Aurora Division Ship S Log 2004

Aurora Division Ship’s Log – 2004

19 Oct 2004

NLUS Aurora Council Monthly Dinner & Meeting

Although I've been a member of the Navy League of the United States for more than 2 years, I hadn't been able to fit any of the monthly dinners into my work schedule. I attended my first dinner last night, and I do not intend to miss any in the future! Last night's meeting was a celebration of the United States Navy's 229th birthday, complete with cake. An old Navy tradition, for those who don't know, is that each ship and shore activity has a birthday cake each year, and it is tradition that the cake is always simultaneously cut by the oldest and the youngest sailor present. I was quite surprised, and honored, to find I was the youngest (former) sailor present for the ceremony at age 37.

My dinner companions were fascinating. One gentleman I sat next to and introduced myself to was a WWII veteran of the cruiser USS Augusta, which for you military history buffs was the flagship for the US Navy in the D-Day Normandy invasion on 6 Jun 1944, and carried Generals Eisenhower, Marshall, and Arnold. Another gentleman at my table was a Pacific Fleet veteran who participated in the almost disastrous Battle off Samar, fought during the famous Leyte Gulf campaign on 25 Oct 1944 (the details of which are outlined in the excellent book "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors").

A third gentleman at my table is a military history author, who is having a book signing in Elgin on 25 Oct 2004 for his new book Fox Valley Heroes, detailing interviews with more than 30 veterans from WWII up through Iraqi Freedom who live right here among us in the Fox Valley area.

The speaker (and current president of the NLUS Aurora Council) is a veteran of the USS Forrestal, and served aboard her on that deadly day of 29 Jul 1967 when the ship was nearly lost due to a series of accidental weapons explosions exacerbated by inadequate firefighting and damage control training.

There were many other people there who have similar stories that I simply didn't have time to meet, and to say thank you to for their service. Heroes truly are everywhere you look, and most never made the history books or even received the medals and honors their service entitled them to. Take a moment to pause, particularly with Veterans' Day fast approaching, and look around you at the grocery store, or at the mall, or wherever. You never know what challenges that elderly gentleman or lady had to overcome, what sacrifices they made with no thought to their own safety in the service of their country, unless you ask. I intend to ask, and do a lot more listening, at the next NLUS Aurora Council Meeting and monthly dinner on 16 Nov 2004, and would encourage any of you to attend and to do the same. These monthly dinners are always listed on our Upcoming Events page.

Warrant Officer Brian Kobleur

19 Oct 2004

SeaBee Training, ANG Training Center, Marseilles, IL

We have just arrived at the Marseilles Illinois, Army National Guard base for SeaBee field training. After checking in, I went to my assigned squad bay and unpacked. I ended up not unpacking due to a few card games that took up the rest of the day. For the next few days, we did classroom work on patrols, and concealment and stuff they use in the field.

After the classroom stuff, we got to go in the field. We had war games and stuff like that, riding in Deuce-and-a-halfs [6 X 6 trucks with a 2 1/2 ton capacity] and fun stuff like that. Being in the field was an awesome experience, it gives you a greater sense of what real soldiers go through and the stuff they live with. We also went to a rifle range for Marksmanship qualifications on the AR-15. That was fun because I got to shoot this huge shotgun that almost took off my shoulder.

But the things I will remember most about SeaBee field training, is that almost every night, the Sea Cadets would play the Army Reservists in volleyball. The first night, we beat them and we were all happy and joyous. The rest of the time, we barely won, it was embarrassing. But it was fun to play the Reservists and know that they might have not minded us being there. They were all a bunch of cool people, we would crack jokes back and forth and stuff like that. And I can't leave out all the liberty we had at night. We had about 3 hours of liberty each night. During that time, you could sign out your cell phone and call home, or just sit and chill outside or play volleyball. All together, it was an awesome training, awesome enough that I want to go back next summer. I would recommend this training to anyone that likes the outdoors and likes to sneak around a forest in search of the enemy.

SA Brad Erickson

15 Oct 2004

Medical Training, Naval Hospital Great Lakes, IL

I wanted to go to medical training since I was a League Cadet, but when the opportunity came up, I wasn’t so sure about it because I was on vacation; I ended up going anyway. Things started a little weird for me. Coming in a day late meant that I was a day behind, but I adjusted really well. After my first day, I found the group of cadets that would become my best friends throughout the training. We normally hung out during our 3 ½ hours of liberty either at the NEX, McDonald’s or in the lounge.

Every morning, we woke up at 0500 and PTed. We ate chow and did the classroom work at the hospital. We had PT with HM2 Bayless, who is FMF (Fleet Marine Force), and really liked lunges and sun gods. A lot of people were complaining, but I thought that it was a fun challenge for us.

At the end of the first week, my group and I went to the movies. It was really different getting away from our traditional hang out spots. The next day, we went to the bowling alley. After two games of winning, I decided I’d go to the arcade side of the alley and I found a drum game that amused Stankie (another cadet from my group) and me for an hour.

The next morning, we woke up at 0800 to go to six flags. It was great there, especially when we kept convincing Andy to on the roller coasters that he was afraid of. While we were there, we ran into some people in the Navy that just graduated boot camp the day before. We talked to them for a few minutes and then went on our way. That night, the cadets for POLA arrived. I thought that it would be horrible with them there. I pictured the lounge to be really crowded and loud, but in fact, it wasn’t. I made friends with a lot of the POLA people, but I really only hung out with Petty Officer Starr and a cadet that I met at orientation.

Sunday morning we didn’t have to wake up until 1000. We used that to our advantage and slept in. Later that day, we went to Medieval Times. It was hilarious watching the guys fight over who the princess would like the most.

On Monday, we went back to our normal routine, only instead of being in the classroom, we had stations around the hospital. My group went to patient care first. I talked to some of the patients and made them feel more comfortable there at the hospital. Tuesday, we went to Radiology. I watched two ultrasounds, and then ended up filing. Wednesday, my group went to family practice. That, I thought, was the most fun station. We took some of the patient’s vitals and then I tested a patient for strep throat. Thursday we did pediatrics, which I thought would be fun, but wasn’t. The most exciting thing that we did there was make a few copies. The last Friday, we did FMF training. We were split into 5 fire teams, with people that we didn’t really get along with, but we had to learn how to, and quick. My fire team did very well. We had to carry fellow cadets around on the stretcher. We also had to go in the water and “save” a cadet that was supposed to be wounded or unconscious. The part that I liked the most was when we sat in the water and had to do sit-ups with our arms linked together.

That night, POLA performed a skit for us. It was funny. I’ll never let Petty Officer Starr live down the fact that he was an Irish Sumo Wrestler. This training taught us a lot about first aid, but more about how important teamwork is.

SA Rachel Erb 7 Oct 2004

This is former Cadet PO3 Homer! I have been in the Navy for about 3 years now. I am loving the adventure and living the dream. I was looking at the photo gallery, that brought back some good old memories. I am at my second command now. I was stationed at Naval Hospital Cherry Point, North Carolina where I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician / Fire-Rescue Tech. I am now stationed on board USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) as the Junior Hospital Corpsman home ported in Yokosuka, Japan. The web site looks great and looks like the small division I was once a part of has skyrocketed. I wish you and your division all the luck at the next Flag Ship Competition and smooth sailing.

Caleb J. Homer, HM3, USN USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) Yokosuka, Japan

13-26 Jun 2004

Recruit Training (Boot Camp), Great Lakes Naval Training Center

Every time I come to Great Lakes I go through a new experience. This time I am here for Boot Camp and I already know that we are going to have some fun.

I finally arrive into barracks B2 and we are all getting checked in. I wait in line to report to the Division Officer (divo), who tells me "starboard side, you'll be in division 003, go and stand at ease." "Aye aye sir" and I go to where he tells me and wait. After about 15- 20 minutes another officer comes over and says "Follow me." We are sent to medical bay where we wait to get all of our stuff dumped on the deck so they can inspect our gear. After that happens everybody in 003 was sent to barracks C2 and we were told to dump our seabags again and organize it all on our racks and everybody's stuff had to be organized exactly the same way. Once all of this was over we were taught to make our racks and after we made them the correct way we could sleep in them.

The next three to five days were filled with nothing but class room sessions. On Saturday the 19th we finally started doing things other than class rooms. Today we went to ship boarding and marlinspike training. After about three hours of that we formed up outside to go to chow. Chow was one of my favorite times of day. One because you get to eat and two because of a special person called the Muffin Man; he knew how to put a smile on our faces. The next day contained a small amount of class time and the rest was 3rd class swimmers qualifications; I think everybody passed. The day after was stormy weather (bad) but that didn't stop us. We were formed up in the naval church to see a movie but we didn't so we just went to the barracks to get yelled at for insubordination and we did PT until we looked like Popeye. The day after that we had a PFT (physical fitness test) to take so we were hurting all day. Now we go to the SAMT witch is a simulated M16 A2 range. That was ok to me. Two days before graduation we packed everything up and went to the church again, but this time we actually get to see the movie (Men in Black 2) which was pretty good. After that we had a special treat and we where taken to meet one of the real navy divisions. I found myself a navy buddy who is Puerto Rican like me. His name is Quintanaserriana, and we talked a lot. Earlier that day we were able to go to the NEX which is the Navy Exchange where we were able to purchase goods with what ever funds we had. Wow, the day before graduation, what a wonderful day as we were taken to the Damage Control (DC) trainer were we fought fires and patched leaking pipes. That is a day I will never forget.

Graduation day - we were awarded Honor division witch put us all in high spirits. Today we get to strut our stuff and graduate witch fills us with a sense of accomplishment. Now I finally get to go home and sleep forever.

That was my Boot Camp experience -- hope you liked reading about it and if you want experiences like the ones on this page join the Sea Cadets.

SN Miguel Luciano

7-15 Aug 2004

Shipboard Training aboard USNSCS Grayfox, Lower Lakes Tour

(8/7/04) Met the crew. A total of 28: 2 female & 2 male officers, Chief, and 7 female & 16 male cadets. We were divided into 3 sections. I was assigned Boatsman for my section. First we were all trained by Chief to read the charts and maps that would be our responsibility while Quartermaster. All very interesting the most difficult was using the GPS indicator to plot location and the easiest being list quadrants. Later during a meeting on the Bridge I was informed as one of the highest-ranking Cadets on the ship that I would also be trained as Engine rover and expected to rotate that watch as well. I really enjoyed this part of my duty as it offered solitude away from the busy ship as well as a sense of responsibility. A shipmate gave the three of us this training. After time in the engine room I actually looked forward to the Man Over Board drill. We were monitored for our ability to enter the water off of the ship and then told we could take our time getting back on board. The Lake was cold, but it felt so good!

(8/8/04) Finally underway on day 2. This is the first that I got the feel for the ship and its motion in the water. Everyone working together gives the ship a “small town” setting. Tough work hauling in all the lines, mates calling to one and other along with the ever- present scent of diesel fuel made for a unique environment. Once the jobs were done I took a moment to look at the shore and watch it get smaller while the hum of the engines got louder.

Standing watch on board is very different. On my first rotation I needed to teach a shipmate the whole idea behind degrees. We had fun as I pretend to spot UFO’s, Scooby do and the Wicked Witch of the West in order to give her practice recording our findings. I stood watch that night and found it to be very difficult. Not only did the water try to lull me to sleep but you seem to lose all track of time out there.

(8/9/04) Docked at the Naval Museum in Buffalo, NY. We were welcomed by the Mayors office and they in turn were given a tour of the Grey Fox. ABC News was there to capture the Mayors office giving a short speech expressing thanks to us for taking an interest in our country. The city of Buffalo then gave us gifts of round-trip motor coach passage to Niagara Falls and small gold lapel pins in the shape of a Buffalo. At the Falls the majority of us took the opportunity to tour the caves below the Falls. We all got soaked. I hate wet dress whites! While docked at the museum we took time to tour the USS Little Rock, the Sullivan’s and the Croaker.

(8/10/04) Under way again. We started off good. Those of us on sail and anchor duty even made a game of trying to drop the eye of the mooring line over the shipmates below deck. (a ringer could win you a dessert). Later in the evening we hit rough seas and along with the rough seas came sickness. Only 2 Officers and 6 Cadets seemed to be immune. Those of us that could worked 9 hours straight, standing guard and tending the sick. We that were well rotated every few hours taking our relief in the galley. It never did storm where we were but as I stood aft watch I could see the lighting and thunderstorm pound the shore. I was surprised that I was never frightened, even when some of the officers became ill. I knew the ship and we were trained well. My shipmates and I would get us all to where we needed to be.

(8/11/04) Docked in the Coast Guard station in Cleveland, OH. The ship needed a good cleaning. Those of us that stayed up all night were ordered to hook-up shore power (phew) while the others took care of things. That afternoon we were given liberty. Ashore some of us toured a submarine, browsed the lower level of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and then treated ourselves to non-ship food at the Great Lakes Science Center.

(8/12/04) Underway again, this time just a short cruise to Sandusky, OH. Along the way we had fire fighting drills (Yay I’m not plugman and no exploding hoses) and more Man Over Board drills. The few cadets from the local division were telling the rest of us about a “Steel Beach Party” that was planned for that night. We were all looking forward to sand and fun, maybe a barbeque? It wasn’t until the evening that we learned what their chuckling was all about. The “Steel” that they talked of was the ship itself but we did have a party. We enjoyed ice cream and cake while watching the fireworks display at near by Cedar Point amusement park.

(8/13/04) As a reward for not losing anyone, Chief treated us all to a day at Cedar Point Amusement Park! We promised to stay in-groups and then left to enjoy the day. I and the five others in my group rode every roller coaster we could find - Good times! One of the Cadets was able to ring the bell at the strong man game and Chief was teased relentlessly when he couldn’t! Another fireworks display and it was back to the ship.

(8/14/04) Underway and back to homeport. Field day as the ship had to be cleaned and ready for its next cruise. We finished in time to get in some fishing and a movie before taps. (Is it really a custom to kiss the fish you caught before you throw it back in the lake?)

(8/15/04) Graduation was special. Training aboard is a different kind of training. We are together 24/7 and grow much closer because of it. Chief assured us that we were all good Cadets that we made him proud and we were all invited back. SN Victoria House

9 Jul 2004

Music School, NAS Jacksonville, FL

Our first day, we met each other at the airport and then went off to stay at the Best Western because the base was full. We settled down, pulled out our instruments after a while to jam a bit, I guess the neighbors didn't like that, but oh well. The next day we met our sarcastically humorous PT instructor. We had fun PT with the chief, ran a bunch of miles each PT session, did 100+ push ups, 100+ crunchies or sit ups, and etc etc etc. Then after forgetting to bring our towels or clothes to change into, we were forced to spend the remainder of our time at the Rehearsal building soaked with our own sweat. Haha, sounds fun, right? Then we went off to practice by ourselves.

The next day we woke up bright and early, and did another two hour PT session with MUC Osbourne. We all had IP lessons and were taught by one of the musicians in the Naval Band. Before I continue, the nine people at the training included soon-to-be Petty Officer Larson (my roommate from Cal.) who played saxophone really well, soon-to-be Petty Officer Meyer (she played flute), PO2 Langley (she ALSO played flute), E2 Balles (yet ANOTHER floutist), then our three trumpets, Loden (he is British, and has an awesome accent), Lofgren, and Gupton 'Forest Gump', then the trombonist, Jarzombek. I played clarinet. We had ear training where we would sing and clap/count or listen to MU2 Boucher lecture us on music. There was the MORE THAN EXCITING music theory. After the day was through we would have cleanups. Turns out the Navy Band personnel got a break from work those two weeks.

One class we really enjoyed was Rock Band Class. MU2 Boucher was the lead singer, and the band had a bass guitarist, another guitarist, a drummer (MU2 Greer was the leader), and keyboardist (all the way from the Phillipines). They played many well known songs along with Moulin Rouge. After the training was done, and our hearing came back, we went to do our cleanups. Thursday we went to a concert in which the Naval Band put on an hour long show, playing some patriotic songs and Sousa marches.

Over the weekend we visited different museums and also went out to the Eagle (the ship Swab Dooley was on, and shall be on in the future) and I met some Coast Guard personnel that knew my brother (small world!) They then, gave us a tour of the ship. The weather outside each day was about 90 to 100+ so during PT, we used ALOT of energy. I'm not crazy, but I like PT, and I liked this PT the most of all, cause it was the "worst" PT I've ever had, meaning the most difficult. The harder the funner ... and no, I'm not on drugs. After each day was over, we would either take walks or go swimming to pass the time. Night time was just as full because we were allowed to go out to town, which was about a three miles walk, and scout around. Other times we would go out to the hotel pool and swim around.

The last concert, all the cadets played for a retirement ceremony in which several high ranking officers went up and spoke about their experiences and how much they enjoyed the service. It was so hot there, and everyone was so tired, that to keep awake, most of us put rubber bands on, and every time I would nod off, or if I did not catch myself, or snap myself, then the clarinetist next to me would reach over, pull it back all the way, right on my tricep, and let it fly. I had marks all up and down my arm for that, we laughed about it later.

For the final ceremony, an admiral came up to talk to us about what we had accomplished, and she was very nice, and loved to hear questions! Strange thing about that is I usually tend to hear a "Are there any questions? (wait .01 second) Good (after no one has time to raise their hand)" so we all had a chance to ask questions. Then we were formed up and given our awards and the last words by the musicians who had taught us.

The next day, we were all ready to leave, and slowly, the 9 dwindled down to three. We had all become such good friends down in Jacksonville, that saying good bye was the hardest part of the training, and we went out, cause we had about an hour and a half before we went to the airport, and went down to the railroad tracks to spend our time there. Then we went to the airport and left (poor Meyer had to stay till 6, so she was the last to leave). In all I had a really great time there, being with other great musicians from the naval band and the eight that I worked with. Thanks to them, I came back a more experienced musician! Next year, if time allows, I would like to go on the training again.

PO3 Starr

29 Jun 2004

Sailing School - NAS Pensacola, FL

Arrived Sunday, 20 June. We stayed in the apartments that are used by enlisted bachelorettes (pssst ... can you say daily maid service ... oh yeah!).

Our small group, 27 Cadets, began Monday morning with classroom training about general safety, tacking, and jibing. We were given an orientation to 22 foot Hunter and 15 foot Sunfish sailboats. Unfortunately storms had moved into the area and we were not able to test our skills on the water. Instead we toured the Naval Aviation Museum and took in the Blue Angels movie on IMAX. I was given the responsibility of raising and lowering the colors on Tuesday so I spent that evening pressing, polishing and buffing.

By Tuesday morning the storms had blown through and we headed for the water. My mate and I were a perfect match. I needed practice turning the Sunfish which she handled like a pro but I was a natural with the boom. Sailing gives a wonderful sense of freedom. Even while still in the harbor, with just the horizon ahead makes you suddenly feel very small. (It wasn't long before a monsoon blew in. 15 boats were in the harbor sailing when the weather turned; 9 made it back to the Marina before the pouring rain and 30 mph winds moved in. We had our Sunfish too far away from the dock but saw a small island that we headed to. We almost made it ... so close before we capsized. The main sheath was tangled and we were battling the sea and the winds until we were nearly exhausted. It was by sheer determination that we were able to get ourselves and our Sunfish out of the surf and on the little island. Once we caught our breath we moved to our beached craft for shelter. We looked out to the harbor to see if the storm was going to last when we saw the other 5 boats. All were in distress, some already capsized. Without a moment's hesitation we were back in the water pulling cadets and boats to shore. I don't know what came over me, but I heard myself shouting to the newly rescued to go back in and help the others. I was calling them by name, I didn't even know that I knew all their names. I was ordering everyone who had made it to shore, organizing parties, pointing out who needed help first, I don't remember thinking but, I decided who looked as though they had enough energy left to swim out the furthest to help. The water was rough and powerful. It was difficult to stand in knee deep water and all your strength to maneuver and keep balance. The Hunters were awkward and many had their sails tangled. It didn't take long before all 6 boats and cadets were safely ashore. After the commotion settled, I realized what happened, what I had done. My fellow cadets offered me many thanks and pats on the back but I couldn't help wondering why they listened to me through all of that. I've narrowed it down to either I have awesome leadership skills, I'm just plain bossy or I've got a really big mouth.) The storm wasn't letting up and Base had sent a Chase boat to bring us back to mainland. Then I noticed my bleeding foot. Crab bites, probably when I went back into the water to pull the others out. I didn't notice at the time. I was too focused. Once back at the Air Station I received treatment at the OCS.

Wednesday we attended another lecture on general sailing and more specifics about the boats we were manning. The weather wasn't with us and we began to worry if we were going to log enough hours to receive our certifications. A few of us were being entertained by the Marines that were comparing us Cadets with the NJROTC that were attending a boot camp there. A lot of laughs! The storms lingered so we opted for a road trip, Sonnies, a Rib Joint in Alabama. That evening I helped in the office with paper work and data entry.

Thursday we toured the Blue Angels hanger. I met and talked with one of the few female mechanics. She was very interesting to talk to, a fellow Mid-westerner that was more accustomed to being called a Yankee than I was. Following our tour we were lectured by the XO. Time for a little more sailing! That evening we were allowed to relax on the beach with our friends and watch the sunset. The majority of us went for a final dip in the Gulf which turned into 27 cadets engaged in wild horse play.

Friday's Graduation seemed quick, there were so few of us. We had our hours in and all received certification. We all departed for the airport together and were allowed to use the USO while waiting for our flights to leave. I flew home both legs of the trip with a cadet from Ghostriders, my old squadron. Even though I hadn't seen him in over a year - Cadets make the best friends.

SN Victoria House

28 May 2004

While on the internet the other day I was surprised to come across a link to the Aurora Division of the USNSCC. As a former member of the division and one of the original members I was glad to see that the unit is still in operation. I fondly remember spending summers up at Great Lakes Naval Training Center for the sea cadet boot camp, or spending two weeks of my summer onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) as we roughed it out through hurricane Bertha off the coast of Virginia. The sea cadets were the first to really introduce me to what the Navy was like and the life it could offer, a life which I’m proud to say I’ve pursued further.

Currently I am in my senior year at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, one of our nation’s five federal academies. My time here though is down to a mere few weeks, and once I pass my USCG License Exams (to be licensed as a third mate, unlimited tonnage) I plan on walking across the stage for graduation on the 21st of June. All graduates from the Academy complete a four year course of instruction (including a full years worth of time spent actually out at sea onboard merchant and military ships of the United States) which then allows them to leave with a bachelors of science degree, a USCG license as either a third mate or a third engineer, and also a commission in the United States Navy Reserve as an ensign (although the option is available to become an O-1 in any of the other branches of the military in lieu of the Navy). Upon graduation then the commitment that we owe is five years in either the maritime industry (ashore or afloat) while maintaining our status in the naval reserve for eight years. The other option is to go on active duty, which is the route I have chosen as I have been accepted to go to Pensacola for Naval Flight training!

Once again, I’m glad to see that the unit is still up and running and I hope that you’ll convey to the members of the division that only great things will ever come out of participation in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps … whether it is fond memories or the opportunity to jumpstart a career with the world’s finest military.

MIDN Joshua R. Melchert, USNR

P.S. I was pleased to find when I arrived at the Academy four years ago that quite a few people were former Sea Cadets themselves.

3-9 Apr 2004

When I arrived at Camp Roberts the first thing that struck me was the size of the place. Lots of different types of landscape and dozens of buildings, many abandoned that we later used in urban warfare training. It was evening and the sun on the surrounding mountains reminded me that I wasn’t in Illinois anymore. Compared to boot camp, the barracks was the Ritz! I was assigned my rack and immediately made two friends from Las Vegas.

On day 2 we started with a field medical course, learning very basic first aid and what to expect to have in an Army issue medical kit and how to use each piece. Then we moved on to self-defense and grappling. Master Sergeant came to talk to us about the different styles used and asked if anyone had training in self-defense. I was the only one to raise my hand, having a third degree brown belt in Goju-shorei karate. Some may think it didn't count because I was a girl, but when the time came to practice the Petty Officer out of the Trident Patrol in California who paired up with me found it does count when he hit the ground like a fully packed seabag in less then 45 seconds, despite being taller and about 30 pounds heavier than me. Of course, this Petty Officer with the slightly wounded pride was my Fire Team leader for the rest of the week.

On day 3 we had classes in Night Ops, learning scouting techniques, identifying avenues of approach, use of claymores, RPG’s etc. Then we went out to the field to practice some of these skills. Once night fell the MPs didn’t like us out and about; it would have been difficult to tell a cadet carrying an M4 rubber ducky from an intruder. On day 4 classroom focused on compass reading, using a compass protractor, how to follow a trail, use the sun for time telling, etc. Then Fire Teams were separated, given a list of coordinates, issued our own M4 rubber duckies, and sent out to collect four stakes before returning. Mission accomplished.

Day 5 was Fire Arms Training Simulator. Very much like video games. We experimented with a variety of weapons in varied situations. We were taught about providing cover fire, SWAT maneuvers, ambush, scouting, and practiced marksmanship in both desert terrain as well as an urban setting.

Day 6 was in the field all day, engaged in a mock war. It lasted well into the night. Everything we had learned in the previous days was used. It was tiring and exhilarating at the same time. POWs were taken and one of my best friends was killed. We returned to the foxholes we had dug earlier in the day, ate our MREs , built cover with our ponchos and went to sleep. Master Sergeant came around to check on us, probably the only time in my life when a Master Sergeant will tuck me in. I missed my dead friend; she had to spend the night in the morgue.

Day 7 we returned from the field to eat and shower. Everyone had “war” stories to tell. The rest of the day was devoted to fun and games. That evening we had a party, movies, pizza and ice cream.

Finally, Graduation Day! It was a beautiful day and we dressed in the cleanest BDU’s we had. A moment of silence was observed for Lance Cpl. Travis J. Layfield, USMC, a former League and Sea Cadet who gave his life in service. And then, my favorite words were spoken “Training Command Dismissed”! SA Victoria House

28 Mar 2004

I was honored to participate in the laying of the wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. My first suggestion would be for a cadet traveling to such an event alone to carry business-type cards with information about how to contact Naval Sea Cadets. It seemed as though I was questioned by everyone en route to Arlington National Cemetery. They were all interested in what exactly the Sea Cadets were and what we do. I answered as many questions as I could and enjoyed spreading the word. Nerves set in as I approached the guard post. I met with Staff Sergeant and he briefed me on what was expected of me. I don't think I moved and an inch. He noticed, probably because I could not bring myself to NOT stand at attention regardless of his many suggestions to relax. He smiled at me and put his foot next to mine and joked that his shoes were shiner then mine. He was wearing corfram that he had shined with Windex. All I remember was how big his feet were. We met the others on the stairs and he briefed them as well. I looked over my shoulder and saw the stands packed with tourists. My stomach turned. It was so quiet, so many people, so much respect being shown. The only sounds were a light breeze in the trees and cameras clicking. I cleared my head and heard Sergeant's earlier directions play over in my mind. I followed them like a puppet. Now it is time to actually walk the wreath up. My eyes were fastened to deck. You see for a few nights before I was having a nightmare that I would trip and tumble on top of the wreath and that the crowd would point, laugh and take pictures of me lying in a pile of broken Styrofoam and flowers. I barely had my hand resting on the wreath as instructed - just in case. I did fine. Returning to my place Taps began and Staff sergeant gave me a nudge as we both held our salute. When the song was over he looked over at me and smiled. We walked through the crowd and back up the stairs. I think that was the first breath I drew since the ride to Arlington. Staff Sergeant shook my hand and looked me in the eye saying, "I hope to see you back here someday in that uniform for real."

SA Victoria House