Week 07

11Jan10:    If you found someone who needed immediate medical attention would you know how to properly respond?  For most of the day Sierra was in the class room going over First Aid scenarios and learning the proper way to treat them.  If underway out at sea we can’t just call 911 in case of an emergency and have an ambulance show up.  We must know how to treat the wounds ourselves until proper medical attention arrives.  It was then time to put our newly learned knowledge to use by splitting into groups and pretending our shipmates had First Aid injuries and we attending to them. A big part of being trained in First Aid is CPR which Sierra learned by using dummies that can take in air and simulate a lung.  Sierra now has the skills to potentially save a person’s life.

12Jan10:    “Heads up on the pier,” as Sierra began throwing heaving lines at Seamanship today.  We learned how to set up a heaving line and throw it to the pier.  We geared up in Personal Flotation Devices and hard hats and started throwing lines to our shipmates on the pier.  After a long period of time throwing heaving lines in the bitter cold we went back into the classroom to take our Seamanship Final.  We did great as a class and we all passed our final earning our guidon a green pennant to display.  Later that evening we hit the pool for a swim circuit workout.  It was fun for all of Sierra Company especially because Chief Garry and even our Section Commander Chief Hampton joined in to test their skills against us.

13Jan10:    “Set mooring stations,” was heard as we learned how to moor a ship to a pier.  Petty Officer Martin had us go out to the model Coast Guard buoy tender.  We then used heaving lines to get the mooring lines to the pier.  It was good to learn this because most of us will be on cutters working on deck force and will need to know how to moor the cutter to the pier. After another long cold day at Seamanship we headed back toward the regiment and practiced marching for our upcoming Close Order Drill test.  Sooner than we knew it it was time for evening chow.  Chief Melancon said to us that we were about to witness one of the greatest moments ever.  We were kind of iffy about it and went to take our seats at chow.  A lot of Company Commanders were there and then we started hearing yelling.  The new forming company was experiencing their first time in the galley.  It took us back seven weeks ago when we were at that point.  Chief Garry told us we’ve come a long way from the time we were crazy echo ones and he is right.

14Jan10:    “Two claps Sierra.”  Early this morning we had our Close Order Drill test.  This measured how far we have come as a company.  It required discipline, attention to detail, precession, and teamwork.  We have been developing these skills ever since we arrived at Cape May and this test proved that we have mastered these skills.  In addition to guaranteeing our Off-Base Liberty we received two pennants for our guidon.  A white pennant for the physical fitness test and a blue one that is a little more special.  The blue pennant we earned is the Company Commander Pennant that not every company receives.  It is given when the company displays teamwork, confidence, and commitment.

15Jan10:    During the last seven weeks we have been in a class room setting learning the keys to success in the Coast Guard, studying  material that will make us transition right into the fleet.  This morning we had to recall that knowledge and take our Final Exam.  It looks like Sierra paid attention because we did very well on the test.  Once we received the good news about our test we went to Sexton Hall to help the new company coming into training.  After answering some questions to ease the anxieties they had we worked our way over to the Confidence Course to boost some Sierra morale.  The course had some challenging sections and the company put all they had into clearing obstacles of fear and uncertainty.

16Jan10:    Taxis lined up as Sierra recruits walked to the other side of the gates of TRACEN Cape May.  Sierra earned off-base liberty for today by passing the Close Order Drill Test and Final Exam.  Off-base liberty began at 0900 and we all made our way to the taxis in groups of four or five.  The taxis took us over to Rio Grande and dropped us off at one of the motels.  Most of us then made our way down Route 47 to Wal-Mart.  As you know Wal-Mart seems to have pretty much anything a person needs to survive, therefore Sierra Recruits made their way directly to the electronics department where the Wal-Mart staff was waiting.  Most of us bought pre-paid cell phones with unlimited minutes to call our families and friends back home.  At this point we started to branch off away from each other.  The day was spent in restaurants such as the Hibachi and Rio Station to watch the football game, lounging around hotel rooms catching up on lost sleep, seeing new movies in the theaters, and spending the day with new friends.  Everyone in Sierra was ready for this day of relaxation off-base and it was a great way to give use one more break before we go into our final week of training here at TRACEN Cape May.

Sierra would like to thank everyone reading these blogs and for supporting us while here at TRACEN Cape May. We are ready to go to our next stations and be reunited with our families. The people you have entrusted to train us have transformed us into Guardians and we are now ready to serve our country as part of the United States Coast Guard.

Fair wind and following seas Sierra Company.

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.

Week 05

28Dec09:    “Let me see your war face Sierra,” Chief Garry rang out as we circled around the ring ready to Pugil Stick fight.  We paired off with shipmates that were around our same size.  We geared up with helmets, bullet proof vests, lower body protection and the Pugil Sticks.  The sticks look like giant Q-Tips.  Needless to say Sierra has been anticipating these fights to let off some steam.  There was a lot of energy around the ring as we were cheering each other on.  It was a great morale booster for Sierra and it gave us a closer bond.

29Dec09:    Today Sierra took a trip over to Dempsey Hall for uniform distribution.  These uniforms bring us one step closer to graduation as we were fitted into our Bravos, or dress uniforms.  Everyone was excited and we all looked sharp.  We look forward to wearing these uniforms on graduation day in front of our families.  After wrapping up with our uniforms; it was time for Seamanship class where we learned about different distress signals.  Most common signals are smoke and flare signals which we even got to test with Petty Officer Martin.  We really enjoyed this despite the cold weather and wind ripping off the bay.  We’ll have to wait and see if Sierra can adapt to this “Coast Guard weather” and prove ourselves to be the guardians we are training to be.

30Dec09:    This morning Sierra learned about basic boat crew duties at a small boat station.  When we get out into the fleet, if stationed at a small boat station, we will be working towards getting crewman qualified on the boats at the station.  After learning our duties as boat crewman we learned about housing in the Coast Guard and where we will have to live depending on where we get stationed.  Later in the day we marched down to Goff Hall to take our Seamanship midterm and have a class on Personal Flotation Devices.  While en route to Goff Hall Chief Garry taught us marching cadences, in which we all thoroughly enjoyed. 

31Dec09:    With our sleeves rolled up Sierra formed it up into lines to receive more vaccination shots.  We got hooked up with Yellow Fever and Small Pox vaccinations.  These will protect us in case of any foreign attack.  But the big news today was that Sierra Company received our first duty station orders for the Coast Guard.  Most of us were surprised when we found out that one third of our company will be stationed overseas in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.  We range from being stationed on Cutters, small boat stations, and even Sectors.  Some of us seemed a little down about our orders but Chief Garry told us that more than likely those of us who are the most disappointed will end up having the best time.  After receiving orders we were allowed to make a five minute phone call home to our loved ones to let them know where we will be going after basic training.

01Jan10:    Happy New Year Sierra! We kicked off the New Year with some important drills used in the Coast Guard.  Many of us were stationed on cutters so we ran drills that would help us in case of an attack.  We simulated a torpedo striking the side of our cutter and there was extreme damage from fire and flooding.  Each person had a job to do and was responsible to complete it.  Everyone came to the drill with a ton of enthusiasm and we pulled together as a team even through all the mass confusion and miscommunications. During our de-brief with the Company Commanders they said they could see a change in our company and now we just need to carry out that momentum until the end of training.

02Jan10:    “Fire, fire, fire.” Sierra hasn’t heard this in a while so it was probably a good thing to have a change of pace in the morning.  We marched over to the Administration building to witness morning colors first hand.  We then met with our Company Mentor Lieutenant Foley.  Now that we have our orders he was able to answer more questions that we had.  From what is life like on a cutter to how are we going to move our families?  He even brought us College Football Bowl Game results which the Company was pretty happy about.  Lieutenant Foley was helpful with answering our questions and the next time we see him will be the night before graduation so this gives Sierra something to look forward to and hopefully help make the time go by faster. 

03Jan10:    First thing this morning we had our first uniform inspection by Senior Chief Wong.  Sierra pulled it together and passed the inspection.  Chief Garry told us he was very proud and gave us two claps for our good work.  We then commenced to divine hours to work on more uniform maintenance, getting racks squared away, and writing letters.  After divine hours we were told to put on our full Gore-Tex and form up outside in front of James Hall.  We then marched over to Sexton Hall where we weren’t quite sure of what was happening.  All of our company commanders were there as we formed up in the Sexton Hall classroom.  Chief Garry told us we have come a long way as a company and are really putting forth the effort to do well and coming together as a team.  Chief Garry then said, “Sierra you’ve earned these,” as he held up our company colors, or our company flag.  He then placed it on our guidon.  It was a proud moment for Sierra as we earned our colors in the place where it all began.  We now just have to keep working together and focusing on our training.  Don’t let it get to your head Sierra; we still have three more weeks of training.

SIERRA-182

Recruits from all over the United States volunteering to join the Nation’s premiere maritime service stepped off the bus 01Dec09 in front of Sexton Hall, at United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May.  No one really understood what we were getting ourselves into.  After a long night of being issued gear, we were all nervous yet excited for what the next few weeks will bring.  Before meeting the people entrusted to guide and train us to become guardians, we were briefed by Captain Thomas.  She gave us some insight on how to succeed in the next weeks of training.  She had us think of who we were doing this for.  This is the person who immediately comes to mind, who we will make proud.  This is you, our families and loved ones.  You are the ones who will keep us going when the times get really hard and we feel like we can’t go on anymore.  We then met our company commanders, all Chief Petty Officers.  These four men will be our guides and trainers to help us successfully complete the next 06 weeks. 

Day 01    Today we started our day off with great inspiration.  On this day we celebrate the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  We first take time to honor all of those involved on that day in 1941.  Chief Garry asked us if we knew what branch of service was first to fire back on the Japanese. Many of us thought the Navy was first but we soon learned it was the United States Coast Guard who is always ready. We all sat up at a little straighter and had a heightened sense of pride. With this pride we found out it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, as we soon found ourselves hitting the deck in front of James Hall for some Incentive Training.

Day 02   “Fire, fire, fire,” was our wakeup call this morning.  We had to run downstairs and line up in front of James Hall in the chilly Cape May air.  Unfortunately Sierra did not meet our time objective to get outside and we experienced our first early morning incentive training session.  Today was a long day in classes and to some it felt like being back in high school.  Between saluting classes, rules and regulations, and marching the day was long for Sierra.  Though we all worked as a team that night during squad bay clean-ups and shower time and we were rewarded with personal time.

Day03    Sierra Company woke up to Coast Guard weather today, a dark and stormy morning.  We went to the gym for early morning workouts and everyone did well.  We got our pieces today which were M1 Garands that were actually used in WWII.  Everyone was excited to hold a piece of history until we found that we can inventively train with these pieces.  By the end of the night everyone was looking forward to Yum-Yums.  Chief Garry gives us granola bars every night to help us fight the swine-flu and he calls them our yum-yums.

Day 04   Being tired has fell upon Sierra Company as we have been short on meeting our time objectives.  To be successful we need to start working together as a team, which is essential to be successful in the Coast Guard. 

Day 05   Today we became very familiar with our gear as we changed in and out of it many times.  We then learned the proper way to shine our boondockers as Chief Eppright gave us his knowledge.  Tonight our nights become longer as we begin watch standing at James Hall.

Day 06   Today we met a very important person in the Sierra family.  This person is Lieutenant Foley, who is our company mentor.  He comes from the Deployable Operations Group and is here to answer questions we may have about the Coast Guard that we may not be comfortable asking our Company Commanders about.  Before Lt. Foley left us he gave us 04 tasks to always uphold.  They are to always take care of your shipmates, always look over your family, put forth your best effort, and always have fun.  We will see what the next weeks bring about for Sierra Company.