Officer of the Watch simulation

This week we were in the simulation room working on giving orders and following procedures. I learned many new things about leading the operation of a submarine's nuclear power plant, especially that it's hard! I've never had to put so much focus into anything in my life. So how's that for a statement.

The week that is starting the 29th is the "easy" week of our 5 week cycle. My four day weekend begins on Thursday evening. But before then, we are going to have an inspection, a phyiscal fitness test, an imporant test on Wednesday, all on top of the usual watches, training exercises, and of course the checkouts. Needless to say, I'm ready for Thursday evening.

Standing watch

I haven't written much about work yet. Mostly because it hasn't been full of too much excitement. Quite honestly, after 12 hours of putting my nose in a litany of large manuals, the last thing I want to think or write about it is work. However, the feel of my work day is transitioning toward the active, hands-on, roles that I told everyone I would be getting into here in Saratoga Springs.

A few days ago, we completed enough checkouts that underscore an understanding of plant systems, radiation, and all around procedures that we can now start to observe actual watches in the power plant. If I haven't told you this, my work site has a running nuclear power plant and engine room just like in an actual submarine. The difference is, this one is on land. Inside, it's just like being on a sub.

I'm scheduled into the watch bill in different places in the engine room and as of today, I've observed 3 watches. Each one of them has been full of all kinds of great student training situations. We have casualty drills where we apply knowledge for handling potential problems out in the fleet. The nervousness is definitely rampant among students. The whole idea is to get us to feel some simulated stress, understand the reasons for plant responses and how to not break equipment.

In the coming weeks, my watches will be more frequent and it's going to be me performing the actions, not just observing. It will be as busy as ever as we still have tests, oral boards, and the all important Engineer Officer of the Watch shifts, the leadership role in the engine room for which all this training is about. More updates to come.

Here I am with the most full mustache I've ever had. Pathetic, but I do save on shaving gear. And yeah, it's gone now.

Reconnections Necessary

Too many days have passed since the last update. I sincerely apologize! Here is an update for the past few weeks including some visitor pictures.

Johnny flew into town toward the end of August for a weekend visit which entailed the spontaneous drive to New York City and also to Adirondack Park! The two extremes of life on Earth, the center of the world, and the middle of nowhere.

The trip to New York City was spontaneous, proven by the fact that the only camera we had was a $6 disposable camera whose flash didn't work - hence, no pictures. The few that came out were not bright enough for scanning. But here is a great photo of John getting his feet wet in a random stream in the beautiful wilderness. This is before "the fall" he had in that very stream! No worries, he's fine. John you'll have to put up your quote from the ride back to town when you said something to the effect of..."Jon, I have blood on my shirt and I wouldn't change a thing."

Then for my 27th birthday, Jess came up to Saratoga Springs for an action packed visit. We made it out to the Adirondack Park Extreme adventure "ropes course" where our grit and determination were tested. Some would say that some parts of the course were more fun than others =) right Jess? But there is no argument regarding the 100m zip line. We also made it out to the famous horse racing track here on Labor Day where we won $12.25 on $10 of bets. We came out ahead and quit betting!

Otherwise, the less exciting part of life at this time is work. We just changed from working normal 715am to 715pm hours to shift work. Right now I'm on the midnight shift for 9 days, so my schedule is backwards. It's a good thing I practiced for all those years! (some of you know I'm talking to you)

For now I have to run and move my car before it gets a parking ticket in front of my own house. I love this town! Best wishes!