Going Home!

C077/K051 Feb 21 – Apr 25, 1990

Bittersweet, very bittersweet. Sorry, but this might get a little mellow dramatic and maybe even a little emotional, for me anyway. Yes, I said that.

It is Wednesday, April 25, 1990, everything had come down to this. But, lets back up a little for a moment.
On Monday, C075 and K049 left Orlando. I do not really recall what we did that day, other than stay out of trouble. We did march a little sharper, and we stomped like crazy at the galley as we marked time. We walked with our heads held taller as well. However, we still watched our asses. Home was so close we could smell it. My mom was making lasagna, and I was going to eat it Wednesday. And Thursday night, I was going to enjoy the very personal company of my fiancee one-way or another. If you get my drift!

Tuesday came, and we had two significant events to take care of. Our final hair cuts and I believe our final paychecks at the C Center. Then the big one, the final PT test. I am lucky I can get this date exact, NASA helped. While we were standing in line for our hair cuts, the barbers came outside and pointed off to the east.

"There she goes, boys," one of them said.
It was Discovery launching with the Hubble Space Telescope. It was the only time I got to see a shuttle launch. And since NASA has that date as April 24, it fits into my recollection.

Also, while we're standing in line, we were talking about going home. One particular guy let us know of some bad news for him. He was getting picked up by US marshalls to be taken to jail. He and his pals had robbed a liquor store in a different state, then drove back home, making it a federal crime. He was scared, so he enlisted, thinking he could show he was a good boy. However, the Feds quickly figured out where he was. He had been going to legal for a whole talking to them. I do not know why, but they let him finish boot camp instead of arresting him earlier. The morning we left, he was cuffed and stuffed. I hope he turned out better. He did seem like a decent person.

Tuesday afternoon, we had our final PT test. Nearly all of us passed it. Also, C076 and K050 left that morning. SO, C077 and K051 were the top dogs on base! Did it make much of a difference? Not really, but it felt good to be the most senior company for those few hours.

Wednesday morning!!!  I know, I was excited. Our cadence caller called the RIF cadence as we made our final approach that morning, it was pretty funny. We stomped like crazy, and our flags slammed their poles on the ground when we were done. The deck captain was laughing while we made our last impression on everyone. He was about to send us on to lines 444, 333. But, there was a call for the rules of the galley.
He read the rules to us one final time. Then off to eat. It felt amazing that morning. Heading in for one last meal. 59 days earlier, we were shocked borderline traumatized civilians entering the galley in a haze. Now, we were new sailors getting ready to kick ass and take names.

We sat down and started to eat. Across the table from us were some guys from a new company. They did have that RIF smell on them. The guys from my company were all talking like crazy. Finally, one of the new guys very quietly asked us like how many more days we had left. I looked at my watch and told him like 2 hours. The guy had a long face like oh hell! I think that particular morning was their second day at RTC. We were kind to them. Sure, we could have been genuine seniors and rode them about being RIFs, but we helped them out. Told them to listen and do what you are told. The guys seemed to perk up a little after that. I remember telling them, it goes by quickly.

We thought the workweek would cut us some slack and let us have more time to eat, but OH NO, she came over and kicked us out. Imagine that, a workweek being pushy to the seniors!

We threw our stuff in the scullery and made sure to step on the threshold and touch the glass. Much to the consternation of the workweeks there at the time. On my first morning, I did the same thing by accident and had to polish it. That day, we just went outside while the workweek complained. His grumbling fell on deaf ears.

Back at the compartment, we packed out sea bags and other luggage. I bought a garment bag and a carry on bag emblazoned with the Navy emblem. We also spent some time singing one another's Rudders. Most of us wrote, see you in the fleet to one another. I do not remember Senior Chief Engley being there. I do remember talking to Petty Officer Adams a little on that last day. He signed my Rudder, "Go Home!"

We had garbage cans full of our worn-out tennis shoes.

The company marched over to the bus. Those who were going to AT land made their way down to Division 10. Those few staying at NTC for A-school made their way over there. The rest of us, on the bus. I chose to wear my dress whites for the trip home. Some chose their dress blues.

I am not sure how I did this, but I was the last person on the bus. We piled our sea bags in the first few seats and had our luggage stowed in the baggage compartments. So, when we got to the airport, I was the first to have their bags unloaded. That was a plus since I had an early flight.

I scooped everything up and made it to the check-in to Northwest Airlines. I was actually going to fly into Rockford, Illinois. The first leg was to Detroit, then Minneapolis, and finally, Rockford. I had one fo the earliest flights that day, but I got in after 7:00 pm local time in Rockford.

When I made my way back into the central terminal, there was a big group of sailors sitting around having a smoke. They had not had the luxury of doing so for a while. I got my shoes shined and saw a group of guys sitting in the bar. It was still pretty early in the day, like maybe 0900. They each had a pitcher. I ventured over to say, my "see you, laters." I had a beer with them. And made my way out to the gate. The farther I went, the fewer sailors I saw.

After that moment I have only seen two people from my company. Once at Great Lakes, I saw Senior Chief Engley. Then at Norfolk in the fall of 1991, I saw another guy.

At the gate, there were 3 or 4 ladies from my sister company all going to Detroit. We talked for a little before it was time to board. On the plane, I found my seat, an aisle. We took off over the base, and I did all I could to look out the window to see RTC as we left. How many times had I wondered who was in those planes flying overhead? Now it was me going home. Looking down on the base and wondering about all of those recruits down there going about their day.

On the flight, the flight attendant gave me a beer and a mini on the house. Landing in Detroit, I got off the plane since I had about an hour layover. I spoke to the girls again. But then we all went our own ways.

Off again to Minneapolis. I was the lone sailor onboard now. It got me another beer on the way too. In Minneapolis, I had a decent layover. I found the gate I had to be at and checked on my baggage. It was sitting there waiting to be loaded onto the small turboprop we would take to Rockford a few hours later.

I again ate like I hadn't eaten all day. Fast food was on the agenda, as was beer. I was not a bourbon drinker then. The flight was delayed due to a massive thunderstorm that went through too.

We finally took off and flew the last leg of my journey to Rockford. I was insanely anxious and worried since we were so late. I was again the only sailor on that small plane. Heck, there were very few on that plane. There was no drink service this time.

We landed and had to wait on the tarmac for our bags to be unloaded. The baggage guy offered to carry mine into the terminal for me. He was a veteran too. I tried to give him a tip, but he said it was his pleasure. My mom and sister were there to meet me. It felt great to be home. And, I was hungry, so we stopped at Subway for something to eat.

We got back to my parent's house and sat up for a while talking. It was hard to sleep that night. But, eventually, I did. The next morning I was up and ready to go at 0500, 0600 Orlando time. Mom made me a big stack of pancakes and bacon. Afterward, I went into town to visit with my grandparents. It was bizarre wearing civilian clothes too.
I changed back into my uniform so I could head over to where my fiancée lived. My mom took me to where my car was being stored. I spent some time talking to some of the people in town. Lindenwood is only about 200 people. Everyone knew I was in the Navy and knew I was home.

The whole thing felt very surreal to me. I had left Lindenwood on February 20 and civilian. Not knowing what to expect in Orlando. Now on April 26^, I was a sailor.  A very green sailor, but a sailor none the less. On my drive to my fiancée, the guy at the toll booth let me side without paying the 75 cents.

 He asked if I was on leave.

I said, "Yes, sir."

He told me, go ahead.

Looking back now, I do get emotional. It did mean a good deal at the time, and it still does. So much was going to happen on leave. I was going to do HARP duty, get married, and head back to Orlando.
A-school was still to come and then the fleet. 

Liberty Weekend

C077/K051 Feb 21-Apr 25, 1990

Getting down to the end of boot camp. Liberty weekend was here at last. Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday to pretty much do as we wanted. Yes, we did have to be back on base at 11 pm (2300), and there were certain places we could not go, OBT, was the big spot not to go. But, for the most part, we could be on our own.

I do recall being told there would be "eyes" on us as we went out into the area to blow off some steam.

Over the weekend, we could take liberty on 2 of the 3 days. Friday was the short day, I think it started maybe around 1600 for that day. Saturday and Sunday were almost full days off. On our own, we did divide the weekend, and we had enough guys who were happy to take Friday night, so us with families could have the two full days with them.

Friday after lunch, I remember being in the compartment while those heading out on liberty were getting ready. Even though we were going out the next day, we did feel a little jealous of those heading out that night.

It was something totally new for us. We were alone! Our CC's stopped in on Friday afternoon to let us know we had the extra hour of liberty. Still, I do not remember seeing them until Monday morning.

Friday night, the guys took off out into the great unknown of what to do for a few hours in Orlando. Those of us in the compartment had to decide what we were going to do that night. The first thing was we deiced the order for tapes on our boom box. It was a straight forward method, we put them in a bag and pulled them out. I could not believe that two of my all-time favorites were pulled back to back, Led Zeppelin IV and The Wall!

The system worked pretty well too. Guys were swapping spots to bunch up certain music, country, rock, rap, pop. Odd, how we were able to get along so well. 8 weeks prior, I doubt that would have happened. While groups of music were playing, some guys were putting the touches on their uniforms or polishing their shoes.

I remember laying down in the lounge on one of the benches and just listening to Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. It was so relaxing for me. When those two were over, I went out to nitpick my uniform and shoes too. I sat with a guy who I had totally forgotten to talk about, SR Langley.

Langley was a Star Trek nut. He wanted more than anything to get orders to the Enterprise. If I recall, he was going into aviation. I am a minor league fan of the show, but he and I would talk about ti a good deal. One day we started to give one another the Romulan salute. If you watched the show, you know what that is. It was similar to what the Romans would do to salute one another.

He and I got along pretty well. It is strange how we made friends in boto camp but failed to share addresses afterward. I have seen several ladies here mention how they stayed friends with ladies in their companies. I guess most of us figured we would be together in A-school afterward and see one another in the fleet.

OK, back to it. Even though we could hit our racks whenever we wanted, we all stayed up to talk to the guys coming back in from liberty. I think this is when we first started to fabricate our own sea stories. We all hit our racks pretty late that night.

Saturday!

 I was going to Epcot with my mom and fiancee. Up early, shower, shave prep, dress, and off to the USO. Bus to the park and then to eat. Now, I', backing up a bit fro a second. Back when Iw as in high school, I went to Colorado Springs for our Easter Break. My girlfriend's brother was in the Air Force Academy. I was shocked at how much he ate. Every meal we spent with him, he was packing it in. And he was still thin as a rail. Jump forward almost 5 years exactly, I was eating like a pig too.

Breakfast at Epcot, we ate in the restaurant that revolves. I remember what I had to eat for breakfast. French Toast with strawberries, bacon, sausage, scrambles, eggs, milk, juice, and coffee. Plus, I have a feeling I finished off when my mom didn't eat. The rest of the day we spent doing pretty much the same, eating. Well, mostly me, I could not get enough to eat. And I drank a good deal too.

The World Showcase at Epcot is a great way to drink around the world. I did just that. My fiancee and I did go on the rides. We typically sat in the back so we could make out. That is all we could do. We wanted to do ore, but that was difficult with my mom being there. However, it was assumed by the company that I had gotten to enjoy her if you get my meaning. So, I, too, had just had my first sea story.

Yeah, I ate like a pig all day. There were some pictures taken, but those are lost to the ages. I do wish I had taken my mom's camera back with me to the compartment that night. I wanted tog et a couple pictures of me around the place, but I was too worried about getting caught with it.

Back at the hotel, they were staying at, we had dinner at a Pizza hut. I ordered, and the waitress laughed. For me, a large pan pizza with pepperoni and a pitcher of beer. That was after the others ordered. She told me that was pretty much the standard meal for all of the recruits on liberty weekend who came in.

At the hotel, we talked and relaxed. When my mom went outside to have a smoke, there was some more making out. Had we been daring we could have, I know I would have been quick! But, that was for while I was on leave.

The bus taking me back to the base came, and I was off. Although I had time to catch the later bus, I do not want to be late. Nothing was going to make me stay in Orlando any longer than I was scheduled. I met some guys from the company at the USO, we made a group and off to the division. Up the division, sidewalk, and across the quarterdeck.

Again we all stayed up late talking before we hit our racks.

Sunday.

I wanted to see "The Hunt for Red October." I loved the book and wanted to see the movie. Our CC, Senior Chief Engley, had seen it and told us it was excellent. Lucky for us, it was still around. So, we watched that and spent time around town. Again, there was a good deal of eating on my part. I drank a good deal too. I was surprised I did not ever feel drunk or even buzzed. Having not had any booze for 8 weeks, I figured I would feel it, but I do not recall it happening.

Off to the USO one last time. I hugged my mom and kissed my fiancee. I would see my mom on Wednesday evening and my fiancee on Thursday morning. I made that lonely walk from the USO down to Division 4. There was a spring in my step because I now had 3 days left at RTC. Wednesday, we were leaving and getting on a plane to go home.

Bootcamp was still not over, but it was h so close now. Nothing was going to keep me from getting on the plane Wednesday morning. We still had our final PT test, but I was going to ace that bad boy.

I had to use that picture. I found a couple others, but this one seemed pretty funny. 

PIR (Pass In Review)

C077/K051 Feb 21-Apr25 1990

Coming down to the end.

So, now it is all coming together. Marching with pieces to music and understanding bugle toots.

We slowly had been building up to this moment. As it got closer, we were even under the eyes of everyone. Not a single one of us wanted to stay any longer than we needed to.

I believe it was the day before PIR we hit the field for practice. This would have been April 19^th, 1990. It was a windy yet humid day. Several people were feeling very relaxed and joyful about what was happening. Heck, I know I was. Some of those people forgot one big rule, military bearing at all times. NO MATTER WHAT!

Like I said, it was humid, and it was starting to get hot too. We had been told about locking your knees. Nobody in our company fell out, but some others did. During practice, we had some guys cover to blow off. They reached down to pick them up. We could all feel the sweat trickling down our backs and our from under our covers. One guy in front of me took off his cover and wiped his head. Then casually replaced it.
After practice was over, I had to return to the compartment for watch. It was odd for me to have a compartment watch, I only did it maybe one other time. I recall there was another company covering the compartment while we were at practice. So, I take over. It was really nice a cool in our compartment.

The company returns, and they take off their business in the head. After a few more minutes, they are all gathered in the compartment talking. The door out to the Division was shut, but I could see somebody coming through the crack at the bottom. Before I could say anything, I get a finger pointed at me as an STFU by our CCs.

They start to yell, “On the Line!”
I stand there on watch, knowing they are going to get nailed.

The exact words that were said are totally lost over the years. But, they were yelled at about military bearing.

The guy who reached down and got his cover got a special yelling at.
“WTF were you doing?”

“Picking up my cover, sir.”

F ing leave it tomorrow! Leave it on the deck, it will be returned, or you have another here

Then the guy who wiped his head.

WTF were you doing wiping your head?

The company got cycled for a while. The nice cool compartment turned into a tepid stinky mix of sweat and humidity.

I was never so glad to be on watch at any other time during boot camp than then.

That night we had our big dinner in the south galley. It was a good time. Then, we, with families, got to spend some time with them. So, back to the compartment and down to the USO. My mom and fiance flew down from Illinois to see my PIR.

When I saw them, I did give my mom a hug, and I did give my fiance a kiss. We had been instructed about PDA, and I think I was probably fine with both. It was terrific to see them. It was kind of odd when they each met people they knew.

A guy I worked within the Galley from C078 was from Idaho, but his grandparents lived in Rochelle, Illinois. He found me and introduced me to his mom. Oddly, our moms graduated together all those years ago in Rochelle.

My fiance met a girl she went to high school with. That girl was also in AT Land. I spoke to her after I was back there on hold later on.

As I had mentioned before, some of the ladies from my sister company introduced me to their families. Which drew the ire of my fiance.
During the little time together we had it was decided to go to Epcot on Saturday for my first day of liberty.

Friday came, time for PIR. It was a hot, humid, windy day as we formed up to head out for breakfast.  Then back to get dressed in our dress whites complete with white duty belts and leggings. The pieces were all pretty as we took them out of the whore houses.

We marched down to the end of the sidewalk by the parade ground.

There were seven companies in our training group. C075, C076, C077, C078, K049, K050, and K051. I am lucky here because I do have the video from my PIR. I think the whole ceremony took about 60 minutes. All the while, jets were flying overhead. It was also very windy.

We had guest speakers, and there were awards presented to the honor grads from each company. The overall honor grad for the training group was the RCPO from our sister company. I recently did find out that the bugler was also from my sister company, K051.

The whole time as we listen to the speeches and other activities, we have to also do the right rifle moments. The drill team did their thing, the choir sang its songs, and the honor guard was reviewed by the reviewing officer. Our reviewing officer was an EM1 from NTC Orlando. I believe he was sailor of the year.

Time had come for the final big thing for us to do and show off. Splitting the cones gave us a double salute and an extra hour of liberty! The band played Anchors Aweigh, and we were all off. All of our marching and rifle training was coming into play now. The final call for the RCOP to save us or sink us was about to come. “EYES RIGHT.”

Nearly eight weeks of training come down to that day. 60 minutes standing on the review field and a couple minutes of passing the reviewing officials. I’ve watched that video a couple times since I have had it. I don’t care what any thinks, but it gets me. I actually get tears watching it. Not sure why, but I do.
I will be honest too, I have not wanted to write these last few upcoming pieces because I knew how I would feel. 
C077 strutted our stuff. We had the most flags of any company that day too. We made our mark on the parade ground that day with a double salute and an extra hour of liberty. I do wish I had eaten lunch with the company that day. But, It was back to the USO for family lunch.

We had a bunch of good guys who took liberty on Friday night, so those of us with Families could have Saturday and Sunday.
Although we did PIR, we were still not out of the woods. We had liberty weekend to make it through. Then for C077 and K051, we had to make it through until Wednesday before we got to go home.

So, my big take on PIR. I know there will be people who don’t get this, but this is my own personal point fo view. PIR was a huge deal. We had busted our asses the previous weeks to get where we were. We were a ragtag group of civilians who had to learn everything from scratch. We had two men who gave up a good portion of their own lives to teach us what we needed to know.

The company got it, each individual got it. We gelled together and did it. That short video clip of us actually doing our PIR was what it all came down to. Both K051 and C077 are there for just a moment, then that moment is gone. Seriously, it was a big deal. Roughy 3% of the US population has ever served its country. Think about that. All of the armed services really are the Few, the Proud.
Yeah, I felt a tremendous sense of pride in myself. I never doubted I would make it. Even with the threats of an extra two weeks, I knew I would graduate with these same young men I started with.

Just a few more days!

The video is a short clip of my actual pass in review.
C077/K051 Pass in Review

Memorial Day

Lindenwood Illinois

Sorry, I am going away from boot camp for a favored memory.

One of my favorite memories from growing up in the small northern Illinois town of Lindenwood was the Memorial Day service. The service had its roots in the original Memorial day observances. At one time, it was called Decoration Day. This was because the graves of veterans were decorated with flowers to honor the service of the departed veterans.

Many towns erected a monument to all of the fallen veterans from the area. On Memorial Day, the people would gather and read the names of those veterans who had either fallen in battle or passed away afterward. As the names were read, flowers were also laid on the memorial. This was done by different groups of the young townspeople or everyone in attendance.

In my town, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts were given the honor of placing the flowers on the stone. I am not totally sure when it started for me, but the morning started off early, just after breakfast. I would go to the small local fire department with my day to get buckets for the flowers we would collect. Many of the local ladies allowed us to cut flowers from their gardens for the ceremony.

I remember riding my bike around town with a small bucket to collect flowers. The grass would be typically wet with dew as I made my way to different houses for different flowers. Some of the ladies would meet me so they could cut their own. Others would allow me to do it. I had to make sure not to cut all the flowers from one spot. Spread it out.

There were usually more than enough ladies who volunteered to donate flowers for the cause, so that was never an issue. Each trip back to the fire station, I would drop off and get a new bucket. By the third or fourth trip, more men were showing up to wash the trucks. Some of the wives would have made coffee cake or maybe had driven into town to get us donuts. The men were drinking coffee, and I typically had a glass of milk.

A couple of my friends would generally join me, and the gathering went a little quicker then. We probably had this wrapped up sometime around 9:30 or so. One of the older kids in town had started to mow the small lawn at the fire department by the time the sun had dried the grass. I remember the weather on each Memorial Day as warm and humid.

The next big task that would take us until right about lunchtime was marking the Veteran's graves with flags. Some of the graves did have the brass marker to hold the Flag, while others did not. I remember there was always a discussion between the men about getting more markers. We did add a few while I was young, and I know since then, they have added more.

Home for lunch and the final prep for the afternoon activities.

The men home from work had the fire trucks all shined up. We had to set up chairs in the grade school gym for everyone to sit in, while the flowers we gathered sat on the stage. One of the local living veterans typically gave a short talk about the honor and sacrifice of serving the military. Also, the local clergy would offer prayer and often a short scriptural lesson.

Our small town had its share of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans. One of those was a man who served on Admiral Nimitz staff during WWII. Several of my uncles had served in WWII and Korea. My father was in the Army Reserves in the early 1960s. My mom's dad did not get to serve in WWII because he was a farmer.

Afterward, the local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts would lead a march out to the cemetery, followed by the fire trucks. This was probably a good 1 ½ trip. Before I was old enough to take part, I would follow behind on my bike with my other young friends. We really did not understand the importance of the day, yet, but we liked to take part anyway we could.

At the Cemetery, the crowd gathered around the memorial stone. Again there was another prayer, and then the reading of the Veteran's names began. The area of Illinois where Lindenwood is was initially populated by veterans from the War of 1812. Veteran's names were read, starting with the War of 1812 and went all the way up to Vietnam. In the following years, a veteran from the Revolutionary War has had his name added to the list as well.

Some of those men gave their lives during the specified war, others passed away after. With each name, one of the Boy Scouts or Cub Scouts would lay a flower for that Veteran on the Memorial Stone. When the names were all read, the Firmen would fire three volleys, 21 total.

In later years we would also have taps played by a member of the Boy Scouts. One particular year we had two trumpeters. They played the echo version of taps.

When I finally was old enough for Cub Scouts, I was thrilled to be part of the ceremony. My mom would help me get my uniform all perfect. This was when I had my first experience at marching. Then as a Boy Scout, I could not wait until I was one of the senior scouts so I would carry the American Flag while marching. After I left Lindenwood for college and later for the Navy, I did try to make it back each year for the ceremony. 

In May 1990, I was able to spend the afternoon present in my uniform. I technically was not allowed to leave Great Lakes at the time, working in the galley company had strange restrictions on us. I did ask the petty officer in charge. He said, "I can't technically let you go. But, if you make it back on time, there is nothing I can do." Again in 1992, I was able to attend the service in uniform. This time my Chief at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital was very understanding. This time as a more "seasoned" Sailor, I spent a good deal of time speaking to all the local men about the Navy.


Since then, I have tried to attend and service for Memorial Day, no matter where I have lived. I know many of us have spent Memorial Days all over the globe in different locations.
I hope each and every one of you has an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. I will return for my final boot camp memories next week.

Flags

C077/K051 Feb 21-Apr 25, 1990

All of the companies had flags during their time at RTC. I have seen numerous pictures from different times that show different flags. But, as we all know, the Navy likes to changes things, even when it just seemed so simple, to begin with.

The first flag the company received was the guideon. Pretty simple blue flag with your company number on it in gold. When the company first acquired the guideon, it was still furled. We technically, we were not a company yet. So, if memory serves me all through P-days, we kept it furled. Pretty obviously, the guideon bearer carried the flag. They also served as the pacesetter for the company. This was typically a shorter person.

Next were your Division flags. I believe those were “awarded” to the company on 1-5 day. The flags the companies received also let others know how far along you were in training with an easy glance. Our division could award a banner for your performance on 1-5 day if the Division CMC felt it was proper.

The next set of flags every company earned was for the three Competition Periods. I think those were run as follows, Comp Period 1 week 1&2, Comp Period 2 weeks 3&4, Comp Period 3 weeks 6&7. Might have those wrong. The last Comp period might have only been part of week 7 since that was also PIR week. Each one fo those flags could also have a banner awarded as well. Depending on how well the company did during each comp period, you could get a blue or a gold banner. If you just squeaked by, you got no banner.

During work week, one lucky person who could paint was assigned the task of painting the Company flag. They also painted one of the cinder blocks in the passageway leading into the companies compartment. Now, I remember seeing so many different flags around the base during my time. A few stuck in my head for some reason. One company had a flag with the Burger King logo and a big red slash through it. We did hear the term “This is not Burger King, and you cannot have it your way,” a few times. I guess they felt like putting that on their flag.

 I saw a flag from a female company with a Skittles pack on it. After hearing a story from a young lady, it makes sense now. She told me about the “Skittles Gang.” They were practicing with the flags one night, and they were messing up. The CC gave each young lady a Skittles each time they got it right. He called the flags the Skittle Gang after that. Oddly she was at RTC after I was, so maybe that technique was used for rewards before.

Another female company had signal flags on their company flag to spell out “$hit Hot.” The young lady said that is what their CC kept referring to them as. Our flag had an image of our CC, MMC Mark Engley, yelling, “Self Destruct Begin!” It is hard to make out the other images on the flag, but one looks like a young lady. The other side had our company number C077. I hope somebody has that flag.

One optional flag that companies could earn was the Cheerio flag. This was won at Sports Day. It also had banners on it as well. These were awarded for winning competitions during Sports Day. We won that one convincingly too.

A couple other optional banners you could win along the way. I recall a banner for DC week. If the company received a certain score on the DC test, they won that banner to go on their flag. I also remember there being one for church attendance as well. One final little banner was awarded for us sending postcards to potential new recruits, we called it Popcorn. I do not remember what the torch flag was awarded for. Yes, I forgot something!

There were two other flags a company could potentially win. First was the CO’s White. Next was Hall of Fame. To win, either the company had to perform at a far higher level than the others in the training group. Hall of Fame was a flashy red flag. I recall only seeing one or two while I was in RTC. It was hard to win. CO’s White was a little easier to win, but the company still had to be on its toes.

Three companies in our training group won the white. I think it was C076, K050, and C077.

I know we just made it. During the last comp period, it was very close to us making it. One of our CC’s told us the very last afternoon that is we finished out the day clean with no street marks, we would win. We did everything we could to not mess up. No stomping at the galley for mark time. No slamming the flags down. We were outstanding all day. Then after we got back from dinner, one last lone recruit from C077 was on the streets. He was known for not being the best. Our no PT chit guy. When we heard that pound, pound, pound, on the door, we all shouted sound off.
“SR Corffey returning from chow.”

“Carry on” we all shouted

He had made it! We had won the White!
I know none of what we did in boto camp transferred to any other command. All we have to remember those flags is a picture. Sorts of like winning Regionals in Baskbell or Sectionals in Cross Country my senior year, it means not much after you are gone. But, it is something you helped with, and it made us feel great that the moment.

We were a 10 flag company, the most in the training group. Now we could stomp while we marked time at the galley. 

Controlled Liberty

C077/K051  February 21 – April 25, 1990

Controlled Liberty was a test to see how we acted. It was a company trip to one of several locations around Orlando. We were given several options where we could go. There were several members of the company who really wanted our sister company to go with us. There was a pretty good effort to make that happen through some sneaky note passing.

However, this was not to happen. Our company opted for Wet n’ Wild, the now-closed water park in Orlando. If I recall, the girls picked it too, but when the CC’s discussed it, the idea was squashed. We were informed of that decision, which was met with some unhappiness. I think they went to Cypress Gardens.

Up early on Saturday morning so we could take the bus. There has been some discussion as to which day this happened. Was it after sports day? Or was it on its own day?

So, we get to Wet n Wild about the time it had opened. The whole company wearing our Summer Whites. Each one of us had our ditty bags with our stylish Navy swim trunks inside. Some of us opted to go buy civilian suits for the day. I was one fo those. I also bought a pair of sunglasses. My right eye was still sensitive to the sun even after it had healed up.

The first target for us to experience was a pretty tall slide, Der Stuka, 115 feet high. (I looked it up) It was pretty high. We could see the infamous Door Knob to Hell off in the distance. At first, I remember, what the hell and I doing up here. But, it was a quick ride to the bottom and a nice swimsuit wedgie.

We had a spot reserved for us so we could hang out and eat. Yeah, we did a good deal of eating that day.

It was pretty easy to spot us at the park. We looked so out of place. Really short hair, crazy grinder reminder tan lines, and we just acted differently than other people.  Some wore their dog tags and sported the Navy swim trunks. I guess they thought the local ladies would be impressed or something.

It was a fun day.

The day was actually pretty uneventful. We hung out, ate like pigs, and spent time on the different water activities. I know there was that group of the “young studs” who were out looking for ladies.  

We returned to our compartment after the bus ride back. The good thing was that none of us got in trouble. I do not recall if there was beer sold at the park. I figure there probably was, but oddly I do not remember getting any. I know on uncontrolled I drank a good deal.

I believe it was the Monday after Controlled Liberty that we received a couple new members to our company. They had drunk far too much on their controlled Liberty and got to enjoy two more weeks of boot camp. I know they were not too happy about it either. At this time, I lost the title of the tallest in the company. One new guy was like 6’6” or 6’7”.

So, boot camp is winding down. Not much for us to finish with except for PIR, Controlled Liberty, and leaving. Then there will be a recap about what it really meant.

Dress Inspections

C077/K051 Feb 21 – Apr 25, 1990

Getting dressed, seriously, is it that hard? Well, according to the military, is it a severe issue that we recruit needed to get figured out. The first inspection was in our dungarees. Basically, bell-bottom jeans and a long sleeve shirt. I think the correct term for the shirt was chambray. For some odd reason, I did look, and you can actually buy those uniforms.  

While doing a little looking around, I learned the WWII dungaree pants were button fly. I am not sure when the Navy changed those to zipper fly, but we do know that did happen.

Dungarees were reasonably comfortable and easy to maintain.

So, the first PI was in dungarees. We had to make sure we could put these on and that they were proper. Meaning, stencils all in the correct place and properly ironed. After leaving boot camp, we also learned about military creases. Some commands wanted those in your dungarees. Also, after boot camp, we could wear the short sleeve version. I prefer those because I have a hard time finding long sleeve shirts that fit correctly.

But anyway, back to the story. We practiced dressing a few times, and I believe we had a mock inspection or two.  The big day comes and we all get dressed. We look over one another to make sure everything is top-notch. We had spent the prep time making sure the “Irish Pennants” were all gone. For those who have forgotten that is considered a loose thread on a Naval uniform. Gear adrift, or UNSAT!

I recall our CC’s told us to do the “French Salute” to our bunkmates to allow them to check us for Irish Pennants. I wonder if I can say those two terms still or not??

So, we are on the line getting examined. For our inspection, we had a female Chief. You will see why I remember that. She starts off on the Starboard side with our RCPO. I am not sure if we got bonus points for tying a knot for this inspection or not. So, down the line, she starts.

I believe we were at parade rest and came to attention when the inspector stepped in front of us. She gave us a looked over and checked fit and appearance of the uniform. She was checking other recruits down the line for different things. She was a good deal shorter than me too. I am fixed on a spot on the opposite side of the compartment as to not break military bearing.

She is standing in front of me when I feel her pull up my duty belt. Oh hell! The guy directly across from me starts to make a face. I just see him out of the corner of my eye doing it. I make a mental note, I am kicking his ass when this is over. I can tell she is looking at me to see how I react. I am a statue. She undoes my other belt. Yeah, my mind is racing. What the hell is going on? The guy across from me is about laughing now. I block him out. She was checking my belt stencil.

I have no idea how I did not react to that one. Typically a lady undoing your belt can get a reaction of some sort. Then I get asked my question. She throws me a softball chain of command question, and I answer.

She makes her way around the compartment for the rest of the inspection. I have to stand there with my belts are FUBAR until we are finished, and I can recover. I think she pulled out the tails of a couple others guys shirts to make sure they had their info written on the patch like was required.

There were a couple UNSAT people they paid for their infractions. I think I got a trip to the geendunk machine for maintaining my military bearing. So, as a company, we did really well on that one. First comp period, we were kicking it.

After work week we spent most of our training getting ready for PIR. We did not know it, but that is what we were doing. Well, other than DC, but marching and the PI were geared toward PIR.

After the second clothing issue, we now had everything we should have. This covered our dress uniforms and also our working uniforms.

So, we practiced a few times dressing in each new uniform, dress blues, winter working blues, dress whites, and summer working whites.

Now, as the guys know, the dress blues were the hardest with that 13 button broad fall in the front. You had to make sure to get all of those buttons done correctly. The jumper top and neckerchief were all pretty straight forward. All of our neckerchiefs were rolled and tied for us during work week.

Our CC’s impressed on us to use the correct terms for the uniforms. Winter working blue was never to be called Johnny Cash in our company. We were told of a company that failed their inspection because they pulled winter working blues and had no clue which uniforms that were. True story or not, it kept us using the correct term.

The inspector comes in, and the RCPO pulled a card for the uniform for us to change into. Winter working blues. Piece of cake.

I recall a couple guys getting called up to tie a knot for a bonus as well. We got dressed, and the inspector came back in. He was very nice to us. A couple guys totally blew their answer to a general order, but he did not hit them on it. We did get some hits for a messed up locker item. But nobody was UNSAT.

The inspector left, and the CCs came back in. They yelled at us for potentially dropping military bearing. Yes, we did a couple times. Especially after the one guy blew his answer and the inspector moved on. There was an audible sigh of relief. Anyway, another good inspection and another big step on our way.

I never could understand how some sailors could not wear a squared away uniform. Sure, when you are working on some equipment, or during a GQ drill, but just in your regular day to day stuff. We had guys in A-school who were pigs, serious, just could not wear a clean uniform. One guy in Petty Officer for us push buttons just was horrible all the time. We got on him about it too. “F you guys, I can do what I want.”
Well, he got his ass jumped because he was a pig. Bessie was his last name. The guy was also in the dirtbag room in our company. He was on medical hold for all sorts of things. No marching chits. No PT chits. He was ahead of me by over a month in A-school. I was in the fleet way before he left Great Lakes.

I saw him on the pier in Norfolk one day. We use to give him crap was saying his name like a sheep bleating. Beeeeeeessssssiiieeeee. He hated that. We were refueling, and I was at the aft station. I saw him and did that. He stopped on the pier, “Who the F said that?” He did see me. “F U Adams.”
Not sure if he was on Yellowstone or Shenandoah. Yeah, he still looked UNSAT.

Rewards

C077/K051 Feb 21 – Apr 25 1990

How many of us have “bribed” our kids or grandkids? I thought so, a good many of us.
Our Cc’s did the same thing to us. Well, not really bribed, but rewarded us when we did something positive.

The day we arrived in Orlando, we learned a few things. It did not matter to anyone that we might have enlisted as an E2 or E3. If we were a Fireman, Airman, Seaman, or Construction man. We were all Seaman Recruits. We were not sailors, we were NUBs, FNGs, and NQPs.  

We had nothing, zero, zip, nada. We were allowed to sleep, take a shower, shave, eat, march, use the head, and learn. Nothing else, nothing more. Each one of us was allowed to make a quick phone call, but only because the Navy wanted our moms to not freak out that we were gone to some black hole.

After that call, we were then in a black hole. I recall we could not write home immediately, but I do know that was one of the first rewards we did get.

Our first trip to the Communication Center, or Exchange, we bought several irons and a radio. We got to use the radio on 1-5 day, but it was not used for music again for a few more weeks.

I know this sounds like I am overdramatic, doesn’t it? But, think back. And, from some of the other stories I have read from the beginning of the base, we had far more privileges than the original companies did. Hell, we got to march in tennis shoes for a few days. We got to PT in PT gear and tennis shoes.

So, everything in the compartment is off-limits as well. Our first night, they take anything, not on the approved list. Then the next day, we box up our civilian clothes and mail them home. They even cut off our hair!
I had been away from home for 5 years, but I still used to call when I wanted. Plus, at the time, I was engaged and had a new daughter, so I did miss home. Some guys were fresh out the door for the first time ever. We had some married guys and also other fathers. So they really missed home. The limited contact had to be killer on them more than they realized.

We had one guy, a laundry PO, who was sneaking into an empty compartment and calling home at night. He got caught. But, he was rewarded with a Mo Tour and 2 weeks to the reach, march. I think he might have gone back to P-days at that time. He was set back again. I spoke to him in AT Land after he finally made it through boot camp. So, he was homesick, calls home, gets set back, gets set back again, then has AT after that. He was there and extra month, easy.

Our first real big reward was after our first test, a phone call, and geedunk from the machines at the C-Center. I have since found out that some companies were never allowed to use the machines there for ANYTHING! I had one young lady tell me about the time she had a bad blister, and her CC took her to medical. She was upset because she thought she was going to have her flag taken away, she was the guideon. Her CC had her stop for a roto bear and Butterfinger bar.

Slowly we were allowed more rewards/privileges.

Getting to listen to music was a great one. I have learned recently that one of our CC’s is a big music guy. So, our first music we got to listen to was probably some classic rock. Which was fine with me.
As I had mentioned before, we were slowly given more privileges. Most of these were given after work week. That was when your training was getting near to being over. The biggest reward up to the time was controlled liberty. The test run to make sure we did not act like Fleet sailors after 6 months at sea. I’ll talk about that one in its own story.

Oddly the Monday after we had our controlled liberty, we had a couple recruits drop into our company. It seemed they had gotten really drunk on their test run. So, they were rewarded with two weeks to the rear, march!

We returned to the compartment one hot day. everyone did the cycle through the head and we were kind of relaxing for a moment when we hear the door gets kicked open and the CC's yelling on the line. We all get up there.

"Get your diddy bags and back on the line."

We all thought somebody did something.

"Drop your bags!"

"Push up position! Down!"

"Take a nap, see you in an hour."

They flip off the lights and leave.

We did have a scheduled pizza party with our sister company but, the Central Florida weather switched it to us eating pizza in our compartment by ourselves. This was on our last week there, maybe even the last night.

We did miss one big reward for the second locker inspection. I think it was the 3-5 inspection, please let me know if that is not right. We had a get a certain score to get a trip to McDonald’s for Big Macs. We were told we would march right over there and feast. BUT we did miss that one. It was close, but no cigar. It was telling the guys in the locker room about your date on Saturday night with the cheerleader. But we missed it.

OK, when I spoke of big rewards before I lied. The absolutely biggest and most cherished was looking out the window of that plane and seeing RTC under its wing. I felt both happy and sad at that moment on April 25^th, 1990. Hell, I feel sad writing about it. But, I, we, had just done it, we were all now sailors. Really green sailors, but we were moving ahead.

Shot day from a Ladies' Point of View

From the Files of K061

Here is another as told to stories from my friend Seaman Recruit Sheets. She has been sharing her experiences with me as well and has been kind enough to allow me to share them.

None of us girls had a problem with the thought of Immunizations. We had three from our brother company that I could see, pass out before getting to the first one. Of course, they used the jet injector, high-pressure immunization guns. "Roll up both sleeves to your shoulders and here, hold this vial. 

You'll want it warm because it'll hurt you if it goes in the cold!" They warned. Everyone, in the beginning, was handed a vial of injectable polio vaccine. We held them and rubbed them vicariously between our hands to warm them up.

We were also given an alcohol wipe. 

"Wipe down both arms!" 

There were a few were feeling woozy and so many crammed into one area. We were being run through like cattle. It was the fastest and best method to do almost 200 at a time. 

Then it happens. A couple guys from our brother company were going down. "We'll give them there's while they are sitting.", I overheard.

They had us girls go through first. "Whatever you do, DO NOT FLINCH! The jet coming out will literally cut your skin!".

Another warning. 

Down goes another brother. (I think she likes to make fun of the guys crashing)

They have a few sitting up against the wall. We step forward, mindful to not move our arms and keep them relaxed. I could hear the high pitched tone of the gun as it built pressure then very quickly they'd run an alcohol swab over it to cleanse "bizt."

It was over. Take another step and repeat the process.

 "Bizt"!

One on each arm each time we stepped forward. I knew there had to be a reason my recruiter said my immunization card wasn't necessary. Hell, we got all of them like we'd never had once in our lives!

There was bloodwork done at MEPS before boot camp. I was shown NOT to have an immunity to the German Measles, so I signed paperwork saying I wouldn't get pregnant for at least 3 months after this "extra" shot. It was given with a regular needle.

We all also received a TB skin test as well. The HM's got lots of training at RTC Orlando! The couple days that followed was rough, to say the very least. Sore arms and slight fevers. It was to be expected. Nevertheless, we still went about our days as if we never had the immunization. Just as well.

A few days after getting home on leave after boot camp, I started running a high fever. German Measles! That paperwork I signed came to mind. I was down for the remaining days of my personal leave. I remember starting to sweat when it was announced over the intercom that we could see a New Mexico city to the left side of our plane.

My fever broke, and I ate a sandwich for the first time in several days. I now had tiny marks on my face, neck, and torso. At least it didn't look as bad as it had. More like acne. I thought to myself, "it'll go away soon enough." And it did.



Sorry again for the stock photo. I gotta use what I can. I can also add, that is how it was.

#USN #rtc #botocamp #rtcorlando #navyworld #orlandontc #navy

The Gas Chamber

C077/K051 Feb 21-Apr 25, 1990

OK, another boot camp story. Today lets jump to the Gas Chamber. This particular story happened on April 10, 1990. 


So, it was a rather humid warm late morning when our company, C077, and our sister company, K051 made our way down the sidewalks to our date with the gas chamber. We always enjoyed getting to share a classroom with the ladies.


We are all sitting inside waiting for the instructors to come in and tell us what's going to happen. Sitting in the front row was our educational PO. He was a kid with bright red hair and this really slow southern drawl. He was a funny guy too. He'd tell some of the nastiest jokes you had ever heard.



So, one of the instructors walk in and see this guy sitting there.


He walks up to him, "Damn, son, that is some red hair." (The guy did too. Bright red!)


Our EPO replied in his southern drawl, "Yes, sir."


Chief, "Son, your momma have red hair?"


EPO, "Naw sir."


Chief, "Your daddy, then?"


EPO, "Naw sir, but the mailman did."


Both companies bust out laughing.


The chief stands there laughing too, shaking his head. He tries to talk a couple times but couldn't.



So finally he says, "Son, that's my joke, next time, let me finish it."



Then we all get yelled at for laughing. The chief goes on to tell us what we need to know. In all seriousness, the gas mask is very important to the Navy. Our time at the gas chamber is to get us familiar with the gas mask used and how it can help us. Also, it lets you know tear gas really does hurt like hell. 


We are instructed on how to don the gas mask and to make sure it is tight. I recall some people did not like to do it. Guess being slightly claustrophobic was a bad thing with a gas mask. My wife is, and she has to wear a respirator when she is mixing epoxy for the cups she makes. It drives her nuts when she does it.


We all get ready to go in. As we file in, I am in the front row right next to the hot plate where the drop the gas.


We go through the procedure, and it is the front rows turn to go. I am the last to sound off too mind you.


They drop the gas, and we all try to spread it by waving our hands. One massive deep breath before off goes the masks.




My eyes start to burn immediately. I hold my breath as long as I can, but that doesn't last long. Instantly after my first breath, my nose starts to run, and my eyes tear up like crazy. Guy next to me cannot remember his own freaking name! In goes another breath. Damn, that stuff burns.



WTF!?!?! He stumbles around what to say for like a full minute. Your name!!! It is Your NAME!!!

Then to me, boom, I rattle it off. Then we run outside to get some fresh air. A couple of guys puke.


I seriously never imagined I had that much snot in my nose. I did the farmer blow a few times with each nostril.



After everyone is done and we get our final words, both companies march off to lunch. At the Galley, they split us up to all go into the main center galley section.


Deck Captain, "Company C077 carry on lines 333,444. Post."
"Company K051 carry on lines 333,444. Post"



We all stunk like crazy, but none of us could smell. We heard a major reaction from people in the galley eating. Heck, I think I probably enjoyed lunch a good deal that day since we couldn't smell.



Yeah, that was a fun day. Our laundry POs probably hated us that next day.

The Skittles Club

K049 Feb to Apr 87

SR Miller

I want to thank Seaman Recruit Miller for allowing me to share this story. When I saw it, I laughed. She was replying to my story about the First Marching Inspection. So, here is her story….




I was our guidon bearer the entire time. Getting our flags to coordinate did take a lot of extra work!! One night we were out practicing extra late before our inspection. And I was getting yelled at because “My flags were a mess.”


Our CCs had just the flags practice turning over and over. One by one, we all started to cry. They halted us, and they came over to us and yelled, “put out your hand, recruit!! Palm up!


I was like, oh my gosh! Are they going to hit my hand? What is going to happen? So I am crying harder. My male CC stood in front of me and was like, “Have you had a hard day Miller?”


Through sobs, I mutter out, “Yesssss, sir!!”


He said “Well maybe this will help”


Into my hand, he dropped a skittle candy. He went down the line of our flags and gave us all a skittle candy. Lol. He told us we could eat them. We did our turns about 10 more times. Each time they stopped us, we would get another skittle candy. We got better and better. He called us the Skittle club after that.
We were his first female company. I remember our female CC laughing because when he screamed at us, we cried.


He was like??? What am I supposed to do with a bunch of flipping cry babies???


I guess she told him Skittles would help. Lol.


I loved Boot camp.


Graduation from boot camp was one of the proudest days of my life.

She also shared a second somewhat related story….

When we ran our laps around the grinder, I had to run in front of everyone because I was holding our company flag. The first day my cc yells up at me. “Miller!!!!! Are we walking? Are we skipping what the H are we doing here cause it sure ain’t running!!! It’s not even jogging!!! PICK UP THE PACE!!

I am 5 feet tall on a good day, so my jog was a lot of people’s walk. I was in great shape by the end of boot camp!!

My CC would ask me every day if we were going to be Turtles or bunnies out there during PT??


I would yell back, “Sir! Bunnies, Sir!”


I would like to thank SR Miller for allowing me to share these with everyone. She was at Orlando before I was, but I can almost hear the exchange with her CC. Her initial story reminded me there was a Female Company while I was in Orlando that had a pack of Skittles on their Company Flag. They were senior to me, so maybe March time frame. It makes me wonder now if there was some tie in somehow?