I'm taking time during lunch to get on my computer since it's almost impossible to get internet access at night. The system here is slow, antiquated, and rarely able to stay up for more than five minutes at a time. So I'll take this opportunity to catch up with everyone on the news.
It's good to know that the weathermen in this region are as bad in their predictions as back home. They forecasted Tuesday and Wednesday to be enveloped in a sand storm but it's clear and sunny. Why should I be surprised? We did have lousy weather last week, which I attached a picture of. It looks like dusk or night but it's really late afternoon. Visibility diminished to about 20 feet. It was the worst storm I've experienced.
We had a full Sunday off for Father's Day. Supply had a great cook out, probably the best meal since being here. I didn't quite get a full day off due to some liaison problems with the Marines. I've had a great experience working with and for the military the past 23 years, but the military is not excluded from incompetence. No need to go into details but I find other Services sometimes operate inanely. On the other hand, they probably think the same about us.
Things have slowed down here somewhat so I have the opportunity to work on my SCWs (Seabee Combat Warfare) pin. It's fairly arduous in regard to all that I have to learn and present in a SCWs board. It's almost like going back to boot camp, having to learn about weaponry, defensive tactics, and the like. It's all theoretical, thankfully, so I don't have to go in the field. Earning a warfare pin is a definite plus for my FITREP (Fitness Report) and possible promotion. I also get to wear it proudly on my uniform. So I might as well get it while I can. I'll be happy when it's over.
I continue to swim at the pool and work out at the gym. Despite the hot weather, it's still nice to bike to and from. Since it's all I can do to stay fit, it's important to keep doing it! I am still having problems with my achilles tendon so I am limiting my running.
We're coming up on our half-way deployment time, so we'll be celebrating this weekend with another cook out and entertainment, including a dunk tank. I'll probably volunteer just for the opportunity to stay wet (and maybe cool). I'd like to volunteer my Senior Chief because he would raise lots of money. He's known as the "No" man, because it's difficult to get any supplies out of him. So, without knowing for sure when I'll get home, we're definitely close to the half way point in this deployment. I know Loretta and the girls are happy to hear that.
We lost a few folks to medical issues. There is a small hospital here but for more complicated requirements we send our sailors to Germany. We recently lost our Admin Officer, another Commander, for unknown medical reasons. She went to Germany for tests and was immediately sent home. Due to privacy issues, we're not privy to the reasons but, thankfully, none are for combat or combat stress reasons.
We get the news here via Stars and Stripes newspaper and television. Albeit, sporadic, I am able to keep up with most of the news from home and other hot spots, like Iran and North Korea. We also get intelligence briefings on these countries that add to the usual media coverage.
I can't think of much else at this time, except I've grown a moustache. Just something different to do for a laugh. I'll shave it off by this weekend no doubt.
Have a nice week!
It's good to know that the weathermen in this region are as bad in their predictions as back home. They forecasted Tuesday and Wednesday to be enveloped in a sand storm but it's clear and sunny. Why should I be surprised? We did have lousy weather last week, which I attached a picture of. It looks like dusk or night but it's really late afternoon. Visibility diminished to about 20 feet. It was the worst storm I've experienced.
We had a full Sunday off for Father's Day. Supply had a great cook out, probably the best meal since being here. I didn't quite get a full day off due to some liaison problems with the Marines. I've had a great experience working with and for the military the past 23 years, but the military is not excluded from incompetence. No need to go into details but I find other Services sometimes operate inanely. On the other hand, they probably think the same about us.
Things have slowed down here somewhat so I have the opportunity to work on my SCWs (Seabee Combat Warfare) pin. It's fairly arduous in regard to all that I have to learn and present in a SCWs board. It's almost like going back to boot camp, having to learn about weaponry, defensive tactics, and the like. It's all theoretical, thankfully, so I don't have to go in the field. Earning a warfare pin is a definite plus for my FITREP (Fitness Report) and possible promotion. I also get to wear it proudly on my uniform. So I might as well get it while I can. I'll be happy when it's over.
I continue to swim at the pool and work out at the gym. Despite the hot weather, it's still nice to bike to and from. Since it's all I can do to stay fit, it's important to keep doing it! I am still having problems with my achilles tendon so I am limiting my running.
We're coming up on our half-way deployment time, so we'll be celebrating this weekend with another cook out and entertainment, including a dunk tank. I'll probably volunteer just for the opportunity to stay wet (and maybe cool). I'd like to volunteer my Senior Chief because he would raise lots of money. He's known as the "No" man, because it's difficult to get any supplies out of him. So, without knowing for sure when I'll get home, we're definitely close to the half way point in this deployment. I know Loretta and the girls are happy to hear that.
We lost a few folks to medical issues. There is a small hospital here but for more complicated requirements we send our sailors to Germany. We recently lost our Admin Officer, another Commander, for unknown medical reasons. She went to Germany for tests and was immediately sent home. Due to privacy issues, we're not privy to the reasons but, thankfully, none are for combat or combat stress reasons.
We get the news here via Stars and Stripes newspaper and television. Albeit, sporadic, I am able to keep up with most of the news from home and other hot spots, like Iran and North Korea. We also get intelligence briefings on these countries that add to the usual media coverage.
I can't think of much else at this time, except I've grown a moustache. Just something different to do for a laugh. I'll shave it off by this weekend no doubt.
Have a nice week!
No comments:
Post a Comment