USS Nevada

I deployed on Thursday on the USS Nevada, SSBN-733. This is one of the Navy's Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. It has the capability to carry 24 trident ballistic missiles. If you want to know more of the unclassified info, you can check out a good site at:
http://americanhistory.si.edu/subs/weapons/index.html



I was fortunate to get to deploy, because it is not often that women can ride on subs. I mean, really, how many women can say that right now?! Not too many. I gotta brag a little. ;)

I left my apartment at 1:30 a.m. to get to base where we used a government van to drive around Tacoma to Bangor. It took us about 3 and 1/2 hours, and by 6:30 a.m., we were onboard. We were underwater in Washington's sound until 8 p.m., and I walked back in my door around 11 p.m. It was definitely a long day!

Most of the guys we actually talked to and especially the navigation crew were accomodating. The guys passing through the halls were a bit pushy, but maybe it's a factor in being in a cramped area. I think part of it is a territorial thing, too...Having guests onboard while you're trying to do work, and topping it off, having a woman o/b is offensive to some.

The best part of the trip was laughing my ass off with the guys I went with, especially Eric. He's a trip -- really funny guy. On the way back, we were all so exhausted that everything was making us laugh. I got the giggles. I really enjoyed myself, though. I love days where I get the giggles!

We were able to look through the periscope which I must say was great, and I would have loved to have sat there awhile but they had to get back to work. They also fake-fired the MK-48 torpedoes...Not real impressed there. Just a loud WHOOSH, and the knowledge that, had it been real...well...

The trip solidified my resolve to get out of the Navy. It has served its purpose for me, and I feel by the time I am done with my service that I will have fulfilled my duties. Seeing how the other half lives was a wakeup. No, women are not yet allowed to live aboard and/or deploy for extended periods of time on subs --yet-- in the USN, but life on the sub is akin to life in the surface fleet, which is where I'd be heading if I re-enlisted. The cramped quarters, dealing with messy/dirty shipmates, not seeing land for long periods of time, being bossed around by people hung up on their rank...All of that. Most of all, I can't in good conscience continue to serve past my obligation. I am strongly opposed to not only this administration and its war, but also the military's policies and operation in general. However, I am dedicated to finishing my enlistment honorably, and until that time I just have to grit my teeth and do the best I can because that's what I've committed myself to. I just hope the next President and his or her administration will do more justice to our troops and our people by bringing our troops home.

While I'm on the subject, let me bitch a little more. One of the guys I work with has shown me a video that was an eye-opener in regards to what our military has done in Fallujah. Yes, we used chemical weapons, despite the US government's rebuttals. See for yourself!! It's called 'white phosphorous,' and it's akin to napalm which was used in the Vietnam era. You can view it here:
http://rainews24.rai.it/ran24/inchiesta/en (click on video)

Off my soapbox...So, I wore my working blues with my dress shoes (stupid!), and by the end of the day, my feet were killing me! I am concerned about a couple of places on the soles of my feet that are causing me pain b/c I'm trying to train for the Whidbey Half-Marathon in April. Hopefully they will heal soon.