Deployment, Day 50 - One fourth

Well, we’re back out on the big blue again. We pulled out of Singapore on April 1. Coincidentally, that day also marked the 45-day point in deployment: exactly ¼ of the way complete. I am glad that so much of the deployment has gone by so quickly, but I have to keep my mind in the game and realize that most of he deployment still lies ahead.

My last two days in Singapore were very relaxed. Instead of staying out all night like I would do during liberty ports on my last two deployments, I just walked around the city during the day, did a little shopping, got some good food, and went to bed at a decent hour. I must be getting old. The bad news is that half the ship picked up some kind of bug in Singapore, including me. There are a lot of people on board with some kind of flu. The only thing that is more miserable than being on the ship is being sick on the ship. I hope it’s not SARS or the bird flu.

The last five days on board have been pretty busy for me as the ship’s safety officer. There have been a lot of minor accidents on board, mostly dealing with the embarked Marine helicopter squadron and the Navy air department that supports their flight operations. Fortunately no one has been hurt…yet. I talked to a representative for the Marine squadron yesterday and discussed the possibility of doing another safety standdown or some kind of joint Navy-Marine training to address some of the issues.

One of the most dangerous places in the world to work is the flight deck of a Navy carrier. I hope people will listen and agree to do the standdown, because I am afraid with how hectic the ship’s schedule has been, someone will get hurt (or worse) if we don’t stop for a minute and think about reversing some of our unsafe practices and habits.

On a lighter note, tomorrow I get switched back to one of the night watch sections. I will be on watch from 8pm until midnight each night. I know I complained before about being on the night watch section. I thought I would have a normal workday by being on the day watch, but this turned out to be untrue. With five hours of my workday spent on the bridge, there is little time to get any other real work done, much less get any studying done for my qualifications. I think this watch will work out great to allow me to get a lot more done during the day.

Meanwhile, back home, Lady Anne starts her first clinical today. First day in the hospital; big day for her! If you get a chance, shoot her an e-mail or giver her a call and wish her luck.