10 JUNE 2012
0045
I went into this week only knowing 3 other MIDN in my group. By the end of the week, I had made so many new friends, I was so thankful I was put in that group. There were so many hilarious and interesting guys in my group. I really liked a lot of the Marine options and even though they all complained, their negativity made for a good laugh.
As cheesy as this sounds, we're all strangers awkwardly thrown together to live on a ship for 5 days. For the most part, we didn't all know each other, but we all became friends so naturally. From now until forever, every time I go out on a bridge wing, I'll always think about staying up late and absolutely FREEZING until our fingers were numb because we wanted to look at the stars. Since we're in the middle of the ocean with ZERO light pollution the night sky was amazing. Our dumb conversations about who knows what don't matter, but the memory will always bring a smile to my face.
The week was definitely what you made of it. You had to create your own fun or you'd go insane with boredom. We explored the ship, getting into everything we possible could get into, and always using the "oh, we're only MIDN, we didn't know" excuse for everything. I'm sure the sailors were probably like "stupid MIDN" but every now and then, you'd run into some really chill sailors that actually wanted to get to know you.
For me, those sailors were the mess deck clean up crew. The 3 guys that worked in the dish washing room were my favorites. They always said hello and made conversation when I went to clean off my plate after chow. I even stepped into the wash room (not a fun job, trust me) to make an effort of learning about what they do. And like the sailors that waited on us in the wardroom, I thanked these 3 as well to avoid them being resentful of us. I asked how they were assigned such an unfortunate job, but it's just their side job required for them to do for 90 days after reporting to the ship. On Wednesday night during the "Ask a first class night" where the sailors do studying for qualifications and whatnot, myself and a few other MIDN's sat down with them. They were interested in learning about ROTC and what our colleges were like and whatnot, but also super informative about their jobs and life in the Navy as enlisted and what they look for in an officer. I really enjoyed talking with them and found them to be the most lively group on the ship. We also got to know a few others in particular like "Zombie guy" and a few of the females in our berthing. I honestly really enjoyed eating in mess deck with the enlisted because I liked the feeling of camaraderie that they exhibited.
Another favorite part of the week was the time spent on the flight deck. Colleen and I went out there in the mornings a few times after breakfast and before muster. The water is beautiful and being surrounded by it as far as the eyes could see was such an infinite feeling of freedom. We'd just be out their admiring the water and being thankful for life. Cliche, but we are so blessed for this opportunity. I highly doubt anybody else's summer will top ours!
Overall, the USS Stockdale was an amazing ship. After hearing stories of the other ships, I'm honestly super happy this was where I was assigned. I found the control climate to be extremely healthy and enjoyable. All the officers were very knowledgable and informative and made the week fun. Like I said, SWO week was definitely NOT for everyone, but I loved it.
We were on the USS Stockdale during a good week. They are attending RIMPAC in Hawaii (yes, just like in Battleship) next month and shortly leave for an 8 month deployment not long after. So this past week included a lot of training evolutions that we thankfully got to be a part of. After talking to a lot of the other MIDN assigned to the 3 other ships, they didn't do nearly as much as we did. The MIDN's attending SWO week next week are only going underway for 24 hours. In my opinion, they won't get the full effect or take anything away from their SWO week. I wouldn't have changed the events, I thought it was very well organized.
The weekend before we went underway, I was talking to my father and I told him I was a little nervous. I've always known I want to be on a ship... but I'd never actually been on one. After this week, all my goals and future dreams have been reenforced. I even wish I didn't have to go to college and could just do Navy. Sometimes I think about what it would have been like if I hadn't gone to college and straight enlisted after high school. I would have been happy. However, after being treated like a future officer and seeing their luxuries, it'd be too hard to go enlisted. So I plan on finishing up college and knowing that I have an awesome future laying ahead of me. I'm so excited! I love adventures and am so thankful that every day my life is one!
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