It’s official! We’re aboard the USS Cleveland, all checked in to our “racks” (beds) in our berthing units (rooms) and briefed and ready to go! Our first few days were adjusting and getting used to the Navy ship life. To get around the ship you have to go through quite a few narrow halls and be able to move through the different holes and ladders. Balancing and maneuvering through everything is a task in itself- then you have to actually figure out where you’re going. It’s not too difficult to figure your way around the ship since it’s a little smaller than some of the Navy hospital ships, but the trick is to remember which level or deck you need to be on. Everyone is really nice and will not only direct you where to go, but will also escort you there on the way. Every morning we muster (meet) on the flight deck at 0700 to delve out the days plans and answer any questions anyone may have. It’s VERY windy out there in the morning, but it’s nice to see the sunrise off the ship deck. So far there hasn’t been much to do since the crew pre-packed and prepped everything prior to docking in Australia so they’ve all told us to just familiarize ourselves with the ship and become accustomed to the Navy life. I’m in one of the top racks in my berthing area so I have to learn to climb a little more gracefully than normal in and out of bed since there aren’t ladders and I don’t want to squash the people below me! Everyone has been really nice about it though and even the seniors understand the difficulty of getting in and out of the 3rd rack. Showers are very quick and sometimes a little chilly- there was no hot water the other morning, but at least that makes it easier to take a fast shower! We get three hot meals a day and get to enjoy some down time to read, exercise in the gym, or socialize with the crews on board. There are people from the Navy, Marines, Army, Project HOPE, and other volunteers to socialize with and each person has their stories from home/ life on the ship. I felt a tad lost for the first day, but realized if I just got over being afraid to ask questions and start conversations, the people on the ship are more than happy to help out. We got a nice tour of the ship and got to see the LCH that will take us to shore on our MEDCAPS. It’s in the well deck (the part that is even with the ocean) of the ship where after people are aboard the compartment will fill with 9ft of water and the back will open up to let the boat out into the ocean. I’ve heard that after the first few times on the LCH the excitement wears off, but as for now I’m really looking forward to venturing out! My first MEDCAP is tentatively scheduled for June 22nd , but I may also have a chance to go on shore to run a 5K or volunteer medical services for a marathon on the 18th of June in Timor Leste (our next stop). We’ll find out soon if we’re allowed to run or not, but either way we’ll get to go ashore and help. When we go on shore we have to muster at 0430 and be on the LCH by 0600, which is going to be an EARLY day, but I’m down and ready for it! We’re supposed to get underway today at 1530 and head out to the open sea. We get to see the ship off from the upper deck, which is really exciting for us civilians that have never experienced it before! I’m so excited to get this journey started to help the people of Timor! I hope you enjoy my journey so far and the bit of pics I can get to upload J More medically pertinent stuff to come soon! YAY! G’Day Mates!
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