04Jan10:    Who would have thought that going to Coast Guard Basic Training we would be learning how to be firemen on our cutters and stations. Today we had our first class on how to prevent and react to situations involving fires. We learned about the different types of fires, how to extinguish them, and we also learned about some of the gear used to fight fires.  Later in the evening we had an incentive training session with Senior Chief Martynowski. After hitting the deck she reminded us that not having enough time or being rushed or not knowing something is no excuse that can be used in the fleet, especially when the lives of the public or our shipmates are in danger.

05Jan10:    “Fire, fire, fire,” but today it wasn’t our wakeup call. Today we actually fought the fire. At Goff Hall we had a fire simulation and used fire extinguishers to put out the fire. We also put on the fire fighting gear that we will be wearing when we simulate fighting big fires needing a fire team to put it out. We need to learn how to do this because if stationed on cutters we can’t just call the Fire Department while out at sea. After fire fighting class we cooled down at the pool for a swim circuit workout. Everyone did a great job and we wished we could have stayed in the pool longer.

06Jan10:    As the alarm went off Sierra Company had minutes to put on fire gear and get into groups to put out a fire. We geared up in fire proof clothing, boots, mask, helmet and a self-contained breathing apparatus. We entered a smoke filled room and crouched down low staying close to the person in front of us. We grabbed the hose and moved towards the fire which was simulated by big T.V. like screens. We didn’t feel the whole effects of a real fire but at least now we would know what to do in the case of a real fire. Later in the evening we were called out to the parade field and weren’t quite sure what we were in for. As we arrived Romeo and Tango companies were already formed up waiting for us. It was a challenge to see who was the loudest company on the regiment at this time in training. It got real loud as we responded to some inspirational words and it became apparent that Sierra Company was the loudest company there.

07Jan10:    Well Sierra if you didn’t feel like an official military member you should now. Today we went to the Administration building and received our military identification cards. These I.D. cards give us access to areas that only military personnel can enter. It also proves that we are members of the United States Coast Guard. We then made our way to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Hall where we had career counseling. This class basically told us what career moves we can make in the Coast Guard, mostly pertaining to us either striking a rate or going to Class “A” School. Speaking of school, we also made a choice on furthering our education. We opted to either accept or decline taking the Montgomery GI Bill. Tonight right before Taps Chief Garry presented us with a yellow pennant for our guidon. It is our first pennant and it designates that we passed our Seamanship midterm with a 94% overall as a company. Congratulations Sierra, let’s stay focused and bring home more pennants to the guidon.

08Jan10:    Today we helped out our fellow shipmates, as Romeo Company had their graduation. We helped set up for graduation in the gymnasium and also took over watches such as directing people on where to go. There were a lot of enlisted members and officers attending the graduation, so anyone on watch had a good chance to keep up with their rates and ranks and greeting these uniformed members. After graduation we tore down the gym set-up and made sure everything was back in its proper place. It was then time for our Manual of Arms test. We stayed in rhythm and our movements were loud and sharp. Sierra did a great job and we passed the test. After realizing our reward of on-base liberty, we were ordered to make our uniforms perfect for the next day.

09Jan10:    The horn sounded at the medium endurance cutter “Dependable” untied its mooring lines and Sierra Company was there to watch. Even for those who aren’t preparing to go to cutters, we all felt the chills as the “Dependable” left the dock at Cape May. While down at the docks we split into two groups, one for land units and one for cutters. The land unit group was shown the 25 foot Response Boat and the 47 foot Motor Lifeboat which will be the primary boats we use at small boat stations. The cutter group was taken aboard the 87 foot Patrol Boat “Mako” and was shown what they will be doing when they arrive at their units. After our tour of the cutters and station at Cape May we turned to our on-base liberty. The first thing everyone did was go to the Exchange to get the necessary items we need to finish boot camp. After a quick trip at the exchange we all broke away to either James, Healy, or Munro Hall to utilize pay phones to call our loved ones at home. It was good for everyone to talk to our families and get a peace of mind back. While some used pay phones others went to the Harborview club to grab a bite to eat, play some arcade games, listen to music, and shoot some pool. It was a great way to blow off some steam. After the Harborview closed, half the company made our way to the Ida Lewis Auditorium to end our night with a movie. It was a relaxing night overall but now it’s time to lock it on for week seven.