Romeo is now in its last few weeks of training and things are getting done fast. Now that we all know where our first units are going to be, we are doing everything we can to show up prepared and organized. The week started with two firefighting classes that taught us about firefighting techniques and equipment. Romeo was given a time limit to suit up in full firefighting gear which included air tanks, masks, gloves, and special boots. After we quickly put our gear on, we rushed into the firefighting room where all the characteristics of a real fire were in full effect. We approached in small groups, low to the ground, and began to spray the fire down with the different hose techniques that were taught to us. Afterwards, we all had some adrenaline running through us and took the time to realize how prepared we have to be for these kinds of emergencies out at sea. Romeo also had their travel arrangements completed this week. The destinations and the travel time required are different for many of us. A few of us are going right back to our hometowns, while others are going overseas. The whole process has been quick and on point, saving Romeo any extra hassles. Christmas was the most anticipated day of the week. Although we missed our families and friends, the local families of Cape May took us all in with open arms. The whole event was called Operation Fireside. We waited patiently in the chapel as excited families picked us up and took us to their homes. Romeo ate dinner, made phone calls, and spent a few hours sharing stories with our hosts. The company came back with different stories of amazing food and kind people. We were all very grateful that these families decided to spend their holidays cheering us up and making us feel at home. The week ended with on-base liberty for Romeo. We made use of the time off to make more phone calls, purchase some needed supplies, go online to check our units, and spend time with our fellow shipmates. Romeo-182 is entering the seventh week and graduation is near. We must continue to always maintain self-discipline and uphold the values that will make us Guardians.

Week 05

This past week was very busy and extremely exciting for Romeo-182. The week started off with the company facing off in pugil stick matches. We suited up in protective gear and proceeded to hit our opponents with certain moves to gain points. Everyone was swinging and blasting their opponents with everything they had in them. It was really fun for all of us because it gave us a chance to release some aggression and cheer our fellow shipmates on. We are all looking forward to doing it again in week six. Our physical training also continues with weight-lifting and cycling workouts. Many of us have seen a positive physical change in our bodies and are using that as motivation to continue trying harder.

Our seamanship mid-term was this week and it tested us on a wide array of knowledge which included vessel terminology, knots, aircrafts, and the different duties that keep the fleet going. Most of Romeo-182 did extremely well on it.

The most exciting part of this week was receiving our colors and our orders to our first units. Receiving our colors signifies that we have a achieved a level of teamwork and discipline worthy of having that company flag with us at all times. Romeo knows that to keep our colors we need to continue with the teamwork and improve in all areas. After we received our colors we were all feeling really good about accomplishing that goal and then we received another surprise. We were told that our orders to our first units had come in. One by one, we anxiously waited to find out where we were going to be in three weeks. The diverse unit locations were all over the country and overseas. We received orders to all types of units which included cutters, small boat stations, buoy tenders, air stations, and loran stations. Some of us on cutters will also even get to see different parts of the world like Asia and the South Pacific. Those that are not excited about the orders they may have received are encouraged to go there with open minds and make the best of it. Many times they will turn out to be the units that they will enjoy the most.

The snow is also coming down pretty good here in Cape May, NJ. Many recruits experienced their first snowfall with blasting winds and icy conditions. As Christmas day approaches us, our friends and families will be with all of us in our thoughts. Romeo-182 will continue to prepare for the beginning of a new future and we will put our hearts into our training to be ready for our first units.