So here I am in JAPAN! It was a crazy long trip, and I'm just beginning to settle in here. Doesn't feel like I'm halfway across the world...
So as expected, out of the blue one day back at Corps school they told us all we were finally allowed to depart for our first duty stations. We scrambled to pack our gear in a flurry of excitement, and I was on the way to the airport with Bierer and Lopez by early afternoon. Our goodbyes at the airport were cut short, but I wish those two guys and the rest of dental strand 220-2 the best of luck. I already miss clowning around with Bierer and Lopez, and I hope they are settling in well to their new commands at the USS Pearl Harbor and USS Stennis, respectively. I spent last Thursday night at the USO in O'hare airport, taking advantage of their awesome hospitality, and sleeping on the floor until my flight the next day at 11:15am. Seriously, the USO is an amazing organization, and helps out us service members tremendously. Give to the USO! Ok, plug over. Burgos and I boarded our 13+ hour flight for Tokyo's Narita Aiport and were on our way. I slept almost the entire trip, except for when I was watching Due Date and Waiting for Superman. Once we got to Japan, it was 3:30pm on Saturday. We waited around until 7:30pm for the DoD bus to Naval Station Yokosuka, and arrived sometime around 9:30pm. I bid Burgos fairwell (he's doing shore duty at the hospital), and was escorted around base and finally to my new home, "the barge". Before I can join the crew of the ship, I have to complete 3 weeks of indoc training. This ensures I'm ready to handle life in Japan and aboard the ship (don't forget, if every marine is a rifleman, every sailor is a firefighter).
The barge is just that. A glorified tug boat next to the aircraft carrier. The carrier, btw, is an awesome sight to behold, and I never get tired of gazing upon it in awe. I can not WAIT to get aboard that baby! And probably get lost a million times. Anyway, when I arrived on the barge 10pm saturday night, I was pretty exhausted, and was told to find a rack and settle in. The racks are just barely big enough to lie down in, and I think boot camp had better accomadations! Well, it's not the greatest, but you get used to it after a while. And I suppose it does prepare you for the cramped life on board a sea going vessel. Humble roots indeed.
The base itself has a lot to offer. The galley is AMAZING, especially compared with that of Corps School. There's all kinds of american fast food joints to eat at too, a huge NEX, multiple gyms, and the single sailor center which is probably going to be my home away from ship most of the time. It's got free computer access, free phones to call back to the states, free movies all the time, and a dozen other ways to stay entertained. It's where I'm updating from right now.
Yesterday was my first time off base as well. The staff gave us a tour of "The Honch", the town in Yokosuka surrounding base. There's plenty of food/drink and entertainment options here, probably a good place to visit before I get my blue card. The blue card, which I get after 40 some trouble free days, allows me to stay out at night, instead of reporting back by 2130, which the policy is now. Yeah it sucks being restricted like I'm starting Corps School all over again, but they've had a few problems with sailors in the past creating international incidents (literally), so we have to live with the new stricter policies. It's sad that a few bad seeds can ruin it for the rest of us, but that's how it is. Anyway, all signs point toward me loving my time here in Japan. And I better, considering I'll be here for 3 years! It's exciting to think how much I'll have changed and developed by the time I leave here. I'll most likely be a 2nd class, with my Surface and Air warfare quals. Not to mention all the deployments!
Things are slow right now, still a lot of settling in and training to do, but I can't wait until I'm finally working on board the ship and fully experiencing all the amazing culture that Japan has to offer. Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, Yokohama, all the cuisine, Sumo wrestling, Karate, Kendo, learning the language, soccer and baseball games, castle tours, festivals, deployments around Asia and beyond, etc etc etc! So much is going to happen in the next 3 years. I just have to stay motivated and make the most of my time here. Let's get started!
1.2.11
snowed in
Was supposed to leave today for the airport. Fly to Japan tomorrow. Now, due to what could become the worst blizzard in Chicago history, I'm stuck on base for the foreseeable future. I was finally ready to leave, and now more frozen waiting. It could be worse, they could have had me stay at the airport and wait forever for a flight to become available. In any case, it seems as the long goodbyes will have to really wait another week.
22.1.11
20.1.11
back by popular demand (or just joe)
Been meaning to update for a while. Finally getting around to it, thanks to JPFS.
So lets see, where am I? Didactic is over. Passed Test 3 last Friday with a 93% (a few bogus questions, once again, but whatever). Finishing Corps School after 15 tests with a 98% average, pretty happy with that.
Due to many foreseeable yet frustrating factors, I'm probably going to be on hold and not 'grad and go'. Thus my Asian adventure will not be starting on the 25th, but at a date TBD. Hopefully not too late, my hope is early February.
Started clinicals this week. That is, all 3 days of dental clinicals. Luckily the staff at Fisher clinic is awesome, the dentists and DA's are super nice and helpful (and laid back!). If this is a sign of things to come, I can tell I'm going to really enjoy my time in dental.
Got to spend last weekend with Nick and Kate, who were in town to see the Seahawks sadly crumble against the Bears. Still, amazing time with them downtown, glad I got to see em one more time before I depart for the far east.
Finally got around to rock climbing today. I can't remember having ever rock climbed, but my shipmates finally took me to the wall on base, and it is awesome! My forearms are killing me, and I'm going to have some nice callouses on my hands, but it was a blast. Hopefully I'll get a chance to actually get decent at it one day.
So tomorrow is the last day of clinicals. Then it's the last weekend our class will be together, before we are sent off to the far reaches of the country/globe, or most likely still here on hold. Probably going to the Wooden Nickle for the games on Sunday.
Aside from that, I'm doing ok. I've come to grips with being on hold for an unknown amount of time; it is what it is. I'm sure once I know when I'm going, that excitement will return, but for now I'm just taking things day by day. A lot on my mind lately, probably due to the upcoming transition and the immanent departure of my shipmates. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
So lets see, where am I? Didactic is over. Passed Test 3 last Friday with a 93% (a few bogus questions, once again, but whatever). Finishing Corps School after 15 tests with a 98% average, pretty happy with that.
Due to many foreseeable yet frustrating factors, I'm probably going to be on hold and not 'grad and go'. Thus my Asian adventure will not be starting on the 25th, but at a date TBD. Hopefully not too late, my hope is early February.
Started clinicals this week. That is, all 3 days of dental clinicals. Luckily the staff at Fisher clinic is awesome, the dentists and DA's are super nice and helpful (and laid back!). If this is a sign of things to come, I can tell I'm going to really enjoy my time in dental.
Got to spend last weekend with Nick and Kate, who were in town to see the Seahawks sadly crumble against the Bears. Still, amazing time with them downtown, glad I got to see em one more time before I depart for the far east.
Finally got around to rock climbing today. I can't remember having ever rock climbed, but my shipmates finally took me to the wall on base, and it is awesome! My forearms are killing me, and I'm going to have some nice callouses on my hands, but it was a blast. Hopefully I'll get a chance to actually get decent at it one day.
So tomorrow is the last day of clinicals. Then it's the last weekend our class will be together, before we are sent off to the far reaches of the country/globe, or most likely still here on hold. Probably going to the Wooden Nickle for the games on Sunday.
Aside from that, I'm doing ok. I've come to grips with being on hold for an unknown amount of time; it is what it is. I'm sure once I know when I'm going, that excitement will return, but for now I'm just taking things day by day. A lot on my mind lately, probably due to the upcoming transition and the immanent departure of my shipmates. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
2.1.11
back to it
Officially settling back in to the barracks in Great Lakes. Shore leave was nothing short of an amazing time, thanks to all my friends and family for making it so great. Yes, leaving today was pretty painful, especially knowing that it'll be twice as long before I have a chance to return. But after seeing my shipmates again and mentally refocusing on the task at hand, I'm ready to do this. Only one test left in Corps school, a brief stint in dental clinicals, and then it's graduation on the 25th, with an expected Japanese sojourn by the end of January. I had 2 weeks to do 2 months worth of catching up in, but I feel I made the most of it. Things will surely be different when I return home next, but it is what it is. I wish I could take all of my friends and family with me, but that's not how the Navy works. Instead it's almost time for me to finally make a name for myself, serve my country overseas, and start living the dream. I'm going to miss my friends and family more than they or I could possibly realize, but I also look forward to the hard work worth doing ahead.
220-2, we're almost there! The fleet is out there waiting for us, so lets finish strong.
220-2, we're almost there! The fleet is out there waiting for us, so lets finish strong.
27.12.10
home for the holidays
So it's been a while since my last post. A lot has happened since then, so lets get the official record up to speed.
Talked with the detailer on the phone to confirm my orders, so it looks pretty certain that I'm going to Japan and the GW for my first duty station. Still amazed I'm getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Secured dental test 2 with a perfect score, obviously happy with that, and a great way to kick off the holiday exodus.
Fly into National Airport on Dec 17, touching down around 10:30. This was almost 6 hours sooner than I planned to be home, thanks to the good folks at United Airlines (and my sharp dress blues). Since then I have...
Been home for the first time in over 6 months,
Attended a December birthday party in Arlington, my first chance to see a lot of my friends again,
Visited Baltimore for more time with friends, eaten an Elk burger and tasted Natty Bo again,
Returned to DC, saw a comedy show with the family and dined in Gallery Place,
Spent Christmas with my Uncle's family in Virginia.
It's great to be back, but so surreal as well. Walking around the house, part of me feels like I never left, and part of me feels like I'm out of place here. Not that I feel like I don't belong here, there's nothing but great feelings, but rather that I now belong out there. It's not just the house, its this whole life in general. For the last 6 months I've been in a somewhat isolated training environment, a whole new lifestyle. Now I'm suddenly back to the old one, so its quite the clash of new training vs. years of the way things used to be. Nothing serious, no bad feelings, just odd at times. I think I'm starting to learn that this is the great dichotomy of life, when you love two things that can't exist at the same time. While I'm at home, I miss the Navy. While I'm in the Navy, I miss home. This I imagine will be unavoidable the rest of my time in the service. The important thing is that I am thoroughly enjoying each while I have the time.
In summary, I'm grateful to be home, and love seeing my friends and family again. I'm going to miss it all when the time comes to return, but I wouldn't trade being in the Navy for anything in the world right now. Here's to a great end to 2010, and see you in 2011!
Talked with the detailer on the phone to confirm my orders, so it looks pretty certain that I'm going to Japan and the GW for my first duty station. Still amazed I'm getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Secured dental test 2 with a perfect score, obviously happy with that, and a great way to kick off the holiday exodus.
Fly into National Airport on Dec 17, touching down around 10:30. This was almost 6 hours sooner than I planned to be home, thanks to the good folks at United Airlines (and my sharp dress blues). Since then I have...
Been home for the first time in over 6 months,
Attended a December birthday party in Arlington, my first chance to see a lot of my friends again,
Visited Baltimore for more time with friends, eaten an Elk burger and tasted Natty Bo again,
Returned to DC, saw a comedy show with the family and dined in Gallery Place,
Spent Christmas with my Uncle's family in Virginia.
It's great to be back, but so surreal as well. Walking around the house, part of me feels like I never left, and part of me feels like I'm out of place here. Not that I feel like I don't belong here, there's nothing but great feelings, but rather that I now belong out there. It's not just the house, its this whole life in general. For the last 6 months I've been in a somewhat isolated training environment, a whole new lifestyle. Now I'm suddenly back to the old one, so its quite the clash of new training vs. years of the way things used to be. Nothing serious, no bad feelings, just odd at times. I think I'm starting to learn that this is the great dichotomy of life, when you love two things that can't exist at the same time. While I'm at home, I miss the Navy. While I'm in the Navy, I miss home. This I imagine will be unavoidable the rest of my time in the service. The important thing is that I am thoroughly enjoying each while I have the time.
In summary, I'm grateful to be home, and love seeing my friends and family again. I'm going to miss it all when the time comes to return, but I wouldn't trade being in the Navy for anything in the world right now. Here's to a great end to 2010, and see you in 2011!
9.12.10
the best is yet to come
So while I'm exhausted and excited and still in disbelief, and despite having told most of my friends and family asap, here's the official update.
Today, out of seemingly nowhere, we finally got to pick orders. Having the highest GPA, I was awarded first pick. Nervous but anxious, I sat down and looked at the list. Going in, I was hoping for a decent ship billet or some exotic FMF orders, but expecting nothing but boring shore stations. Much to my amazement, the possibilities were unbelievably good: Multiple 3rd Dental Co. Okinawa, 11th Dental Co with Marine Air Wing Iwakuni, the USS Stennis Aircraft Carrier out of Bremerton Washington, USS Pearl Harbor Dock Landing Ship out of San Diego, USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier out of Yokosuka, Japan, etc. There were a few other stateside FMF, South Carolina, Florida, Rhode Island, etc. Admittedly the first thing that caught my eye was the Gdub. Never in a million years did I expect to have the option of an aircraft carrier, let alone TWO! I had never heard of anyone in corps school getting on a CVN. Still, I asked first about the Okinawa and Iwakuni FMF billets. Yes, I had been telling myself I wanted to go FMF. The hard work with the marines was always a goal of mine... but something just wasn't sitting right. Okinawa is a small tropical island, not much to do, and then I'd be in Iraq or Afghanistan (which is something I had been planning on). One day I still hope to go with the marines and earn their respect, but the George Washington is a ONCE in a lifetime adventure. Stationed right outside of Tokyo, she makes tours all over the Pacific. Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, Australia... I could see it all. Not to mention she's on the front lines with our current conflict with North Korea. And as far as my career goes.. the Gdubs was far and away the best choice. For an HM straight out of corps school to get on a ship is rare enough as it is, but a carrier like the George Washington! Better yet, I'll be able to earn both my Surface Warfare and Air Warfare devices. The experience will be unbeatable, I'll get to see the world, when I'm not at sea I'll be able to visit Tokyo all the time... I took the Gdubs, and I could not be happier!!
In my heart of heart's I've always been an explorer more than anything, and that's why I've always been attracted to the Navy. Now I worked my ass off, got first pick, and am stationed on an amazing ship in an exotic far away land. I feel like I'm about to realize a dream.
In other less exciting news, as of today I am no longer EPO. I was anticipating to continue my duties as EPO in dental, but our instructor had other plans for me. I am now the Adjutant of Dental... aka the guy in charge. Never thought I'd be in this position, not really much to do except keep everyone in line and probably get yelled at by Chief, but that's ok. It seems like a good way to go out of Corps School.
Reason #3 today rocked, dinner was served personally by 2 chefs from the Food Network! Gorilla and some other guy who makes pizza in California...I forget. Homemade pizza with bacon, ham and sausage, and dry rub ribs. Holy shit, it was REALLY good. And I probably won't eat for the next 24 hours, but was totally worth it. It was awesome of those guys to come down and cook us sailors some quality food. They thanked us for our service, and I thanked them for the extra hours I'm gonna have to work out tomorrow.
It's past taps, so time for bed. Today was awesome, but the best is yet to come!
Today, out of seemingly nowhere, we finally got to pick orders. Having the highest GPA, I was awarded first pick. Nervous but anxious, I sat down and looked at the list. Going in, I was hoping for a decent ship billet or some exotic FMF orders, but expecting nothing but boring shore stations. Much to my amazement, the possibilities were unbelievably good: Multiple 3rd Dental Co. Okinawa, 11th Dental Co with Marine Air Wing Iwakuni, the USS Stennis Aircraft Carrier out of Bremerton Washington, USS Pearl Harbor Dock Landing Ship out of San Diego, USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier out of Yokosuka, Japan, etc. There were a few other stateside FMF, South Carolina, Florida, Rhode Island, etc. Admittedly the first thing that caught my eye was the Gdub. Never in a million years did I expect to have the option of an aircraft carrier, let alone TWO! I had never heard of anyone in corps school getting on a CVN. Still, I asked first about the Okinawa and Iwakuni FMF billets. Yes, I had been telling myself I wanted to go FMF. The hard work with the marines was always a goal of mine... but something just wasn't sitting right. Okinawa is a small tropical island, not much to do, and then I'd be in Iraq or Afghanistan (which is something I had been planning on). One day I still hope to go with the marines and earn their respect, but the George Washington is a ONCE in a lifetime adventure. Stationed right outside of Tokyo, she makes tours all over the Pacific. Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, Australia... I could see it all. Not to mention she's on the front lines with our current conflict with North Korea. And as far as my career goes.. the Gdubs was far and away the best choice. For an HM straight out of corps school to get on a ship is rare enough as it is, but a carrier like the George Washington! Better yet, I'll be able to earn both my Surface Warfare and Air Warfare devices. The experience will be unbeatable, I'll get to see the world, when I'm not at sea I'll be able to visit Tokyo all the time... I took the Gdubs, and I could not be happier!!
In my heart of heart's I've always been an explorer more than anything, and that's why I've always been attracted to the Navy. Now I worked my ass off, got first pick, and am stationed on an amazing ship in an exotic far away land. I feel like I'm about to realize a dream.
In other less exciting news, as of today I am no longer EPO. I was anticipating to continue my duties as EPO in dental, but our instructor had other plans for me. I am now the Adjutant of Dental... aka the guy in charge. Never thought I'd be in this position, not really much to do except keep everyone in line and probably get yelled at by Chief, but that's ok. It seems like a good way to go out of Corps School.
Reason #3 today rocked, dinner was served personally by 2 chefs from the Food Network! Gorilla and some other guy who makes pizza in California...I forget. Homemade pizza with bacon, ham and sausage, and dry rub ribs. Holy shit, it was REALLY good. And I probably won't eat for the next 24 hours, but was totally worth it. It was awesome of those guys to come down and cook us sailors some quality food. They thanked us for our service, and I thanked them for the extra hours I'm gonna have to work out tomorrow.
It's past taps, so time for bed. Today was awesome, but the best is yet to come!
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