Finding Insight on Navy Life through Television and Movies

I have always loved the movie Top Gun, and admired those who are pilots and work in aviation... kind of ironic because I am going into aviation aircrew in the Navy.

Hollywood directors give their interpretation of Navy life but few get it quite right. It is nice to dream that this is what it will be like.

Other movies that I have seen that depict a look into the Navy are A Few Good Men, Men of Honor, and GI Jane. There are also a couple of other movies that my family owns either on DVD or VHS: The Rock and Tears of the Sun, but I have seen neither of these two.

They are all fascinating depictions but are the writer's and director's vision of what it is like. I know they have researched and gotten backing from the Navy. They have come close but not close enough. I was on the hunt to learn more.

I learned about boot camp from videos I have seen online called Return to Boot camp, and other movies on Navy.mil.

Also there is this miniseries on PBS that nailed it. It is about life on an aircraft carrier at sea and all of the various jobs and roles therein. It is called Carrier. It was a very informative documentary/melodrama about the USS Nimitz and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  (Full episodes can be found by searching on pbs.org)

I am done with my research for now, and relaxing and so I can enjoy my last month at home. Now just to start checking off stuff on my to-do list and exercising, and I can visit with friends and family. Time is going to fly!

Some helpful websites from my Navy research gathering

When I first began looking into the Navy I googled to find information. The best sources are of course Navy.com (the recruiting website) and Navy.mil (the official website of the US Navy). Other websites helped me to gain insight on things that were not explained on the two main websites, and also helped me to get what I want out the of the Navy... a career, an interesting job, and a physical fitness plan... among other benefits. I hope that these websites are also helpful to anyone who may be viewing my blog, especially anyone contemplating joining the Navy. If they are not directly helpful to them, they may be able to pass it along to friends or family. There have also been some helpful forums, chat rooms, and Facebook groups and pages as well. But, the best source for information is a recruiter... and the best place to gain insight is if you talk to someone who either is or was in the Navy.

www.military.com
www.runnersworld.com
www.navyfitness.org
www.navy.mil
www.navy.com
http://usmilitary.about.com
www.navy-prt.com
www.twohundredsitups.com
www.navy-fitness.com
www.cnrc.navy.mil
www.npc.navy.mil
www.bootcamp.navy.mil
www.navytimes.com
www.ocs.navy.mil
http://navybmr.com

Sailor Songs, Sea Shanties, Anchors Aweigh, Sailor-inspired songs, and Irish Drinking Songs

I kind of got on a kick today where I started searching for Sailor songs, and thought I'd share a few. I am going to be a Sailor, I may as well know some fun sailor songs.

What do you do with a drunken sailor, early in the morning?  Way hay and up she rises...

Irish Rovers- Drunken Sailor

BBC a spoof with two guys singing a made up song about sailors.

The Mighty Boosh-Future Sailors

This cracked me up! There are a lot of Titanic movie inferences, funny puppets, light shows, funky dancing sailors...  If we all come together, we know what to do...

Toy-Box -The Sailor-Song

The official Navy song... an oldie, but a goodie. Definitely makes me proud to be both an American and a Sailor in the U.S. Navy.

US Navy -Anchors Aweigh

Josh Turner sings a song that is sort of like an old sea song... about a sailor waiting to see his/her dear love again. And, I just love to listen to his voice... so throwing it in here.

Josh Turner - The Longer the Waiting the Sweeter the Kiss

The last shanty... a classic Irish song... reminds me of a drinking song, ha ha. This is great!

Ron and Gerard Walsh - A Sailor Ain't a Sailor Anymore

Another version of this song... more punk rock, and a little more fun... less obnoxious, well an updated version anyway.

Paddy and the Rats - Drunken Sailor


Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly always have good Irish drinking songs... they have a few sailor-inspired songs.  Sometimes you have to listen carefully to understand what they're singing, or look up the lyrics, but it's all good fun.

The Dropkick Murphys song that comes to mind was in the movie The Departed with Leonardo Di Caprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, among others in the great cast.

Dropkick Murphys -For Boston

Flogging Molly has a song about a salty dog... a sailor.

Flogging Molly- Salty Dog


Okay, I found a song about a female sailor... and it's another Irish drinking song...

Paddy and the Rats - Sailor Sally

Even pirate songs are still about sailors. They're rogue sailors who steal, shoot up things, and run amuck and are generally scallywags. But, still worth mentioning.

Alestorm - Over the Seas

Ahhh, gotta love the Village People and the 1970s... always a riot, especially the outfits... ridiculous, and such tight pants! Ha ha ha ha. Actually I was watching an episode of Carrier, a PBS mini series, and they had a talent show among the sailors where some of them performed this song.

The Village People - In the Navy

Apparently there is a classic story of a lady who joins the British Navy disguised as a man.  Also known as "The Handsome Sailor" and "The Fair Maid."

Rambling Sailors -When I was a Fair Maid

There is an Australian Navy recruiting song from the 1980s that I had never heard of.

The Pride of the Fleet is You (Australian Navy)

I guess there was a song on an episode of The Simpsons about joining the Navy. The words are kind of funny too...

Party Posse- Join the Navy

Okay, a sailor in the Navy remade Toby Keith's "American Soldier" and calls it American Sailor.

American Sailor

There is also the classic 1970s/1980s song by Christopher Cross and it was later remade by the 90s pop group 'NSync. I'm sure other people probably remade the song too... good song.

Christopher Cross -Sailing

NSync -Sailing

And, of course, my favorite band, The Beach Boys, did a song about sailing. Their songs always transport me mentally to another place... somewhere warm, and carefree.
The Beach Boys - Sail On Sailor

Jimmy Buffet has the classic song that is always fun...

Jimmy Buffet- Son of a Son of a Sailor


Danny Boy... I forgot about this song. It's a classic Irish tune about a sailor. Written by Frederic Edward Weatherly in 1913 with music adapted from the Irish song "Londonderry Air."


The Irish Tenors- Danny Boy


This is an interesting song... I just found it. It's another song about sailing by an Irish rock band.


Irish Stew of Sindidun- The Sailor's Song

As I search, I just keep finding more sailing songs.

Ireland, I Must Sail

The Pogues- Thousands are Sailing

Rod Stewart- I am Sailing

Crestlers- Irish Sailor Man

The Rambling Sailors- A Sailor's Prayer

Dropkick Murphys- The Irish Rover

Popeye the Sailor song

I Love that Disney has a take on How to Be a Sailor

Goofy explains to all how to be a sailor in this 7 minute video. It's cute, funny, and classic Disney! I love Goofy :)  There is a little on the history of sailing too.

Goofy: How to be a Sailor

My DEP group brought me some good news

Had a DEP meeting on Monday. My recruiter called an emergency meeting... we usually have them the second Tuesday of each month, but there were some things she wanted to make sure we are doing because she has been getting complaints from her superiors. Apparently not as many people are coming to the meetings as they should and are not retaining information. I can totally understand that. We went over what we should be memorizing and what we should be doing for PT.

And... we found out that we start PT sessions next week! So exciting!!! They made up a schedule for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and we are required to be there for as many as we can, but at least once a week.  I am going to try and make it twice a week if I can swing it.

Time to get my run times down, increase the number of push-ups and sit-ups I can do, start weight training, and work on my swimming strokes and distance.

I am so happy that I can actually do some PT with my DEP group before I ship out. Last I had heard it wasn't going to happen until after I was scheduled to leave... so glad it changed.

I need to stop waiting for motivation to kick in, and just do it. And I think the DEP meetings will help kick my butt into gear.

I May Look Healthy, But I Am So Out of Shape... Thus Grows My To-Do List

I have always eaten right... healthy. I don't eat a lot of junk food or anything greasy, and I don't drink a lot of alcohol. Also I have never done drugs, so I have all of that going for me.

I have hardly ever enjoyed exercise. Therein lies my problem.  I go for long runs and am totally exhausted after a short distance. I also noticed this weekend when I went to help a friend move into her house that my upper body strength is not what it should be.

Sometimes I wish I lived in a city or town with close access to a facility or gym where I could go daily to work out... the closest one is a half hour away. And it makes things difficult when I don't have reliable transportation at the moment. I have about 2 months (59 days) until I ship out for Basic and I have all of this PT work to do.

My form for my push-ups needs some major work, as does my endurance in my running and the rest of my PT. I need to figure out something for my strength training and need to start swimming again.

I have to do something and fast... no more procrastination.

So grows my to-do list for things to do before I leave for Basic:

- Call NIU Alum center for membership
- Get a work-out buddy... probably Manda :)
- Go a few times per week to the rec center for strength training and swimming
- Finish memorizing my creeds and all of the information in the START guide I received from the Navy
- Do my taxes
- Go through my bedroom, unclutter, and pack up boxes
- Consolidate my clothes, donate the ones I don't wear, and pack only what will fit in my luggage set
- Set up payments for my few bills I have while I am in the Navy (loans, car payment, pay off rest of credit card)
- Go through my books and donate or give away the ones I don't want to keep, and pack the rest
- Make sure I have all of my addresses
- Spend time with my friends and family
- Attend all of my necessary DEP meetings, mentor meetings, 1 month check-up, 1 week check-up, etc.
- Cancel my private health insurance policy
- Check on loan deferments and forbearances
- Make digital copies of all of my important documents

I'm sure there's more that I am missing on this list... it's a lot of stuff to remember and do before I leave. The days are monotonous and all seem to run together.

Things I Will Miss While I am at Basic Training

Family
Friends
Pets
Reading novels
Writing
Drawing
Photography aka my camera
Listening to music
Singing
Sleeping in... not that I do that much!
My computer
The Internet... possibly social networking too.
Painting my toenails
Flowers
Cooking and baking
Mom's cooking and good food
Civilian clothes
My own bed
My long hair
Enjoying a nice glass of wine or a pint of beer
Watching movies
Driving
Freedom to do what I want

I can certainly live without most of the material things, but that doesn't mean that I want to. I know that I can probably expand on this list if I think harder about it. A lot of things will be so different in Basic.
And, friends and family will be hard to be away from, but writing and receiving handwritten letters from them will definitely help!

My Adorable Niece and Her New Sailor Dress

Shortly after I joined the Navy my parents and I went to the base at Great Lakes in the Chicago area and got some Navy stuff. We found the cutest sailor dress and they bought it for my niece, Olivia. We saw her this month and she is finally able to fit into it. She is almost 7 months old... she's so cute! And just think with this outfit on she is also supporting her Aunt Lis, I know I did that on purpose :)

 The sailor hat was a little too big for her, so it kept slipping  and moving, but we had it on her for a couple of pictures.

 What a cutie!

 Olivia and me

 Ahhh, getting your picture taken is hard work...

 Trying to crawl on the couch, but just ended up laying on her belly.

 Olivia with her lambie...it's one of her pacifier clips, and she loves to chew on it.

 Another picture of Olivia and me... these pictures were taken the day we celebrated my brother Michael's birthday, so she was playing with the tissue paper from his gifts.

 Oops, her shoes came off, time to fix them.

 Olivia with her Ya-ya (aka her grandma, my mom) and her Daddy (my youngest brother Benj)

Olivia kept looking at her shoes and playing with her feet... she does that a lot. She is fascinated by her feet.

All I Ever Wanted to Know About Aircrew and How It Works

I did some research in the past few weeks and spoke to someone in the Aircrew rating today. The Commander for the Chicago District is in "dry" aircrew, just like I am, and gave me some nice insight. Also there was another person who is an officer my recruiter put me in touch with who is also on aircrew.


I knew a little bit about my rating when I enlisted, but lately I have been a bit unsure and confused about exactly what I am going to be doing.  


What I knew in the first place was that my rank is an AN which stands for an E3 Airman, I am in the non-rescue swimmer aircrew (AIRC), Aircrew and the aviation field in general are considered an advanced field, I will receive flight pay in addition to my regular pay, I will be eligible for an advanced paygrade after I complete A School,  that I will be training for multiple ratings (jobs) while at Aircrew Candidate School and be given a wish list of rates to choose from, then I go to A School (my technical training) for my specific rating, and where I am stationed depends on the rate I get. Also, I was told that if I am deployed it will be on an aircraft carrier. The rates I will be training for are AWV, AWF, AWO, AWR, and AWS, although I had no clue what each does.


Things That I Learned:


Well, I found out that the difference between my rate and my rank is I start off as an AN, which is an E3 in the aviation field, and I become an AW (stands for Aircrew) once I graduate from Basic Training. In Basic, I have to earn my rank as does everyone else and will be treated as an equal with the E1's until I earn my rank.


Aircrew is not the same thing as an undesignated airman.


Only 3% of recruits going into the Navy qualify for Aircrew.


Aircrew is all about comaraderie and the slogan is "work hard, play hard." It is an intense, challenging, and fast-paced field.


Everyone in aviation knows what aircrew does and what it takes to do it, and there is a high respect for it.


Aircrewman work on board an in-flight aircraft. We are there to tend to technical and mechanical operations on the aircraft to assist the pilot of the aircraft, and so they don't have to worry about anything but flying.


The different rates stand for:


AWV--Aircrewman Avionics, "members of a fixed wing integrated tactical aircrew aboard maritime patrol and reconnaissance, and command and control aircraft; knowledgeable of all avionics systems, safety equipment, emergency procedures, and aircraft equipment; perform primary in-flight and ground duties as aircraft in-flight technicians, Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) specialists, and airborne communicators who maintain and operate aircraft systems; pilot and maintain Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV); operate aerial photographic equipment; and perform aircrew administration, flight and ground training, ordnance handling duties, joint special warfare operations, and Communications Material Security (CMS) handling." (www.bupers.navy.mil)


AWF-- Aircrewman Mechanical, "members of a fixed wing integrated tactical crew aboard C-2, C-9, C-12, C-20, C-37, C-40, C-130, E-6, and P-3 aircraft; perform primary in-flight and ground duties as aircraft Flight Engineer/Crew Chief, Loadmaster, Reel Operator, and Aircrew Readiness Manager; perform aircraft maintenance, weight and balance (W&B) calculations, and aircraft systems rigging, Aircrew administration, Flight/Ground training, cargo movement, Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, small arms, and Joint Special Warfare operations; contribute directly to operations for the purposes of attaining and maintaining the squadron’s aircrew qualifications and certifications; and knowledgeable of all aircraft systems, passenger and cargo handling, safety procedures and equipment, federal and military regulations for passenger transport, emergency procedures, and aircraft equipment." (www.bupers.navy.mil)


AWO-- Aircrewman Operator,  members who "produce intelligence products for aircrews in support of operations and tactical missions worldwide; detect, analyze, classify, and track surface and subsurface contacts; operate an advanced sonar system utilizing sonobouys, radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD), Identification Friend or Foe/Selective Identification Feature (IFF/SIF), and Infrared Detector (IR); perform aircrew duties that support mission planning, classified material handling, and training; and handle ordnance, inspect acoustic station equipment, and operate mission equipment such as: advanced imaging multi-spectral sensors, radar for safety of flight, and hand-held cameras." (www.bupers.navy.mil)


AWR--Aircrewman Romeo/Tactical Helicopter, members who "detect, analyze, classify, and track sub-surface contacts; perform sonar and sonobuoy operations, help coordinate tactical communications relay; conduct weapons delivery in support of tactical missions; contribute directly to aircrew operations and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) missions, to include: Search and Rescue (SAR), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Night Vision Device (NVD) operations, navigation, passenger and cargo transport, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC), crew-served weapons employment; perform observer duties for safety of flight; and contribute directly to aircrew operations, training, and administration." (www.bupers.navy.mil)


AWS--Aircrewman Sierra/Helicopter, "members of multi-mission helicopter integrated tactical crews; perform Search And Rescue (SAR) operations, Airborne Mine Countermeasure (AMCM) operations utilizing sonar, magnetic, mechanical, and acoustic mine sweeping systems and logistics support; perform aircrew operations administration, flight and ground training, internal and external cargo movement, Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, aerial gunnery, small arms handling, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) insertion and extraction operations, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), and Night Vision Device (NVD) operations; and conduct observer duties for safety of flight." (www.bupers.navy.mil)


In Aircrew Candidate School they will teach me about different types of aircraft, systems operations, basic information that I need to know, how aircraft lands, mechanic work, the basics on checking oil and fuel levels, supervising refueling, making sure things are "locked and secured," and survival techniques.


How well I do in A School determines what rate I get and what is available to me.  I was told that I want to make sure to have a nice even spread because the top person or 2 in my class at A School gets top pick of the rate they receive and are trained for as well as where I am stationed. The Navy will try to work with me and get me what is on my wish list, if at all possible.


Upon completion of A School, I go to Replenishment Air Group, which is now called Flight Replacement Squadron. This is learning how to make weapons operate. Once I complete this school, I receive my aircrewman wings for my uniform. 


Only "wet" aircrew ends up on helicopters, and that consists of the rescue swimmer group because they have to jump off the aircraft to save people since they are the only ones trained in that sort of thing.


If I end up with a rate that works on and with smaller aircraft such as EA6B, Viking, and E2 Hawkeye, I will be most likely stationed on an aircraft carrier because these types of aircraft take off from a ship. I would be working in the back of the aircraft making sure everything operates smoothly. The deployments could be as long as 6 months at a time including stopping at various ports.


On the other hand, I could work on a long-range jet, i.e., P3 or a newer version that I think is called a P10, which is like a larger version of a commercial jet that carries weaponry or other cargo. This kind of aircraft usually takes off from a land-based air field. I would be stationed at an air field either in the U.S. or overseas. My missions would be anywhere from 18-24 hours at a time, and then I would go back to my "home" base and be able to sleep in my own rack (bed).

After I learned all of this new information, I was no longer confused and became more confident with my new-found knowledge.  Aircrew is going to open all kinds of doors for me as far as the opportunities it will present, not only in training but also with the possibility for advancement and promotion to officer once I have submitted my packet for the Seaman to Admiral program. 

Memories of Touring CV-41 USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

It was March 2008 and it was my first time ever going to see the West coast. My first time seeing a mountain and my first time seeing the ocean... I was so excited. I had gotten the plane ticket out there for Spring Break as a Christmas gift from my then boyfriend. The first thing I saw as I arrived in San Diego was the sun beating on the tall Palm trees... it was like a dream come true. While I was there I saw many sights, including beaches, a botanical garden, historical landmarks, tide pools, the Air and Space Museum, and the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. That was by far my favorite, and reiterated the awe I feel when I think of aviation and the fact that I will be working with that for my job in the U.S. Navy.

Description of the launch process for an aircraft from the USS Midway
(YouTube video)

My photos of the USS Midway:

Float...

Floating through life is an interesting analogy.  Makes you think of the delicate balance of things, and the fact that nature is an ever-present force. But, also, floating through life doesn't always get you what you want in life. You need to strive for your goals and work hard to achieve them. That is what I have discovered. 


This song also talks about being able to face life's adversities with stoicism...never giving up on life no matter what. Another thing I think of is survival of the fittest and thriving no matter what the circumstances.

Yet, ironically, the song "Float" by Flogging Molly seems to be good advice. It is also a favorite song of mine, and it always fits my mood and calms me down....reminds me to stay grounded no matter how high my dreams make me soar. I also am reminded to set achievable goals.


"Drank away the rest of the day,
Wonder what my liver would say,
Drink... That's all you can.


Blackened days With their bigger gales,
Blow in your parlor to discuss the day,
Listen... That's all you can.


Ah but don't, no don't sink the boat,
That you built, you built to keep afloat.
Ah no don't, no don't sink the boat,
That you built...


Sick and tired of what to say,
No one listens anyway,
Sing... That's all you can.


Rambling years of lousy luck,
Ya miss the smell of burning turf,
Dream... That's all you can.


Ah but don't, no don't sink the boat,
That you Built, you built to keep afloat,
Ah no don't, no don't sink the boat,
That you built... That you built to keep afloat.


Singled out for who you are,
It takes all types to judge a man,
Feel... That's all you can.


Filthy suits with bigot ears,
Hide behind their their own worst fears,
Live... That's all you can.


It's all you can.
It's all you can... do.


No matter where I put my head,
I wake up feeling sound again,
Breath... It's all you can.


Tomorrow smells of less decay,
The flowers create this blooming fray,
Be thankful... That's all you can.


Ah but don't, don't sink the boat,
That you Built, you built to keep afloat.
Ah no don't, no don't sink the boat,
That you built... you built to keep afloat.


Ah no don't, no don't sink the boat,
That you built, that you built to keep afloat.


A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
I'm a ripe old age,
That's what I am.


I'm a ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
Just doing the best I can. Hey!


A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
That's what I am!


A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
Just doing the best I can! Hey!


The best I can!"


Flogging Molly "Float" video

Let's play the waiting game

OK, since all of my paperwork is in now, I am only waiting on my recruiter to take it up to MEPS and then it should be processed quickly. She said that it usually doesn't take them very long to process it. Here's hoping...

I had a meeting with my recruiters today (well my recruiter and the partner in her office).  They drove out to my house, which was nice. We discussed what was covered in the DEP meeting that I missed last week.  I received a packet about fitness preparation...the wording is kind of funny... they really dumb down the language, ha ha ha ha ha.

I was verbally quizzed on some of my information that I have to memorize... did better than I thought I would, but I still need to study some more.

I am also working on my PT, but it sounds like the Navy won't be starting theirs for DEP for a while... maybe not until after I leave for Basic. So, it's up to me to do it on my own, luckily my alma mater NIU has  decent facilities and is much, much cheaper than any gym...even cheaper than the Y.

So, my preparation continues... more research on possible jobs, more studying, more exercising...and condensing and packing of my room. It will be hard packing up my room, but in the long run it will be a good idea. Now starts my process of condensing, getting rid of clutter, donating stuff, and seeing what (old toys) I can pass on to my niece. When I can finally get my own place after tech school sometime it will be so much easier to have everything packed up already.

More Family Military Photos...My Dad's Side of the Family

Angelo and Frank...great uncles

Leo, great uncle

Louis, great uncle

Mike, great uncle

Angelo, great uncle

Cousin, Alan