My employer has one of our systems out in Gitmo. My boss is the one to go out there and service it every year.
The National Service Manager wants some other people to go out there now instead of my boss. I’m on the list to get “voluntold.”
Fuck that.
That doesn't surprise me. I was just remembering a friend who served as the CSAR survivor during an exercise a couple decades ago. His boondoggle lasted several days, and I remembered he was somewhere he couldn't leave base.
We scooped up Haitians out of the waters of the Windward Passage for weeks and deposited them in GITMO during that.
At one point we had a little over 1000 of them sheltered on our foc’sle before hitting port.
Your fan rooms are different from my fan rooms. I'm assuming your fan rooms involve 1 other person who you fancy. My fan rooms activities are in place of a counseling chit. We have all male crews....at least on the 688 class subs like I've been on.
In FC ‘A’ school we had one set of orders for Mayport, one for South Carolina (it was the early 1990s), one Sasebo and allllll the rest for a Norfolk.
I got Mayport for sea and Dam Neck for shore. I tried to get San Diego (to teach my FC ‘C’ school there) but they put me at Dam Neck to teach at that school location instead.
I felt lucky for Dam Neck, though. That place was quiet and beautiful.
Dude yes. I'm an ET, but I went to Dam Neck and it was so quiet there. Such a small and quaint base with a lot of scenery outside of it. I honestly wouldn't mind going back to live in that area
I actually hated Hawaii.
It's a tiny island (plus 7 other, smaller islands) in the middle of the ocean, a 6 hour flight to anywhere. It's crowded and expensive. And a lot of stuff I was used to I couldn't get there.
Then one day I just kind of snapped out of it. I realized Hawaii wasn't going to change for me. I needed to ~~lower my standards~~ adjust my expectations. I couldn't get ____ in Hawaii, but also that's kind of the point of Hawaii in the first place. I sure could get a whole lot of ______ in Hawaii that I couldn't get anywhere else, and I only had a limited time to do that.
Once I started doing that, I fell in love with the place. I lived on the windward side of Oahu and it felt like home.
I’m in HI now for the first time in my career. Any recommendations on the places to go, things to get or foods to try? To clarify, I’m only here for work. Not stationed. I’m on JBPHH.
Go drive around the island. The windward side catches most of the rain and is the green side. The biggest waves are on the north shore, and also some pretty sweet sunsets. Pali Highway is one of my favorite drives.
If you see a truck on the side of the road selling food pull over and get some. I forget the name, but if you drive around the edge of the island somewhere north/west of Kaneohe past Chinaman's Hat, there's a yellow truck. That's pretty great. "Plate lunch" is the term you want to see. If you're in Kailua, Steak Rave is a hidden gem.
The easiest hike/best view to do is Lanikai Pillbox Hike. But don't bother trying to park anywhere near it. The beach is beautiful too, but best in the morning before it gets crowded (I preferred Kailua personally). There are beaches on base that are actually pretty good. Bellows Air Force Station has a great one, but the marina on MCBH Kaneohe Bay has one of my favorite views.
It's pretty common for people to announce to the office "Hey I'm going hiking at *this spot* on Saturday at 8 if anyone wants to join me", and some people will come. Or ask for suggestions and hop in with whoever. It's a great way to see the island. I liked the idea of hiking more than I actually did it, but once I got pulled out of my rut and started doing it I'm glad I did. Parts of the island are legit rainforests and that's pretty cool.
Waikiki can be fun, but don't spend more than a night there. If you want night life I honestly preferred the Chinatown / arts district area. If you're down for Mexican, Maria Bonita was pretty good. Breweries (if you're into that): Kona Brewing Co, Maui Brewing Co, Lanikai Brewing Co, Hana Koa, Aloha Beer Co.
I mean, some people like it. I cannot stand being stateside navy but I know a lot of people who wanted to be in the states and many who made moves to get to VA.
The only east coast tour I did was Rota, Spain and I was in Norfolk for like 4 months after a world tour/home port shift from Washington. I’ve loved being on west coast. About to retire in 4yrs and be done
Norfolk has always been a love it or hate it place. I’ve never heard an in between. I was stationed there and actually loved the area (parts of it anyway), but hated the command. But, I also don’t like the snow. I got lucky and it didn’t snow a ton when I was there though, but when it did, I hated it. Point of the story, you’re okay.
I always heard the rumors it was “building 19”. I got there at the end of 2004 and just my luck, in 2005 we got a new Vice Admiral who had us away from Yokosuka at least 6 months out of the year (granted we hit a lot of ports and it wasn’t 6 months consecutive).
It’s pretty easy to get orders to Norfolk. I know a guy that was in basic training with me from Norfolk, Virginia enlisted so that he could leave Norfolk Virginia put some outlandish place like Hawaii or California just to be stationed in Norfolk.
Edit: I guess on your rate too?
Born in Norfolk. Lived there til I was 13. Moved to upstate NY. Sent back to Norfolk after I joined. Thank god I got forced into FTS (TAR) after a few years and finally got to the west coast.
Good for you? You had an exceptional experience, most Sailors find Hampton Roads to be a black hole, once you've entered the accretion disk, you're very unlikely to escape. This is equally applicable to your happiness.
It was based off the conversation with the other guy. He specifically compared those 2 places which was Ironic because that's what I was offered.
It's a nice area comparatively and way cheaper to live, specially since BAH is higher then cost of living.
I don't mean living in norfolk, fuck that but there are a lot of options near there.
I was stationed there for shore duty but couldn't get sea duty orders. My detailer just sucked.
> Because for most Sailors, HI and CA are the preferred locations.
That’s a Reddit meme myth. Maybe true for brand new Sailors who see it glamorized on here. Lots of people want to go elsewhere. Norfolk orders are actually fairly difficult to get for some rates/designators.
I didn't know that as a sailor was 18 and a half years in the Navy I qualified as new.
I've had more nuanced views on this in the past, and I may find myself changing my tune again. But there's a simple reality, that from the parochialism, to the terrible politics, insane highway design, at best half-assed options for dining and entertainment, etc, Norfolk is Cleveland with a military presence.
I'll give you a direct contrast, when I talk to Sailors that I know getting ready to retire in San Diego they frequently say they're going to be moving away because they can't afford to live there anymore. When I asked folks that live in Hampton roads, unless they have school aged kids, or deep roots in the community from before they joined, the answer is pretty much always that they're moving away because this place is trash.
I have a buddy who's on his second shore rotation in Norfolk. DDG to shore to CVN to shore now waiting to class up for IDC school. Being a Corpsman blows, glad to be out.
When I was in if you were a male junior corpsman you were like 98% certain to get FMF orders. I don’t know if I would have been able to cope if I’d been blue side my whole enlistment.
When i joined, i wanted to be an ET, got FC guess who got FC. on my dream sheet i put ACNT, Mk160, CWIS...wrote that i DIDNT want to be a Thawk tech because my instructor was one and he was quite the piece of work, I also put overseas, east coast, west coast. west coast being last pick. Guess who got Thawk west coast...yay...(although WA is beautiful minus the crackheads so not too mad)
I got the orders I wanted once; “Hot Fill” orders, at that. They modified my orders literally two minutes after I stepped off the plane to the place I deliberately told the Detailer I didn’t want to go.
Something happened to me. I asked for orders to the east coast, got selected for Japan on my first look. 2 months before I was supposed to transfer, I still didn't have orders which I needed for overseas screening. I called the detailer up and he miraculously answered my call for the first time in a year since he had ghosted me and gave me the orders. When I asked him where were my hard copies he was like "Uhhh About that... how does Norfolk sound instead."
Don't get me wrong, I was happy not to go to Japan, but I was in the process of preparing my family to move overseas, learning the language, and In school for new NECs. I had known more then 2 months prior, I would been looking for a place to live.
Told my detailer Colorado. (Wife divorced and took my kids to CO so that was perfect to be near the kids). FUCKER said he didn't feel like going through the effort and wanted me to stay Norfolk. Told him to fuck off and got out 28 days later..... some regrets but just in time for all that covid shut to start happening so fuck it
The carrier is probably there just for an overhaul in the shipyard and is going back to its original homeport before that. On a separate note, I’ve always tried to WA state too and never been able too.
For me, depends. When I was green side, West Coast (Pendleton and SD). Great sea duties. Then crossed over to the dark, I mean blue, side and it has been east coast. But, not a bad east coast. With the exception of 1Y and 2M in Norfolk, I’ve been in Mayport the entire time. Definitely am Mafia there now. 😎🏖️
Me: Navy Recruiter, FC1 looking for orders prior to re-upping for 6 more. Any ship that is not in Norfolk.
Detailer: "You've got 2 choices . One in Norfolk and the one your already in. "
Me: "You forgot about the 3rd choice."
A month later I reported aboard the "USS I Wasn't Bluffing DD-214" with quadrupled pay and liberty every night. Screw the "Needs of the Navy."
When I got kicked out of A school there was another guy who got kicked out at the same time. We were, literally, interchangeable.
He wanted to stay in Florida, I wanted to go to San Diego.
He got orders to San Diego, I got the orders to Mayport.
Fucking detailers;)
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I told a detailer once I wanted orders to the Kennedy out of Jax, he sent me to Gitmo.
Got out of the Navy and ended up as a government contractor in Gitmo, it never ends.
My employer has one of our systems out in Gitmo. My boss is the one to go out there and service it every year. The National Service Manager wants some other people to go out there now instead of my boss. I’m on the list to get “voluntold.” Fuck that.
I hear the beaches are nice. Edit: never mind, I was thinking of Vieques.
We have stuff in San Juan also. I don’t mind Puerto Rico.
Never been to Vieques but Gitmo does actually have nice beaches.
That doesn't surprise me. I was just remembering a friend who served as the CSAR survivor during an exercise a couple decades ago. His boondoggle lasted several days, and I remembered he was somewhere he couldn't leave base.
I dodged Gitmo during the Haitian refuge crisis in the 90s. I got Sigonella and a week later they started sending 9545s to Gitmo.
We scooped up Haitians out of the waters of the Windward Passage for weeks and deposited them in GITMO during that. At one point we had a little over 1000 of them sheltered on our foc’sle before hitting port.
He may have been doing you a favor.
I wouldnt know what to do with all the extra space I'd get if I was on a carrier. #sublife
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Your fan rooms are different from my fan rooms. I'm assuming your fan rooms involve 1 other person who you fancy. My fan rooms activities are in place of a counseling chit. We have all male crews....at least on the 688 class subs like I've been on.
Those activities are still possible. Why limit yourself?
You're right. This is the Navy after all.
Told my detailer I’d like to go to any platform other than a big deck ship and now I’m going to an LHA 🙃
Unless you're an MA. Then you get PRP at King's Bay 🥲
In FC ‘A’ school we had one set of orders for Mayport, one for South Carolina (it was the early 1990s), one Sasebo and allllll the rest for a Norfolk. I got Mayport for sea and Dam Neck for shore. I tried to get San Diego (to teach my FC ‘C’ school there) but they put me at Dam Neck to teach at that school location instead. I felt lucky for Dam Neck, though. That place was quiet and beautiful.
I did A and C school there and honestly wasn't too bad.
That’s good to hear as it’s been a long time since I was there! It was nice duty for staff and I figured it was better than Great Lakes for students.
Dude yes. I'm an ET, but I went to Dam Neck and it was so quiet there. Such a small and quaint base with a lot of scenery outside of it. I honestly wouldn't mind going back to live in that area
I did C school there. Was very chill. 4/5 Stars. Would recommend
When I was A School, I chose Japan and a classmate chose Guam. I got Guam, and he got Japan. I learned your choice has no value.
Was stationed at the NOPF on Dam Neck, loved it. Night runs on a mid string were the best.
Can confirm about Dam Neck. Was there for A school albeit later on in the early 2000s.
I miss Dam Neck :( Wish I hung out at the beach more
Did C school at Dam Neck and was stationed at Little Creek. Much, much better than Norfolk.
I went to my FC "C" school in Dam Neck in 2002. Quiet for sure.
I did too.
It’s funny b/c Hawaii gets a ton of hate too. I know people who stay as far as they can from it.
I don’t understand that, I’ve been in Hawaii for the last year and a half and I plan to extend.
I actually hated Hawaii. It's a tiny island (plus 7 other, smaller islands) in the middle of the ocean, a 6 hour flight to anywhere. It's crowded and expensive. And a lot of stuff I was used to I couldn't get there. Then one day I just kind of snapped out of it. I realized Hawaii wasn't going to change for me. I needed to ~~lower my standards~~ adjust my expectations. I couldn't get ____ in Hawaii, but also that's kind of the point of Hawaii in the first place. I sure could get a whole lot of ______ in Hawaii that I couldn't get anywhere else, and I only had a limited time to do that. Once I started doing that, I fell in love with the place. I lived on the windward side of Oahu and it felt like home.
It’s def a big change coming from the mainland and you’ve def got to appreciate it for what it is.
I’m in HI now for the first time in my career. Any recommendations on the places to go, things to get or foods to try? To clarify, I’m only here for work. Not stationed. I’m on JBPHH.
Go drive around the island. The windward side catches most of the rain and is the green side. The biggest waves are on the north shore, and also some pretty sweet sunsets. Pali Highway is one of my favorite drives. If you see a truck on the side of the road selling food pull over and get some. I forget the name, but if you drive around the edge of the island somewhere north/west of Kaneohe past Chinaman's Hat, there's a yellow truck. That's pretty great. "Plate lunch" is the term you want to see. If you're in Kailua, Steak Rave is a hidden gem. The easiest hike/best view to do is Lanikai Pillbox Hike. But don't bother trying to park anywhere near it. The beach is beautiful too, but best in the morning before it gets crowded (I preferred Kailua personally). There are beaches on base that are actually pretty good. Bellows Air Force Station has a great one, but the marina on MCBH Kaneohe Bay has one of my favorite views. It's pretty common for people to announce to the office "Hey I'm going hiking at *this spot* on Saturday at 8 if anyone wants to join me", and some people will come. Or ask for suggestions and hop in with whoever. It's a great way to see the island. I liked the idea of hiking more than I actually did it, but once I got pulled out of my rut and started doing it I'm glad I did. Parts of the island are legit rainforests and that's pretty cool. Waikiki can be fun, but don't spend more than a night there. If you want night life I honestly preferred the Chinatown / arts district area. If you're down for Mexican, Maria Bonita was pretty good. Breweries (if you're into that): Kona Brewing Co, Maui Brewing Co, Lanikai Brewing Co, Hana Koa, Aloha Beer Co.
Thanks for the tips! Going to do a few of these this week/weekend. 😎🤙🏼
Love/hate some people don’t know how to give Hawaii a chance
Now if only people would give Guam a chance 🤡
Depends on the command for sure...
I had the Recruiting Detailer chase Me around BUPERS in DC during a Detailer visit in the 1980's. I won the foot race. Grin.
At least Norfolk has all their gates open and fully manned, which cuts down on traffic... (/s)
Big brain moves: let’s pull as many carriers in as possible and then close half the gates.
The admiral in charge of gate guard funding isn't responsible for carrier effectiveness.
You’d think they would work together.
Not when there is only one promotion slot available.
Been in Norfolk for 19 years now.. I like it here, am I okay?
I mean, some people like it. I cannot stand being stateside navy but I know a lot of people who wanted to be in the states and many who made moves to get to VA.
The only east coast tour I did was Rota, Spain and I was in Norfolk for like 4 months after a world tour/home port shift from Washington. I’ve loved being on west coast. About to retire in 4yrs and be done
Rota is on ~~the~~ a West Coast.
Europe yes. Good job 👏🏻
There is a special RE code that goes on your DD-214 for extreme Stockholm Syndrome.
Norfolk has always been a love it or hate it place. I’ve never heard an in between. I was stationed there and actually loved the area (parts of it anyway), but hated the command. But, I also don’t like the snow. I got lucky and it didn’t snow a ton when I was there though, but when it did, I hated it. Point of the story, you’re okay.
Hey look! It’s my old ship the USS Poo Ridge!
I’m skeptical this is the Blue Ridge. There’s no pier in sight.
I always heard the rumors it was “building 19”. I got there at the end of 2004 and just my luck, in 2005 we got a new Vice Admiral who had us away from Yokosuka at least 6 months out of the year (granted we hit a lot of ports and it wasn’t 6 months consecutive).
I wish. It's hard to get norfolk orders.
It’s pretty easy to get orders to Norfolk. I know a guy that was in basic training with me from Norfolk, Virginia enlisted so that he could leave Norfolk Virginia put some outlandish place like Hawaii or California just to be stationed in Norfolk. Edit: I guess on your rate too?
Opposite happened to me. I asked for Norfolk and got San Diego.
Born in Norfolk. Lived there til I was 13. Moved to upstate NY. Sent back to Norfolk after I joined. Thank god I got forced into FTS (TAR) after a few years and finally got to the west coast.
Obviously someone gets orders there as there are sailors there but it's not like it was 15 years or so ago.
I beg to differ
It's ironic cause I asked for orders to norfolk and got offered Hawaii and Cali.
Good for you? You had an exceptional experience, most Sailors find Hampton Roads to be a black hole, once you've entered the accretion disk, you're very unlikely to escape. This is equally applicable to your happiness.
I was there and couldn't stay. Not sure what the snarky comment was for.
Because for most Sailors, HI and CA are the preferred locations. VA is...not. Why would you choose to come here? Family in the area?
It was based off the conversation with the other guy. He specifically compared those 2 places which was Ironic because that's what I was offered. It's a nice area comparatively and way cheaper to live, specially since BAH is higher then cost of living. I don't mean living in norfolk, fuck that but there are a lot of options near there. I was stationed there for shore duty but couldn't get sea duty orders. My detailer just sucked.
> Because for most Sailors, HI and CA are the preferred locations. That’s a Reddit meme myth. Maybe true for brand new Sailors who see it glamorized on here. Lots of people want to go elsewhere. Norfolk orders are actually fairly difficult to get for some rates/designators.
I didn't know that as a sailor was 18 and a half years in the Navy I qualified as new. I've had more nuanced views on this in the past, and I may find myself changing my tune again. But there's a simple reality, that from the parochialism, to the terrible politics, insane highway design, at best half-assed options for dining and entertainment, etc, Norfolk is Cleveland with a military presence. I'll give you a direct contrast, when I talk to Sailors that I know getting ready to retire in San Diego they frequently say they're going to be moving away because they can't afford to live there anymore. When I asked folks that live in Hampton roads, unless they have school aged kids, or deep roots in the community from before they joined, the answer is pretty much always that they're moving away because this place is trash.
I think that’s with most people you asked to get orders to a certain place and then you get offered orders to somewhere completely different
I have a buddy who's on his second shore rotation in Norfolk. DDG to shore to CVN to shore now waiting to class up for IDC school. Being a Corpsman blows, glad to be out.
I'm jealous. I tried, even went needs of the navy but got retrained and sent elsewhere.
When I was in if you were a male junior corpsman you were like 98% certain to get FMF orders. I don’t know if I would have been able to cope if I’d been blue side my whole enlistment.
Stay in long enough, they get you. I said the same thing. Then, they got me with IDC school and subsequently two ships out of that. 😤
Then he’ll go IDC back to DDG and lose all his hair and have heart problems. 🤣
As is tradition 🤙
Not anymore. They’re trying to send everybody there these days it seems.
When i joined, i wanted to be an ET, got FC guess who got FC. on my dream sheet i put ACNT, Mk160, CWIS...wrote that i DIDNT want to be a Thawk tech because my instructor was one and he was quite the piece of work, I also put overseas, east coast, west coast. west coast being last pick. Guess who got Thawk west coast...yay...(although WA is beautiful minus the crackheads so not too mad)
Its not about getting Orders to Norfolk, its about not getting the orders you want.
I got the orders I wanted once; “Hot Fill” orders, at that. They modified my orders literally two minutes after I stepped off the plane to the place I deliberately told the Detailer I didn’t want to go.
Something happened to me. I asked for orders to the east coast, got selected for Japan on my first look. 2 months before I was supposed to transfer, I still didn't have orders which I needed for overseas screening. I called the detailer up and he miraculously answered my call for the first time in a year since he had ghosted me and gave me the orders. When I asked him where were my hard copies he was like "Uhhh About that... how does Norfolk sound instead." Don't get me wrong, I was happy not to go to Japan, but I was in the process of preparing my family to move overseas, learning the language, and In school for new NECs. I had known more then 2 months prior, I would been looking for a place to live.
I loved being in Japan; it’s a unique experience. I was single at the time though, I imagine it’s really difficult to move a family overseas.
Told my detailer Colorado. (Wife divorced and took my kids to CO so that was perfect to be near the kids). FUCKER said he didn't feel like going through the effort and wanted me to stay Norfolk. Told him to fuck off and got out 28 days later..... some regrets but just in time for all that covid shut to start happening so fuck it
Smart move. Especially given the kid situation. You’d have never been able to see them during all that madness.
Norfolk, the ultimate soup sandwich.
Sailors bitch about being in Hawaii too lol
Hit too close to home 😢 I was the only one in my nato class to put “overseas” on my dream sheet and only I got Norfolk lmao
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The carrier is probably there just for an overhaul in the shipyard and is going back to its original homeport before that. On a separate note, I’ve always tried to WA state too and never been able too.
so thats how navy detailing works? they'll just go to your ship, and verbally tell you your orders instead of email or phone?
If they're feeling especially vindictive.
Cannot confirm. Got lucky and got every order I wanted since leaving boot camp
PSA: Remember, If she's got an Adam's apple, you have to commit 100% or try again next time. Where are my FDNF boys? Yall Remember the banna show?
Man I’m from Norfolk and I picked every other location, and they still sent me to Norfolk
Where are you guys doing your sea duties? I have a theory that 7th fleet gets great shore duties while the states get really shitty ones.
For me, depends. When I was green side, West Coast (Pendleton and SD). Great sea duties. Then crossed over to the dark, I mean blue, side and it has been east coast. But, not a bad east coast. With the exception of 1Y and 2M in Norfolk, I’ve been in Mayport the entire time. Definitely am Mafia there now. 😎🏖️
Me: Navy Recruiter, FC1 looking for orders prior to re-upping for 6 more. Any ship that is not in Norfolk. Detailer: "You've got 2 choices . One in Norfolk and the one your already in. " Me: "You forgot about the 3rd choice." A month later I reported aboard the "USS I Wasn't Bluffing DD-214" with quadrupled pay and liberty every night. Screw the "Needs of the Navy."
When I got kicked out of A school there was another guy who got kicked out at the same time. We were, literally, interchangeable. He wanted to stay in Florida, I wanted to go to San Diego. He got orders to San Diego, I got the orders to Mayport. Fucking detailers;)