Rock the boat...don't rock the boat baby

I have been leading you all to believe my life at sea is all glamorous and romantic with stops at exotic ports and what not. Well, today I am going to let you in on the not to cool side of life at sea…

 

We have been having some very smooth sailing these past few weeks, gliding along the calm tropical waters of the Sulu, Celebus, South China and Java seas. Last night we went through the Sunda Strait which connects the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean. At about midnight we exited the strait and entered the Indian Ocean and man oh man, we were welcomed with open arms.

I, luckily, was asleep, but felt the gentle rocking and rolling. It shook me awake a few times, but I was able to go back to sleep, one of my many skills. I got up in the morning and took my shower. Taking a shower in rough seas is kind of an adventure in itself. You are wearing shower shoes, which quickly turn into ice skates on the shower floor. You have to get your feet pressed against both sides of the shower and hold on with one hand while you wash your hair and stuff. It is a delicate science.

 

I usually do not get sea sick, so I was not noticing how bad it was. I walked back to the flight deck for Officers Call and passed medical. There was a line of dead soldiers all curled up in the fetal position outside, moaning and pale. It was ugly. Apparently the docs had been running from berthing to berthing giving IV’s to all the people who had barfed up all their fluids.

We had two UNREPS this morning where we go alongside an oiler and receive gas and food and stuff and this usually requires a large portion of the crew. Too bad half the crew is in their racks hating life. I ended up taking two different peoples watches and kicking one guy off the bridge and taking his watch after he puked 4 times in about as many minutes. He had a trash bag to puke in, luckily, unfortunately it was clear. That, more than anything, might make me lose it. I toughed it out and was one of the few at lunch today.

 

All part of the glory of being a SWO.

 

Later,
Linda