Pensacola update 6-16-12

We're moving to....... Norfolk, VIRGINIA! Andrew made his request for his first duty station! He has been officially assigned (but still awaiting orders) to work in the "Rawhide" squadron VRC-40 (Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Zero).  He will be assigned to the C-2A Greyhounds which are high priority planes that provide carrier onboard delivery (COD) which can be cargo, mail, or personnel.  These planes also have provided disaster relief in Haiti. This squadron is 1 of 2 in the entire Navy and the "Rawhides" recently reached one of the highest honors in Aviation Safety by successfully completing 25 years of class "A" mishap free flying. From what Andrew has heard, he will be deployed anywhere from Norway to the Middle East, all the way down to South America, most likely in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. This plane does not take off or land on a carrier at night and because of it's large size does not stay on a carrier long.  This means much of his deployment will be spent on land staying in hotels and eating a local restaurants but working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, sometimes only having 1 day off a month. There is a 90% chance that these orders will stick but we have to wait until they officially "pop" to be 100% sure.  We are excited about what the future holds but are still unsure of when our future move will take place. We are anticipating a fall transition. 

For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRC-40

http://www.touchdown-aviation.com/reports/2006/vrc-40-rawhides.php

In the meantime, Andrew began his 2nd round of classes on June 13th called "AWAT" which stands for Aviation Warfare Apprenticeship Training Course. He is learning basic safety of aviation, the ins and outs of being on a ship and on shore.  It is not specific to his job yet; every member of the Navy goes through this training.  Some focus areas of this course include: safety, HAZMAT, aircraft handling, flight deck awareness, understanding manuals, corrosion control, planned maintenance, and sealants. This short course is 7 training days and then he'll move into his final AE STRAND where he learns about his rate (job). From AE STRAND, Andrew will go to Virginia for C-school. This is where he will learn his specific aircraft platform (C-2A Greyhounds).


When looking toward the future, Andrew and I are excited to explore the east coast.  You may not know but Andrew's dad was stationed at Langley AFB in Virginia when Andrew was in 1st to 4th grade and at the Pentagon (D.C.) for 7th and 8th grade.  Their family has many friends in the area who we look forward to seeing and Andrew's parents look forward to re-connecting with. Andrew also has an uncle, aunt, and three cousins who will be nearby as well.  We have also begun to research tourist spots and discovered we'll be 3 hours from D.C., 6 hours from the Big Apple, and right across from the Chesapeake Bay near Virginia Beach. Let the adventures begin!!

Above is a photo of Andrew carrying the Navy flag at a Memorial Day gig at Veteran's Park in Pensacola.

Pensacola Update 5-26-2012

Classes officially began on May 3, 2012.  Andrew got woken up at 0455 and was told to meet in the Megabuilding at 0700. Shortly after he found out he was in an all navy class with 25 students and has night classes.  Usually classes are split half Marines and half Navy but not his. This is the first series of classes called Aviation Technical Training (ATT). It is a computer based class with two Marine instructors and this first course is 23 class days long (he has 10 left). The class is on basic electronics like circuits, capacitors, conductors, power supplies, etc. Andrew has class Monday - Friday from 1500-whenever they finish, usually about 2300 with an hour dinner break that he comes back to his room to Skype.  When class ends each night, he has another 1-2 hours of physical training Monday-Thursday which usually gets him back into bed about 0100. This has made for a busy schedule as Andrew still has commitments with the performing unit. Being that he has been out of school for 4 years, getting back into learning has been a hard adjustment that he's had to get used to.


Andrew's commitments with performing units has changed since he has classed up.  He now has practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 0930 to 1100.  He has colors every other day at 0730; if you remember this is posting the ensign and other flags outside the Megabuilding. He continues to have gigs whenever he is needed but the need has slowed down. When he completed his first 3, he decided to qualify for "team 3rd's".  This means more responsibility much like a promotion in a job. The test consists of an hour oral board with a drill master while maintaining impeccable military bearing. He has done a total of 9 gigs which means with one more he qualifies for "team 1st's" which is the highest achievable rank in performing units.  He made a decision not to test for "team 2nd's" until after ATT is completed so he can focus on his studies.  "Team 2nd's" and "team 1st's" are in the near future. 

As you can see, all of this takes up a lot of Andrew's time.  On the weekends he spend a large majority of his time with Williams, a Navy buddy from Pennsylvania.  They see a lot of movies, go golfing, and go to small local restaurants. Andrew has enjoyed local events like the Jazzfest, Crawfish festival, car show, and Art in the Park. He has tried some southern style cooking like crawfish, poboy sandwich, and steamed crawfish (you suck the juices out of the head). 

That sums it up!  More to come when his second round of classes (AWAT) begins.

Pensacola Update 4-10-12

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

My hubby in uniform

First day wearing his dress whites - April 2nd

wearing his NWUs - Navy Working Uniform - April 2nd

 

Wearing his NSUs - Navy Service Uniforms (and his green rope for color guard) - April 4th

Saturday, March 10th

Andrew in his Navy Service Uniform, also known as his "Peanut Butters"

With his parents before they head back to ND.

Chicago's BEAN in Millennium Park

Marisa and her dad with the BEAN

Andrew having a true Chicago Dog - smothered in pickles, hot peppers, onions and everything else gross!

Us with a great view of Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan. It was a great day in the Windy City!

Finished our night having Chicago style pizza.

GRADUATION March 9, 2012

Navy Bootcamp at RTC, Great Lakes, IL....WooHoo!!! 

Andrew came out with the Honor Guard and marched the drill deck for pictures before graduation began.He found us right away because we were sitting VIP because of his dad's Colonel rank. He snuck out and came up to us in the bleachers before graduation started!  I was so surprised and we got to talk :)

  second row, second from the left

They looked great with their rifles!

Graduation begins!  The 50 state flags march in and shape spelling out "NAVY". It was impressive, one of my favorite parts of the performance. 

In march all the divisions.  There were a total of 487 graduates this day.  They came in from the 35 degrees outside wearing their black coats.  They then took them off and piled them in a heap behind their division lines.                                

Here comes the Honor Guard.... Andrew is now second row, second from the right. They will be inspected by a Colonel.

This is one of my favorite pictures from graduation. I love all the flags in the back.

Looking sharp!

 

This is another part of the Honor Guard that did rifle throwing and spinning... pretty sweet!

If you remember, Andrew was selected for DIV 917 which is the staffing division.  I was pretty impressed with my focus skills on this shot!

Our first embrace since he left January 11th! 

Andrew and his parents, Steve and Meredith

Andrew with my dad and me

  

 I am so proud of Andrew, my Navy Sailor!!

2 letters received 3-1-12

We are officially T-7 days to graduation (march 9th)!!! (Marisa writing this)

 
22Feb2012
Dear Marisa,
       I received 4 of your letters yesterday. I guess since the long weekend mail got backed up.  I also received mail from your mom and my mom as well.  Your mom sent me a long letter about Christmas and had copies of thank you cards from Teen Challenge. It was awesome to see their gratitude.  My mother sent me a picture of you with my flowers. You are so beautiful.
       I love so much talking to you the other day on the phone.  Only another week or so till the next phone call, then I'll have my orders.
       President's Day was so very boring and I hate these days. Not a lot going on and too much down time. I did received another ribbon for my pistol shooting skills.  That's 2 now. One for joining the Navy in a time of war and marksmanship ribbon.
       We took our division picture today and got a chance to order pictures and a DVD. Don't get too excited because I drop $210. But you will be so happy with the purchase. I got you a surprise. We can also buy more pictures later when you come here. I got 4- 8x10 for you and our families along with others.
       I ran 5 miles yesterday and PFA weigh-ins are tomorrow. First time I get to see my weight since MEPS. We start damage control and firefighting these next two weeks. I'll finish more then. I love you and hope I dream about you. 
  
23Feb2012
       Hey Hey, So today was the big day. Weight-in's! So I didn't eat breakfast and went to Freedom Hall with the divisions to have my final weigh in. If I failed I would be set back until I passed. So I stepped on the scale and..... 207. WHAT!! I didn't even lose a pound. Now I'm worried. So I have to be taped now. I have to be under 22% body fat.  If you remember I was 21% with a 16in neck and a 38in waist. Now I get taped and I'm a 16in neck and a 36in waist. I'm so happy.  Now what this means is although I'm not losing weight, I'm losing body fat, even better in my opinion. I'm getting stronger. I have come to the realization that I may not be under 200 ever. So that's ok with me.  Needless to say, I passed and I'll graduate on time if I pass my final PFA on 6-2 and battle stations. I'm good to go.
       I have a few guys here that wanna write to Jilayna and have her write back. So there are letters inside for her. Kinda weird but whatever.
       We start damage control today and firefighting. Seems pretty good. The gas chamber is this Monday. I'm nervous. 
       Have you played on your Kindle any more? We got a bit of snow today. Any more there? We got beat a few days ago for some kid's stupid disrespectfulness and not following instructions. It was long and my uniform was soaked. Gross. Have you been working out?
       I miss your smile. I miss your smell. I miss our naps. I miss tacos. I miss Hunger Games reading sessions. I miss your body warmth. I miss kissing. I miss sharing things with you. I miss movie nights. I miss church with you. I miss being loved. I miss my best friend.
       This place is so close to being over but then more time apart. At least you can travel and talk to me on skype. Have you thought any more about a new computer for you? Or are you ok with the desktop? I just want to be sure we can skype everyday.
       What about a dog or kids? j/k I have been thinking a lot about our family and future and lovely wife. I talk about you to the guys all the time. I love you so much.  (He drew a picture of a big hug with outstretched arms).
Your hubby/Adventure partner for life.
Andrew


26Feb12
Hello Lady,
       It's the end of week 5 and week 6 starts tomorrow. I'm almost there and it feels great. This will be an exciting and intense week of training. This week is firefighting. We also have gas chamber tomorrow. I'm nervous. I hear mixed reviews from other divisions. This week also consists of Test #3, final PFA (the one that counts), and our last inspection. For this inspection, we have to get into 1 of 3 uniforms correctly. Then they inspect us and answer a question. This is the "PI" part. PI is personal inspection. Then right after we have our DMI inspection. Dynamic Material Inspection where we have to fold and stow the uniform we just put on correctly. This is all timed as well. 20 minutes for each inspection. Plenty of time for me but others struggle.
       So today (Sunday) I spend my time taking a long shower (only on Sundays), shining my boots and dress shoes, writing my amazing wife, and I'll go to church soon. I'm trying the gospel service this week with a few of the black guys I met here. The guys are awesome and they assure me I won't be the only white person.
       I got your letter and the one with the puzzle (crypto) was awesome. You forgot to write the clue down but me and some fellow recruits mastered your puzzle. They loved it and many had never seen one!
       You asked some questions so I'll answer:

• We did go to the USS Missouri and shot the 9mm and shotgun. I scored marksmen which is like 3rd place. I couldn't see the target at 15yards very well.
• I did not have to get glasses/BCG's. And we were one of the first divisions to try out the new frame because BCG's are phasing out. They are small square black frames.
• Firefighting is this week at the USS Chief.
• Gas chamber is tomorrow.
• Marlinspike is a practice for basic seamanship skill to tie the ship to the docks and what not.
• Battlestations is my final test a week from tomorrow (3-5-12). I am up for 48 hours. We start on a ship using all the skills I have learned. It is on 7-1.
• We only swam once to pass the test. Super easy for be since my mom made swimming a huge part of us kids' lives so no problem there. We don't swim at all here. The test was three weeks ago.
• The ceremonial drill guard is not what I'm on. I'd love to be in Navy Honor Guard some day.

Changes/Learned
I want to talk a little about how this experience has changed me:

• First, being married has to be the best part of my life. Being around all these kids really draws me closer to you.
• I have come to realize that Navy will be more difficult than I thought with deployments and moving. I'm really going to need you to be by my side. You're amazing already but it will be hard and besides Christ, you are my everything.
• I have learned I love cereal.
• I have learned that I'm wiser than I thought.
• I have learned that I'm organized and a great teacher.
• I have learned that I am week and have weaknesses, you being one of them. I often cry because I never realized the impact you have on me and how concerned I am for you.
• I have become more of a worrier.
• I have learned I am a control freak and you lose all control at boot camp.
• I have learned I'm an individual more than a team player. I need to change.

       You need to give my mom a message and thank her for all the letters. I miss my weekly phone calls with her and her letters really help. I like to know what's going on and can't wait to see them in two weeks.

       It may be good idea not to send (and tell others) any letters after March 3rd. Mail will be forwarded to me at A-School but don't know when. Can't wait to talk to you on 7-2 (March 6th). Love you so much. Thanks for all you do and the long letters, they help me so much.


Love, Andrew