Fresh Meat

After watching the dingy drive away without me Friday morning, I had to report on Saturday, when the Lassen would dock in the pier. I watched my ship slowly pull in, deck crew in parade rest. After getting within a couple of feet, the mooring lines where placed, and bridge to the quarterdeck was installed by a crane. I was watching this happened with all of the Navy wives and toddlers, with gift baskets and high heels. The young wives get particularly dolled up, while the older ones with multiple children wear t-shirts.

Here is a picture of me and the LASSEN pulling in...


After a LTJG named Johny met me, we lugged my three heavy bags onto the ship. Every officer seemed to be expecting me, everyone extremely friendly. I am the newest officer, thus the fresh meat of the wardroom. After admin processing, urinalysis, and a chat with the captain, I moved my stuff down to overflow berthing, where I would be staying until I got a stateroom.



Cramped, yes, extremely. At least it is not on a submarine. Because it was a weekend, the ship cleared out, and we were left to go to liberty until Monday. On the way out, a briefly got lost trying to escape the ship. The rooms are in a labyrinth of steep stairs and heavy doors. It will take quite some time for me to navigate the small amount of the ship I have been in so far. I can imagine while underway not seeing the sun for a couple of days. In true ensign form, I will most likely have to be escorted around for a couple of days.

Anyway here is an interesting shot of the base. Large cliffy hills with lush vegetation. This picture is of the swimming pool at the rec center.



I'm still working on my scenery picture skills.
That is all for now. I am about to drive into the Yokosuka city for the first time to explore. More pictures to come.