March 1, 2009 Week 06 Alfa-181
Hello to all the families out there from Alfa 181! We're now in week 07 and still learning so much everyday. Our greatest achievement this week was earning our colors. We now proudly carry the flag of Alfa 181, accompanied by our pennants. Our colors were given to us after a drill search and rescue mission on the beach.
Another milestone for Alfa was scoring 09 out of 10 on our manual of arms test, given by our section commander, BMC Hampton. Chief Hampton also taught our legacy class this week, pertaining to what mark we'd like to make on the coast guard.
This week was our fire fighter training and practical. Our first class we learned all the terms and definitions of all the gear, but our second class we each put out a live (contained) fire, and put on all the required gear. On test day (practical) we had 10 minutes to put on all gear, including our oxygen tanks on and properly hooked up. All the above was done in a dark room, we then proceeded to another dark room to extinguish a fire using teamwork to control the hose. We had our SDB's (dress uniforms) tailored this week, so they fit correctly for graduation. On the subject of graduation, we set up Yankees graduation on Friday morning. Starting early in the morning, we stood greeting watches, cleaned, set up chairs, put down the carpets or went to dental appointments. Very few of my shipmates have yet to have out their wisdom teeth; at least 15 of my shipmates got their wisdom teeth out in this past week.
Saturday, we were taken on the operational tours, where we were permitted aboard the 210' cutter dependable. Those of my shipmates who got orders to a small boat station, got to tour the small boat station in Cape May, and went aboard the 47' motor lifeboat and the 25' response boat.
As an honorable mention, the drill team preformed a 21-gun salute at the funeral of a retired Senior Chief on Thursday. They were quite nervous, but preformed exceptionally well and were proud to show their respect for the legacy of guardians who have come before us.
On a separate note, we found out Saturday evening, that 64 members of our families and friends gave blood to the red cross when we did the week before last, and we wish to thank you so much for honoring the cause and giving what you could.
After our operational tours on Saturday, we were granted our on base liberty. Many of you received phone calls from us I'm sure, as the phone lines were packed the entire time liberty was granted. We went to the exchange and spent $45 each on junk food. We then proceeded to the harbor view, the on base bar/ restaurant, where we played pool, listened to music, used the phones, ate a waited meal and played in the arcade. It was a very relaxing atmosphere, and we enjoyed it very much.
Sunday, we had divine hours and went for a walk all over the base, looking at all the historical things, such as the old air strip, and the mast of the USCGC Spencer. It was a long day that ended with quite a bit of snow on the ground. Most of the week, we've been making travel arrangements, planning our moves and contacting our new units. This week flew by and next week should as well, due to its busy schedule. From our finals, CPR/First Aid class, piece turn in (about time!), Confidence Course to off base liberty, it's going to be crazy busy every day.
We were told, we were stronger, smarter and more capable than we thought we were, we believe you now. Thank you to all our families for the amazing support you've been giving us and the mail and encouraging words.
We thank you for helping us become what we are today, Alfa 181.
Hello to all the families out there from Alfa 181! We're now in week 07 and still learning so much everyday. Our greatest achievement this week was earning our colors. We now proudly carry the flag of Alfa 181, accompanied by our pennants. Our colors were given to us after a drill search and rescue mission on the beach.
Another milestone for Alfa was scoring 09 out of 10 on our manual of arms test, given by our section commander, BMC Hampton. Chief Hampton also taught our legacy class this week, pertaining to what mark we'd like to make on the coast guard.
This week was our fire fighter training and practical. Our first class we learned all the terms and definitions of all the gear, but our second class we each put out a live (contained) fire, and put on all the required gear. On test day (practical) we had 10 minutes to put on all gear, including our oxygen tanks on and properly hooked up. All the above was done in a dark room, we then proceeded to another dark room to extinguish a fire using teamwork to control the hose. We had our SDB's (dress uniforms) tailored this week, so they fit correctly for graduation. On the subject of graduation, we set up Yankees graduation on Friday morning. Starting early in the morning, we stood greeting watches, cleaned, set up chairs, put down the carpets or went to dental appointments. Very few of my shipmates have yet to have out their wisdom teeth; at least 15 of my shipmates got their wisdom teeth out in this past week.
Saturday, we were taken on the operational tours, where we were permitted aboard the 210' cutter dependable. Those of my shipmates who got orders to a small boat station, got to tour the small boat station in Cape May, and went aboard the 47' motor lifeboat and the 25' response boat.
As an honorable mention, the drill team preformed a 21-gun salute at the funeral of a retired Senior Chief on Thursday. They were quite nervous, but preformed exceptionally well and were proud to show their respect for the legacy of guardians who have come before us.
On a separate note, we found out Saturday evening, that 64 members of our families and friends gave blood to the red cross when we did the week before last, and we wish to thank you so much for honoring the cause and giving what you could.
After our operational tours on Saturday, we were granted our on base liberty. Many of you received phone calls from us I'm sure, as the phone lines were packed the entire time liberty was granted. We went to the exchange and spent $45 each on junk food. We then proceeded to the harbor view, the on base bar/ restaurant, where we played pool, listened to music, used the phones, ate a waited meal and played in the arcade. It was a very relaxing atmosphere, and we enjoyed it very much.
Sunday, we had divine hours and went for a walk all over the base, looking at all the historical things, such as the old air strip, and the mast of the USCGC Spencer. It was a long day that ended with quite a bit of snow on the ground. Most of the week, we've been making travel arrangements, planning our moves and contacting our new units. This week flew by and next week should as well, due to its busy schedule. From our finals, CPR/First Aid class, piece turn in (about time!), Confidence Course to off base liberty, it's going to be crazy busy every day.
We were told, we were stronger, smarter and more capable than we thought we were, we believe you now. Thank you to all our families for the amazing support you've been giving us and the mail and encouraging words.
We thank you for helping us become what we are today, Alfa 181.
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