OSC Joel Wifler

Day 64: The seas are getting rougher and the temperature seems to have dropped slightly on another typical Sunday afternoon. Cut a few spades, drank coffee all day, and tuned into a few classics on the movie channel at night.

Day 65: Since the end of the month is approaching, I have my normal workload to attend to. Which made this morning go by pretty quick. As with yesterday, the seas have continued their assault on the hull, forcing me to judge my steps with the rocking of the ship and cleaning my glasses with freshwater every time I re-enter the confines of my home at sea. A new-found collateral has been tossed in my direction, but it’s not anything I haven’t done at past units. However, the FOUR HOUR required online training that comes with it will cause me considerable bandwidth frustration whilst rolling around out here. I have finally been able to view some photo’s from another missed family reunion, thanks Kristin, for posting them to your blog. For whatever reason, snapfish is not cooperating.

Day 66: I’ve officially picked up a cold. Runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing every so often. I’d attribute this to allergies, but the last I checked the pollen count out here in the middle of the ocean was all but non-existent. I’ll blame the cool breeze that’s been blowing steadily the past few days.

Day 67: Awoke to rapidly ringing bells this morning at 0330. Back in the rack by about 0400 only to be re-awakened by rapidly ringing bells at about 0440 and then back to the rack shortly after. Ah, the joys of the unknown wake up calls while underway. A second Cutterman board was held for one of my OS’s and not only did she enthusiastically sail through it with flying colors, she set the bar pretty high for all those that we’ll see in the future.

Day 68: Today is “hump day”. It’s officially the halfway mark on this deployment and we’ve steamed 13,198 nautical miles so far. Our tour at APS has concluded and we’re preparing for the next mission area.

Day 69: Was awoken by my OS1 at 0228 this morning due to problems with one of our little black boxes, it was acting crazy again. Upon further investigation, the power source fuse box failed and now we’re down to one pack and a bunch of 9volt batteries. Welcome to Gibraltar, U.K. I’ve the opportunity to actually walk up/down the “Rock of Gibraltar” instead of cruising by it this time. I’ve duty today, but will be off the next couple days to enjoy the “Rock” and potentially other historical sites. I’m also looking forward to hoisting a traditional English pint or two.

Day 70: Walked all over the downtown city center of Gibraltar with Barry today. Sampled many English pints and returned to the ship by 4pm. Took a nap and went back out for a mellow evening.

Photos

Patrick Byan is advanced to ET2 July 31.

Ryan Mason is advanced to GM2 July 31.

Leslie Swart is advanced to GM2 July 31.

SNOS Michelle Soskin earned her temporary cutterman's pin July 31.

First Class Cadet Joshua Smolowitz, SN Anthony D'Onofrio and SN Patrick Dunn watch a beautiful sunrise while transiting through the Straits of Gibraltar.

L to R - BM3 Matt Dermody, YN2 Robert Jones, BM3 Peter Strimple and GM2 Ryan Mason smile while they man the 25 mm machine gun while transiting through the Straits of Gibraltar.

PA1 Tasha Tully gets writer's cramp after penning about 400 Emerald Shellback and Order of the Rock certificates!

DC3 Jesse Cubbedge and DC2 Brett Malone stand in a smoke-filled doorway after running a damage-control drill.