Before I ship out, what do you want to know about the Navy?

[Patroklos]

I recieved orders six months ago to transfer from my shore command in Charleston, SC to a DDG out of Norfolk, VA next month. I detached in May and am in school through the 4th of July weekend after which I will fly out and meet my ship which will already be depoloyed.

That being said, I doubt I will have much time to browse the internet both because I will be in the middle of the ocean and because this will be my most difficult assignment yet. Some of you may remember when I deployed last in 2007, connectivity is a lot better than back then but still not enough to reliably waste bandwidth on recreational browsing.

While I am still here, I figured I would give you a chance to ask any questions about the Navy (USN centric, but a lot of knowledge is general). Threads surrounding the Israeli blockade proved many people are just shooting from the hip when discussing anything nautical. So here is your chance, ask away before I ship out!

 

[RedRalph]

Which country would you least like to fight in a naval clash (if you were at war)?

 

[Lillefix]

What do you think is the coolest ship in the fleet?

 

[muhtesem insan]

Iron should be heavier than water how can huge piles of iron can swim.

 

[JollyRoger]

In international waters, what happens to someone who tries to board your ship without authorization?

 

[scherbchen]

stay safe and good luck

are cramped quarters and lack of privacy going to bother you or do you just live with it?

 

[PeteAtoms]

My brother is a Lt in the Navy. I wish you the best of luck.

He fills me in on a lot of stuff, but I'd like to hear what you think is the most misunderstood thing about the Navy?

2) how close does the Navy work with the Coast Guard?

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

what happens if you fall overboard?

 

[Grimz101]

What's the food like?

 

[Bugfatty300]

Good luck Patroklos and stay safe.

 

[Uncle Anton]

Are DDG's considered a good posting, compared to a larger surface ships like cruisers or carriers? Is there much of a difference between serving on a frigate/destroyer/cruiser in terms of the operational culture aboard ship by various type, or does it depend purely on a ship-by-ship basis, depending on what the CO is like etc...

 

[capslock]

I'd really like to do a cruise, I got a couple buddies on one right now.

My question: You are a motivated graduate of the Naval Academy or a NROTC program somewhere, what are your first 3-4 years in the fleet like?

 

[Berzerker]

gl Pat

 

[Perfection]

What's the best part of being in the Navy?

What's the worst part of being in the Navy?

What's the most surprising thing about being in the Navy?

 

[Newbunkle]

Have you ever taken part in that ritual thingy for passing the equator? If so, what happened?

 

[Quackers]

What precisely is your role? (Use layman terms )
6 months on a ship with no sight of a woman. How do you keep calm and not go insane?

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Mate of mine is ex-navy. No questions, just take care

 

[Disgustipated]

I haven't been in the navy since 1999, don't they have full internet access on those ships now? Can you post out there?

We only had limited email service when I was in.

 

[Disgustipated]

What precisely is your role?
6 months on a ship with no sight of a woman. How do you keep calm and not go insane?

that's what port calls and whorehouses are for . and your hand.

 

[History_Buff]

How long does it take you to be able to comfortably sleep on a surface that is pitching, rolling or heaving?

What sort of navigation systems does a DDG carry?

Are ship-to-ship boarding actions still considered to be an acceptable technique? Since I doubt they'd put the whole destroyer alongside a merchant vessels, I imagine a ship-to-ship would imply Zodiaks or equivalent?

What exactly is your position on the DDG?

What is the difference between a boat and a ship?