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I Haven't Seen Land in 163 Days

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
I never pay attention to advancement. All I know is we got 8 year chiefs out here so it can't be no HM advancement rate lol.

Honestly since that frag order came out being stateside is still going to be fairly rough. Nothing to what you sea boys have to deal with but it definitely isn't party time back home either.

Figured Rip-its would be mandatory rations. They doing you guys dirty out there.
Yeah, it took me 14 years, so I suppose you guys aren't doing too bad.

Do they tell you what sites are blocked, or you just find out for yourself?

Kinda trial and error. There was a crazy lockdown earlier this year where almost everything was blocked due to a discovered vulnerability, but it's better now but still a lot of shit is banned. All social media for example.
My friend is in a submarine for months at a time. He told me a crazy story about how he thought it was basically over one time. The submarine had an issue or something and he thought he was going to die. Said he even thought about his gun (didn’t know they could bring them in the sub) and pulling the trigger if worst came to worst. I think he said it was that or implode basically, the submarine implodes and everything is underwater at that point. He said that’s the last way he’d want to go. Fucking nuts hearing that story. Imagine having to choose between quick death or panicking and not pulling the trigger and you end up drowning for several minutes. Such a fucked situation
Not questioning your friend, but underway, unless he is a TM with armory access to do routine maintenance, there would be no reason for him to be anywhere near a firearm.
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
Sounds great! Does make GAF hard to read with low detail OPs and just an embedded tweet.

yeah, there are some threads where people are just posting tweets and I can't see shit and the comments are all "Yeah!" "Finally!" "Day One!"
Probably a dumb question but what are Rip-Its?
Not dumb at all! They are these little energy drinks. Downrange, in our dining facilities in like Afghanistan and Iraq they are free to take. But on the ships they charge us a dollar for them
2010-06-04-Strip_40_Rip_It_web.jpg
 

Happosai

Hold onto your panties
I've been out to sea since January 17th, not allowed to pull into any ports due to COVID. If it weren't for Amazon and GNC, I would begin to doubt land even existed anymore. It's hot as fuck out here on the open ocean and so very boring. See the world they say, but they don't say the world is mostly water.
what's the weather like in that part of the ocean? Have there been any major storms?

About land...being locked on land (I'm in Mexico and quarantine is much stricter here than in the States...almost nothing is opened). Sounds like you have more accommodations. I'm thankful to have my wife with me.
 

Rest

All these years later I still chuckle at what a fucking moron that guy is.
Oh, I'm in the US Navy, lol. We went on deployment and the world went to shit.
You shouldn't have any shortage of entertainment, aren't there plenty of dudes to fuck on the boat?

Not dumb at all! They are these little energy drinks. Downrange, in our dining facilities in like Afghanistan and Iraq they are free to take. But on the ships they charge us a dollar for them
2010-06-04-Strip_40_Rip_It_web.jpg
Fucking Rip-Its. My brother was in the Army for a while, he said one of his superiors got in trouble for drinking too many Rip-Its.

How many energy drinks do you need to drink to get reprimanded?
 
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LordPezix

Member
Stay safe.

You've definitely missed some stuff on land. The alien invasion was crazy, thankfully they were allergic to water or something ... Probably why you didn't see them

I know that we were pretty upset to find out we missed the storming of Area 51. Remember that shit? Seems like ages ago.
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
what's the weather like in that part of the ocean? Have there been any major storms?

About land...being locked on land (I'm in Mexico and quarantine is much stricter here than in the States...almost nothing is opened). Sounds like you have more accommodations. I'm thankful to have my wife with me.
It's fucking hot! It's been sitting at around 46 here. Yeah, it isn't too bad, it's just weird being away from everything while everything from the last six months has happened

You shouldn't have any shortage of entertainment, aren't there plenty of dudes to fuck on the boat?


Fucking Rip-Its. My brother was in the Army for a while, he said one of his superiors got in trouble for drinking too many Rip-Its.

How many energy drinks do you need to drink to get reprimanded?

I'm not fucking anyone.

And usually you just get in trouble if you cause harm to yourself.
 

Manus

Member
Ugh, our big 4th of July surprise the captain was hyping up is that they had the lead singer of fucking Train send us a message they played for us. What a fucking weird, obscure band to pull up from the dredges.

You mean you're not one of those people that blare the song Hey Soul Sister?!

Yeah what a weird surprise.
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
You mean you're not one of those people that blare the song Hey Soul Sister?!

Yeah what a weird surprise.
My favorite band is probably Architects, so no, not really a Train girl.

Everyone got their hopes up when we heard the captain had a surprise, people were convinced we were going home early.
 
Thats quite the experience, OP!

Hopefully sooner rather than later you will have land under your feet but make the most of it before that moment comes.

More and more, as I grow older, I truly believe different/intense/extreme/'outside the box' experiences, those most will never get to live, be them more or less positive, are the salt of the earth.
 
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Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
Ugh, this new order is gonna be frustrating af.

US Fleet Forces released mandatory guidance for us to follow and it is pretty extreme. Masks are required everywhere, no big deal, but we are also really restricted in where we are allowed to go to now, there are people getting in trouble for going to civilian barbers now because it is forbidden to be out and about in the general public while this goes on.
 
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Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
Sorry to turn this thread into my personal dumping ground but that's what it is gonna be.

Saw the details of the new FragO and holy fuck.

Personnel must maintain physical distancing of at least six feet. Commands are encouraged to continue using virtual meeting options instead of in-person meetings when possible.
Personnel must wear cloth face coverings.
o Face coverings need to be conservative in appearance and not offensive
Fit snugly, but comfortably, against the side of the face.
Be from nose to chin. Full-face coverings (like ski masks) are not authorized.
Be secured with ties or ear loops.
Preferably, include multiple layers of fabric if material is cloth.
Allow for breathing without restriction.
If reusable, be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to its shape.
Personnel and commands must maintain strict good hygiene measures such as refraining from handshaking, regularly and thoroughly washing hands, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently-touched surfaces.
Personnel should continue minimizing non-essential travel.
Commands should continue conducting enhanced medical screening for all operational units and headquarters buildings.
Commands should continue coordinating with contractors, vendors and delivery services to ensure their personnel are properly screened and do not perform services while sick or symptomatic.
Personnel should continue to stay home if they are feeling ill, self-isolate as best possible and notify their supervisor. Personnel requiring medical attention should call their medical care provider. Commands should ensure personnel exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 are isolated or quarantined in accordance with CDC and Dept. of Defense guidance.
Commands should continue maximizing telework options where practicable.
Installations continue to use no-touch ID scanning at all entry control points. Personnel are required to present both sides of their ID/credential for screening by a guard.
Installation visitor control centers (VCC) continue screening all personnel seeking installation access using the most current COVID-19 health questionnaire (which can be found at the bottom of this update). VCCs continue the use of electronic means to the maximum extent possible to grant installation access and discontinued waiting room use when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Face Covering Removal:
Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
Handle only by the ear loops or ties
Fold outside corners together
Place covering in the washing machine or wash by hand
Note: Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.
Face Covering Sanitation:
Washing Machine:
o You can include your face covering with your regular laundry.
o Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face covering.
Hand Washing:
o Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or
4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water
o Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
o Soak the face covering in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.
o Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
Completely Dry Cloth Face Covering:
Dryer: Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
Air dry: Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight.

In addition, Servicemembers are prohibited from visiting, patronizing, or engaging in the following off-installation facilities, services or establishments:
Recreational swimming pools,
gyms
fitness facilities
exercise classes
saunas
spas
salons: (Tattoo, body art, piercing parlors Barber shops, hair or nail salons, and massage parlors)
Cinemas/theaters
Participation in team/organized sports
Dine-in restaurants (take-out authorized)
Bars
night clubs
casinos
conferences
sporting events
concerts
public celebrations
parades
public beaches
amusement parks or other events designed to promote large gatherings, to include indoor religious services
Outdoor recreation where common use facilities are used and if a minimum of six feet physical distancing cannot be maintained
Non-essential commercial retail establishments and shopping malls.
To the maximum extent, service members should forego in-person use of the following services and activities.:

Use of mass transit (bus, rail, or ferry)
Auto repair maintenance and annual inspection
Curb-side and drive through services
In-home domestic services (home maintenance/repair and lawn services).
Drive-in spiritual services
Banking services
Pet care and veterinary services
Post office
Laundry services
dry cleaning
In-residence social gatherings that include more than ten (10) guests that do not reside in the residence.
 

kriolo

Member
Keep it up, have you tried some meditation? Im no guru or anything but maybe it can help.

Big hug and cheers from Chile
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
I actually do meditate. I have been studying the Lotus Sutra some too.

What helps most is I have developed a pretty extensive workout routine. I have a warmup(3 sets of 10 pullups, 10 diamond pushups, 10 squats), followed by lifting, then Muay Thai based training(drills or exercise sets), then 5 rounds on a heavy bag, then I cool off with Yoga, different focus every day.

Like today for example
-Warmup

-Legs(3 reps of 10 squats(185lb), 3 sets of 10 goblet squats(80lb), calf raises(80s), 3 sets of 5 Romanian Deadlifts(205lb), 3 sets of 10 step ups(80s), 3 sets of 10 walking lunges(70s))

-Tendon strength traiing(10 slow motion pushups, 10 pushup plank holds, 10 slow motion come ups), 1 min of left hand jabs, 1 min right jabs, 1 min speedbag punches, 1 min tensed overhead hold, 1 min tensed slow motion combos)

-5 rounds on the heavy bag focused on kicks and knees

-Glute+Leg based yoga routine(Fire Hydrant Kick->Kneeling Half moon->Bird Dog->3 Legged Dog->High Lunge->Warrior 2->Half Moon->Warrior 3->Chair->Diver->Standing Fold ->Locust->One Legged Bridge->Savasana

It is really centering to not have to focus on anything but my body and keeps me from getting trapped in my thoughts.
 

orosballs

Member
I was gonna say yoga and meditation too, but you're doing it. Put on some chill music if you can with head phones whenever you can...
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
I've gotten back intot the music I listened to in my teens and early 20s, like the opposite of chill, lol. Carnifex, Converge, Dillinger Escape Plan and shit.

I do need to get into some chill shit for relaxing though. My options are kinda limited to what I can find around the boat tho.
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
So with all the talk of restrictions does that mean you’re getting out?
There is talk of us going back late next month or early September.

Lol sounds like you're in prison hope you're getting paid more
I actually am getting paid pretty good right now. Tax free+sea pay+family separation pay are pretty nice.
 

Honjo

Banned
So, what do you guys do for fitness training on a ship? I imagine swabbing decks could make for a pretty good forearm workout.
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
So, what do you guys do for fitness training on a ship? I imagine swabbing decks could make for a pretty good forearm workout.

We have 2 full gyms onboard, an outdoor gym, an executive gym, 2 cardio rooms, a yoga gym, a spin gym and there are a bunch of kettle bells and olympic weights and stuff in hangar bay 3 to use as long as we stay away from aircraft. I also have some freeweights, a bar, an ezbar, a few plates and a heavy bag in one of my spaces.
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
Bonhamme Richard fires have been burning for almost 2 days now. I have friends on the ship, everyone is okay as far as I know, but man, that fire is fucking crazy.
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
Might be going home way sooner than expected.

And Thursday is hot dog day. Or as the guys call it "Tube Meat Thursday"
 

Cutty Flam

Banned
We have 2 full gyms onboard, an outdoor gym, an executive gym, 2 cardio rooms, a yoga gym, a spin gym and there are a bunch of kettle bells and olympic weights and stuff in hangar bay 3 to use as long as we stay away from aircraft. I also have some freeweights, a bar, an ezbar, a few plates and a heavy bag in one of my spaces.
Sounds incredible. Are those gyms the size of a typical commercial gym such as LA Fitness for example? Some of them are fairly luxurious and definitely have a ton of options. Over where I’m at, gyms are shut down. And even if they weren’t they not advisable to visit yet
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
Sounds incredible. Are those gyms the size of a typical commercial gym such as LA Fitness for example? Some of them are fairly luxurious and definitely have a ton of options. Over where I’m at, gyms are shut down. And even if they weren’t they not advisable to visit yet

The main gyms are about the size of a small commercial gym, not like a massive fitness center. Like we have a few racks of freeweights, squat racks, benches, cables etc. No smith machines or anything fancy though. The other gyms just have a few things bars, weights and treadmills. The spin gym is just like 24 bikes, the cardio gym has a bunch of rowing machines, bikes, ellipticals, cybexes, and treadmills. Seaside, the outdoor gym, is all crossfit shit.
A lot has changed since you’ve been on the ship. Brace yourself.
Yeah, I'm actual kinda melancholy, like I miss my daughter a lot and can't wait to be home, but we have had a degree of freedom that the rest of the world hasn't had being so isolated. And like we are dropping into the middle of all of this.
 

Romulus

Member
Yeah, I'm actual kinda melancholy, like I miss my daughter a lot and can't wait to be home, but we have had a degree of freedom that the rest of the world hasn't had being so isolated. And like we are dropping into the middle of all of this.

I came back from a boat deployment after 911. It extended our deployment 3 months, so 9 total. It literally felt like a different world coming back. Norfolk looked a warzone. Then we left again for the Iraq push. What a fucking nightmare, the whole thing.
The coffin racks you showed on the pic look exactly the same.
I remember the FCs though. Do you guys still use the phalanx on CVNs?

I remember an FC on our boat almost had to shoot down a civilian airliner once because they suddenly changed course to the US and weren't responding to any coms. This was minutes after 911. Turned out to be something else. Scary shit.
 
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Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
I came back from a boat deployment after 911. It extended our deployment 3 months, so 9 total. It literally felt like a different world coming back. Norfolk looked a warzone. Then we left again for the Iraq push. What a fucking nightmare, the whole thing.
The coffin racks you showed on the pic look exactly the same.
I remember the FCs though. Do you guys still use the phalanx on CVNs?

I remember an FC on our boat almost had to shoot down a civilian airliner once because they suddenly changed course to the US and weren't responding to any coms. This was minutes after 911. Turned out to be something else. Scary shit.

Yes! I'm a Phalanx tech by nature lol. Spent my whole career working on CIWS. 4 ships, 3 trips to Iraq, and I even did a spell with MARMC as a tech rep. I love it so much.
 

Romulus

Member
Yes! I'm a Phalanx tech by nature lol. Spent my whole career working on CIWS. 4 ships, 3 trips to Iraq, and I even did a spell with MARMC as a tech rep. I love it so much.

Those Phalanx are badass. I remember hearing a story about a contractor getting killed by one in the shipyards around 99-ish. Something about the gun targeting him because he was carrying something that attracted the guns sensors while they were working on it. Everyone was talking about when I got to the boat. If true, can't imagine what that would do to a human body. Could just be bs.

Do sailors stay say "skating off" for being a lazy ass or hiding from work?
 
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Gp1

Member
Those Phalanx are badass. I remember hearing a story about a contractor getting killed by one in the shipyards around 99-ish. Something about the gun targeting him because he was carrying something that attracted the guns sensors while they were working on it. Everyone was talking about when I got to the boat. If true, can't imagine what that would do to a human body. Could just be bs.

Do sailors stay say "skating off" for being a lazy ass or hiding from work?

It's the same 20mm gun that equips any western/US fighter.

Probably the same damage that happens to ground troops on the receiving end of a CAS strafing.
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
M61A1 is an amazing piece of hardware, but sadly that story is complete BS. In AAW Automatic firing mode there are engagement criteria to be met, the target has to be coming in at a minimum range rate for Phalanx to track and assign the contact for engagement. The only way to engage something that isn't a fast moving air contact is with surface mode, and that requires an operator to manual remove all firing brakes and actively engage the target.

Also, if they were working on the gun, it would be in maintenance mode which is a nonfiring mode with the exception of calibration firing exercises and the clearing sector would be engaged, preventing rounds from being breached and having the firing contact engaged at all.
 
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nush

Member
M61A1 is an amazing piece of hardware, but sadly that story is complete BS. In AAW Automatic firing mode there are engagement criteria to be met, the target has to be coming in at a minimum range rate for Phalanx to track and assign the contact for engagement. The only way to engage something that isn't a fast moving air contact is with surface mode, and that requires an operator to manual remove all firing brakes and actively engage the target.

Also, if they were working on the gun, it would be in maintenance mode which is a nonfiring mode with the exception of calibration firing exercises and the clearing sector would be engaged, preventing rounds from being breached and having the firing contact engaged at all.
aliens-drake-and-vasquez1.jpg
 
M61A1 is an amazing piece of hardware, but sadly that story is complete BS. In AAW Automatic firing mode there are engagement criteria to be met, the target has to be coming in at a minimum range rate for Phalanx to track and assign the contact for engagement. The only way to engage something that isn't a fast moving air contact is with surface mode, and that requires an operator to manual remove all firing brakes and actively engage the target.

Also, if they were working on the gun, it would be in maintenance mode which is a nonfiring mode with the exception of calibration firing exercises and the clearing sector would be engaged, preventing rounds from being breached and having the firing contact engaged at all.

Got any Navy deep sea monster stories for us? Is the black carpet really a thing?

I love me some deep sea stories. Come on, I know Navy peeps have the best stories.

giphy.gif
 

base

Banned
I've been out to sea since January 17th, not allowed to pull into any ports due to COVID. If it weren't for Amazon and GNC, I would begin to doubt land even existed anymore. It's hot as fuck out here on the open ocean and so very boring. See the world they say, but they don't say the world is mostly water.
Wanna switch?
 

Ceallach

Smells like fresh rosebuds
Got any Navy deep sea monster stories for us? Is the black carpet really a thing?

I love me some deep sea stories. Come on, I know Navy peeps have the best stories.

giphy.gif

Uh, nah. You might need to talk to some submariners about that lol.
how's it going?

P good. It's Saturday, which is holiday routine for us, sort of a day off, went to the gym, watched some animu, got watch later.
Wanna switch?
I have my Switch. I was playing Gundam G Generation Cross Rays last night in bed.
 
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