Haze gray and underway.. Inspired story from shipmates from the Pele..

Haze gray and underway.. Jan 2012...............
 Let me say this being underway never gets easy , no matter its your first time or last time or what? One week , two weeks a month 6 months 9 months.. It seems every sea adventure is that. I've been in the Navy where boilers have broke down,, getting towed back to the pier , I have seen fires , had to fight them, flooding etc.. Theres always something going on.. But on this ship right off the bat , we have problems , flooding , electrical issues , leaks, I mean its a old ship , but the mighty crew is creative and hard working , but don't you ever think , When is enough a enough. This week went by so slow, it was the usual cleaning stations and inspections,. and of course lectures on ship board life and what is in store for the crew. But whatever the case , it never gets easy or you never fully get used to it. In my case you tolerate it , but its hard for those with new Born's and new attractive wives at homes, and I'm sure its tough on those wives too. I mean their husbands or wives , are in a stressful and dangerous environment , we deal weapons, bombs. fork trucks.. heavy objects. hazardous materials etc. At any time and on this ship it seems we get all the action you can ask for.. Is it normal on other ships around the world or other navy's.. But  I will say this, I have no doubt we are the best trained and best equipped Navy around the World and I would bet my pay check we can and will beat any Navy. Its sounds conceited , but the training and experience we go through on a daily basis, keeps us sharp and ready. We don't like the fire drills , or the security alerts or the weekly medical training , but when the shit hits the fan.. I have faith in most of the crew. But then again we do have the dirt bags the losers that need to be weeded out so to speak.. And I have seen the worst of the worst, and its good the Base police,. NCIS , Master of Arms and any informants we have turnover this scum bags.. I know that sound harsh to use such terms. But think about it we need a great team and a solid team to fight the enemy , everyone on this boat has a job and we do it well. Despite the degrading or harsh treatment , I like how this crew works together, I know its easy to criticize people . but when things went bad this week, we all responded effectively and quickly. But that's been the case through out my journey in the Navy.. WE ALWAYS COME THROUGH!! But I also hate the times when we get extra work , extra stress and harsh conditions on the ship. What are harsh conditions,. like rough seas, hot weather , broken toilets or urinals. electrical issues , computer issues... smells that are so bad it like your walking through shit,, I mean their are parts of the ship I hate walking through because of those awful smells.. But you do it.. I wonder if you civilians were exposed to such conditions , if you could last a underway period or a deployment. Its a tough life and you need passion and desire to pursue this life. Especially now .. The Navy only retains the best and even those are severely stressed and stretched to the limit. The Navy is unforgiving , it doesn't care what you did in the past , it's what have you done for me lately ? It's always been that way, whether you like it or not. You are as good as your last action. Unfair.. ? Yes it is , that's why for those who want this life , you have to be positive , self motivated and  a Little bit crazy , as in fearless , and not afraid of unscheduled and unexpected events,. if your looking for a normal routine in a career, The Navy is not that.. As for under ways.. its a tough thing to do and I endure because I learned how to control my emotions and stress , how? Laughing , telling stories,, watching movies,, reading , writing ,. music , working out. But most of all thinking about My family that misses me and loves me.. Without that thought or Love , I would not continue with the Navy.. haze gray and underway.. its a old term used to describe one of the hardest stresses in navy life.. The Sailor learns to adapt to this lifestyle, and takes advantage of liberty .. time to relax, play , sleep , do what makes you happy.. Because under ways are a long , and ardours act that has many activities and stressors we have to deal with.. Their never enough time for qualifications,. training , drills and exercises, and never enough time to rest or get the jobs done. Their always new projects , inspections , exercises that need to be attained.. But like True Sailors we bear and grin and go on.. Its the Navy Life we all have chosen for 2 or 4 0r 6 years, or longer for us " Lifers" .. Word to those never been to sea , expect the time of your life and don't get disillusioned with sea life.. Its a necessary evil that needs to be done to ensure peace and freedom around the world.. When you hear the term " Haze Gray and underway !" You will realize that its a term that sailors for ages have and will always use as way to describe the life at sea.. Unforgiving ... adventurous and unpredictable .. But if you hang tough , the life you lived will offer life long benefits , like retirement pay , discounted food and merchandise privileges and of course the camaraderie of experiencing events that others only can imagine or read or watch a movie about.. UNTIL MY NEXT SEA STORY. THE SOURCE PRODUCTIONS @ 2012