Officers log Lt. Grier 17 Feb 2012

The crew and I, well, we knew it was a tough assignment.  We were used to tough.  We have scaled mountains together, climbed tress and hung from ropes.  We are a tough lot.  This was a new one, though, and no good sailor ever over estimates their past.  This time, well, this time we were to take the proud helm of the one of the classiest gals that ever carried a torpedo; the war-proud USS Pampinito.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Pampanito_%28SS-383%29

We had a lot to live up to.  The graceful lady, in her day, carried the bravest and the best sailors ever to float in water.  We were ready, though.  Tired, after the long week of qualifications, the tests in maths, sciences, and history were grueling, but we were determined to persevere.  Many were uncertain why the study of the great words of the Bard were necessary to man the ship, but the officers were united and each sailor passed muster with the Queen's poet.  

There they were, the men of old; they smiled as we arrived.  So many of them, looking haggard, yet proud, their beards thick, their hats on askew, and, presumably, smelling of stale humanity.  They had just docked, and were leaving the boat to us.  Affectionately called a, "pigboat" because there was only one, unused shower; at the end of the cruise, well, let's just say at least everyone smelled the same.  

Clams at work

Our crew, under the capable and experienced leadership of Commander Pham, faced the long, fifteen hour ordeal in all the time honored ways sailors have since sailors have sailed the seas: some were calm, many were thoughtful, some filled every nook and cranny of silence with the verve and bravery of life, scoffing at the danger ahead.  

Slightly surprised to find that there was yet more training, after all the testing and training of the week before, the sailors staunchly formed their teams, chosen by Commander Pham, and organized into smaller units.  The other two officers led their units away for further training, and I proudly left with the select sailors, code name: Team Clam, chosen for my command.  

The illusive, dancing 5

Though everything on a submarine has be be done under the framework of teamwork, a little healthy competition never hurt anyone.  I was pleased with my unit -- they were well-chosen, a well-rounded group of seasoned crew, both brave and intelligent.  


Spirits were high and the energy level was bursting. Team Clam gave the instructors a merry chase, challenging their knowledge, and, at times, their patience.  Each clam taking a turn to shine during different exercises, the team work that keeps a sailor alive on a sub was a constant thread throughout.  




After a sundown orientation of the boat, mess was called at 20:00.  The crew dined on pizza and cookies while celebrating passing our last qualification round.  Finally, we were ready for the mission.  

A clam demonstrating station rotation stance

Each crew member was assigned a bunk, wisely chosen by Commander Pham, and barely a complaint was heard.  And then, we settled into our duties.  


Our XO, of course, watched over the whole crew while Cpt. McGillivray enticed those around her to play Bananagrams.  Lt. Ottoboni challenged a few of the crew to an arm-wrestling contest, demonstrating just a small reason why he deserves to lead.  


After ensuring that all were settled into their duties, I took my station in the crew's cabin, where a couple of the crew were stationed, and where I read Lord of the Flies, to prepare for my next assignment. 

Night watch passed successfully, with few sleeping casualties.  Some, exhausted from the physical exertion necessary to navigate a submarine, were unable to wake for their watch.  Still, fueled by hot chocolate, the crew stood watch in silence, some resorting to hand gestures and stifled giggles to communicate the necessary intelligence needed for, "Go Fish."   The last watch, The Clams, had the added benefit of seeing the sun rise over the water. 


At last, 07:00 arrived, and from the submarine emerged a cheerful crew.  Colors were displayed, mess was consumed and finally, one last time, units were assembled.  While waiting, several sailors broke the monotony by reciting Shakespeare.

  Though proud of the entire tired crew, I could not help a silent, "I knew it" when I learned that Team Clam earned the best scores in the friendly competition.  Congratulations, Team Clam, as well as all of those valiant sailors aboard the USS Pampanito,