Christopher's Blog

This is what it was like being in the Navy for six years--eight months in training for aviation search and rescue and aviation warfare, one year at a fleet replacement helicopter squadron, one year at a helicopter squadron, and over three years at a chapel.

Boot camp was not what I expected. Prior to boot camp I pictured the Navy as disciplined, strong, motivated, difficult, and tough. I probably spent more time starching and ironing underwear, T-shirts, and uniforms than physical training. We marched around the base to attend classes. We were given 10 minutes to finish a meal. We had lots of shots and dental appointments. And we sat around in open-bay berthing for hours and hours waiting. That was boot camp.

Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) in Pensacola, Florida lasted for one month. When I got there I was put in a room with one roommate, given a curfew, and couldn't leave base for the first two weeks. The physical training was much more difficult than boot camp. We did a lot of calisthenics, some beach runs, spent many hours in the pool swimming and doing survival training. We were trained in first aid and had classes about aviation. The students mustered in before every meal and marched to the galley together. We had daily room inspections and uniform inspections and their requirements were much more strict than boot camp. Our room and uniforms had to be 100% perfect--no wrinkles, no frays, no loose strings, perfectly creased, shiny boots, tucked in with shirt stays, good haircut, and a perfect shave. For the most part, NACCS was fun...even the one mile swim. My class started with 36 and finished with 18.

Rescue Swimmer School (RSS) was just across the street on Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. The first day was a VERY stringent, and loud, uniform inspection in our whites. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we started the day with calisthenics that were much more difficult than NACCS. We held every lung, push-up, and pull-up for a long time. Next we went on a 5-6 mile beach run on soft sand in hot weather at a fast pace. Then we had a few minutes to put on a wetsuit, grab our gear, and get to the pool side. In the pool we would swim a few hours a day doing laps, springs, underwater sprints, survivor releases, survivor escapes, parachute escapes, and simulated helicopter jumps. In the afternoons we had classes in first aid or search and rescue if we weren't in the pool. RSS lasted one month. My class started with 18 and finished with six.

Aviation Warfare System Operator (AW) "A" school was also on NAS Pensacola. First we got a security clearance. For the next for months we went to class learning about how to track submarines and ships from a helicopter (SH-60) or airplane (P-3). Class, or PT, started at 7:30 a.m., lunch break was from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., then class finished about 3:30 p.m. Many rescue swimmers gained weight in "A" school because they were used to eating so much to replenish the calories burnt at RSS.

Helicopter Squadron Light Forty-One (HSL-41) in San Diego, California was the Fleet Replacement Aircrew Squadron (FRAC) for those who wanted to be stationed on the west coast and deploy on a frigate, destroyer, or cruiser instead of an aircraft carrier. The training lasted for one year and consisted of computer based training, classroom training, flights in an SH-60B helicopter, and simulator flight training. Physical training was three times a week and lead by one of the instructors. It varied in difficulty depending on the instructor. Search and rescue training was in the base pool or in the bay south of the Coronado bridge.

Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) in San Diego, California is where the Navy teaches Sailors and Marines with a higher risk of having to survive in the wilderness behind enemy lines what to do. What happens there is not supposed to be shared. I can tell you this, though. I was very cold, very hungry, and had lots of fun. They taught us to survive in the wilderness, evade the enemy, resist the enemy if captured, and escape from the prison camp. SERE school lasted two weeks, one week in class, one week in the field.

Helicopter Squadron Light Fifty-One (HSL-51) on Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan is the only forward deployed HSL squadron in the Navy. The work pace if very fast. The helicopters deploy mostly on frigates, destroyers, and cruisers which are smaller than aircraft carriers. HSL-51 does have one detachment that goes on the aircraft carrier, though. Each detachment has approximately 40 people and one or two helicopters that is assigned to a specific ship.

The USS Gary (FFG-51) was a frigate that supported one of HSL-51's helicopters while it is out to sea. It has been decommissioned. The only time personnel from HSL-51 were aboard the USS Gary is while it was deployed. The thing about frigates is they rock a lot more than an aircraft carrier. The good thing is you can get to know the people on board better, there are less people to get in trouble, and more port visits.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Japan supports Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) and HSL-51. The command oversees most of the functions on base like public affairs, the chaplain's office, security, and so on. Many people have said it is their favorite duty station, some who have over 20 years in the Navy. There are two gyms on base offering many classes, organized runs, and other events. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) on NAF has weekly trips to different places around Japan. The commissary is decent, remembering that it is a long way for the States. The Navy Exchange is a little small, but not too far away is Camp Zama Army Base and Yokosuka Naval Base. When CVW-5 is deployed, it is very quiet with no lines. When they return, the jet noise seems constant and lines get longer.

Transients Personnel Unit (TPU) Puget Sound's main purpose is to transition Sailors out of or back in to the Navy. If the person is separating and coming from overseas the best transportation from the airport to Bangor Sub Base is by the Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter. It cost around $20 and accepts cash only. The Navy will reimburse the cost, though. On average, members stay at TPU for about two weeks. E-5 and below usually have one or two roommates. The rooms have cable TV, a fridge, bathroom, lockable closet, and beds. If the member is separating with an honorable discharge, it is a very low stress environment. Monday's through Thursdays consist of 0900 and 1400 musters. Between that time is to complete different checkout procedures, which there are not many of. Sometimes there are working parties that may last for a few minutes to a few hours. On Friday muster is at 0900 only to allow for a early start on the weekend. Every Monday is indoc where Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) will set up a first appointment. It is usually a week to two weeks after arrival to allow time to complete all the necessary steps first. At the first appointment PSD will set up a second appointment, usually the next day if all the paperwork is in order. It is at the second appointment they hand the person their DD214 (proof of separation) and airplane tickets home.

About an hour ago I took off my uniform for the last time. I will most likely never again wear the cloth of our nation while serving in the military. I had my final appointment with the Navy today. Now I am on terminal leave until April 21. After the 21st I will be an individual ready reservist for two years. All that means is I have to phone in once a year. The chances of recall are next to none.

It feels good to have all my responsibilities with the Navy complete

A few hours ago I arrived at my final duty station. If everything goes as planned I will be here for 10 days or less.

I have many mixed feelings about leaving Japan. Atsugi has become a huge part of my life. I've lived there for four years. Chances are I'll never return.

Originally I was supposed to catch a military flight out of Yokota Air Force Base but it was cancelled on Friday. The Costomer Service Desk (CSD) reserved me a ticket with United. I caught the Narita bus from Atsugi at 10 a.m. and said bye to Terri Lynn and Monsignor Walsh.

At about 1:00 p.m. I arrived at Narita and checked in to my flight. Since I had so much time to spare, I went up to the viewing deck and took a few pictures of airplanes. My flight left at 4:40 p.m. and arrived in Seattle at about 9:30 a.m. the same day. After collecting my luggage and going through costoms, I went up to the USO lounge to find out how to get to Bangor Submarine Base. They said I could catch the Bremmerton/Kitsap shuttle bus that leaves every hour, 20 minutes after the hour. At 11:20 a.m. I got on the $19.75 shuttle to Bangor and arrive around 1:00 p.m. right at the door of the TPU. I checked in, got a room with one room mate, locked up my things, and went for a five mile jog around base.

I miss the Pacific Northwest. It is beautiful here. There is no place like it. The air is so cool and crisp this time of year. The trees are tall and forests are lush. If I was staying in the Navy, I wouldn't mind being stationed here.

You know, it is quite a feeling to know that I served the country for almost six years, four years overseas. It's a good feeling. I still think I am ready to move on, though. I know that God has a plan for Terri Lynn and I.

Tomorrow is a day off and Monday I have to muster at 9:00 a.m. in uniform. I hope everything contiues to go smoothly.

We are now out of our home and living in the Navy Lodge on base. We'll be staying here for one week before I fly to Seattle to separate from the Navy. Terri Lynn will stay two weeks longer since her friends are coming to visit Japan.

The pack-out was on Thursday and yesterday. Everything went well. The movers came at about 9:00 and finished about 2:30. We had one room of things we didn't want them to pack. Everything else they put into boxes or wrapped up with packing materials and sent off. Two months from now it should end up in Buffalo, NY.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that my Canadian immigration application was approved. They called me last week to let me know that they will be sending it off this week. It should be in the mail now.

The Navy Lodge is nice. Terri Lynn will be writing about it soon.

Check it out...Terri Lynn made it into the base newspaper. https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/skywriter/2008/01feb08/page6.html

BTW - I took those pictures.