that was much enjoyed by us all called pisco. I liked mine as a pisco sour, but there were other variations. It is tart like a margarita and made with egg whites for a frothy surface. They tasted great, but man were they sneaky!

We are focused and determined during our last leg of deployment, not without much sacrifice, heartache, homesickness, and mistakes. Please continued to keep us all in your prayers; prayers for protection, freedom from distractions, and reminders of love and support from home.

4 Down, 3 to Go

     I have learned more about being a sailor and about myself in the last 4 months than I ever dreamed possible. How can what seems an eternity also feel as though it has been no time at all?

     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

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.