To continue with updates of Andrew's journey joining the Navy, we felt it was time to update about life in Pensacola, FL. So here goes...
Andrew received his job position (his rate) as an AE right before leaving boot camp. Here is a link http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/ae.htm if you'd like to read more about his actual job but to sum it up, he will be an Aviation Electrician's Mate, "a wire chaser". He will be working on a specific type of aircraft (called a platform) and he will know that when he picks his orders months from now. After arrival, Andrew found out what he will not "class up" (begin his basic electronics course) right away. It often takes weeks if not months before he begins class; it usually takes longer than expected. They are currently backed up in his rate which is the reason he doesn't start right away.
After arriving, Andrew was feeling stressed and confused about rules, expectations, and freedoms of the Navy. Going from a very string regiment and plan everyday at boot camp, there is a lot of down time where he has to keep himself busy. One of the rules of living in the barracks is that when he leaves he must always have a liberty buddy - this can be any other sailor, family or friend. He can also do a 3 hour checkout alone if he wants to make a quick trip into town, however this liberty is limited to before 2000 (8:00). The navy prides itself on always watching out for each other, keeping each other's back. Living in the barracks is very similar to a lifestyle he may have being deployed on a ship. He has to ask "Permission to come aboard" and "Permission to go ashore" when coming and going, always signing in and out. Andrew began in Phase 1 which means he has to wear his uniform at all times on and off base, muster (take attendance) at 2145 (9:45), and has to be back in the barracks by 2200 (10:00) on weekends also.
When he originally moved to Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS), he was placed into "Foxtrot" barracks with a buddy named Bucky from boot camp. This barracks allowed for more freedoms, but that didn't last long because he was soon moved into a barracks called "Charlie" with a new roommate named Mendez. Mendez is an 18 year old who likes to leave his stuff all over the room. Well, with mandatory inspections on Thursdays, and possibility of random inspections anytime, you can imagine how great of a match they are.
The first week consisted of barracks support which is primarily cleaning and odd jobs in other departments like stocking, more cleaning, etc. He lives for free and doesn't have an assigned job until he classes up so barracks support is his "job". During the first week, he also had indoctrination which was class on rules and regulations. He also took a financial course, airplane firefighting class for 1 day, and a Saturday class which was an extension of rules.
Shortly after getting settled, he found out the recreation options on base. There is MWR which is similar to a community center for adults. It has billards, the Portside bar, fast food restaurants, video games, computers with internet and a movie theater. There is also a bowling alley at the Corry Naval Station which is an extension of NAS. Jilayna and I enjoyed this while we were visiting.. He has also played in a volleyball tourney through the SADD (Sailors against Destructive Decisions) organization and they won!
Andrew was moved to phase 2 on March 26th (right before Marisa's visit) after being in Phase 1 for 2 weeks. He had to complete watch qualifications to move up. Watch qualifications are where Andrew has to observe several types of watches so he can then "stand" them. For example, a quarterdeck watch is when he has to stand at the front door and allow people to enter and egress. In Phase 2, he can now wear civilian clothes when not on duty and when he goes off base and has privileges to stay out on weekends until 2345 (11:45).
Marisa and Jilayna (her sister) came to visit on March 30th to bring Andrew the car and we quickly made our way to Pensacola beach. Andrew's expectation of the beach was very different than expected - it's a lot nicer then he imagined. It has dazzling white sand and clear blue water, lots of seashells too! There is also a beach on base which is more secluded, a shorter beachfront, and shell-filled as well. It is an easy walk from the barracks.
After doing Honor Guard at boot camp, Andrew decided to join NAS performing unit which consists of color guard, rifle brigade, and NAV-t. Due to his joining this unit, his duties have also changed and he is no longer obligated to stand watches or muster with his barracks. He now trains with the performing unit daily from 9-2 Monday - Friday. He has additional practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1630-1800 (4:30-6:00). His main focus is color guard which is rifle and staff handling; they practice uniformity for gigs which are performances for retirements, funerals, parades, etc. He's currently signed up for 4 gigs in the coming weeks. Part of the job with Color Guard is to post and retire the main base colors outside the Mega building (major location for offices of the big wigs, classes, air hanger, etc.) which he has to do every 3-4 days.
Weather here is so humid like Minnesota. It rains for short periods of times but then is all sunshine after.It has been in the 70's and low 80's consistently. He's working on his tan.
After taking time to adjust, it's still hard to be away, but he mostly hang out with people from boot camp, though he hopes to find more men his age. As a side note, he has no mandatory PT until he classes up (could be weeks or months away) but he is staying active. Andrew hopes to experience Florida for all it's worth - sky diving maybe? :)
Andrew moves to phase 3 Monday the 16th of April. The only change will be that he can stay out overnight on Fridays and Saturdays when Marisa comes to visit.
Thanks for reading, until next time....
Anchor's Aweigh,
Andrew and Marisa
Thanks for the update! Love to hear what is going on!!! LOVE YOU BOTH XOXO
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