Now it's time for another Good Idea, Bad Idea

[LuckyKid]

Okay, while I'm at prototype, I need to start thinking about what boats to request. I'm a skimmer puke. Which boats are good, and which are lame?


Ready................go.

[taterhead]

To be quite honest with you, to borrow a line from a song, "It's all the same, only the names change."

A ship that is "good" today can suck in 6 months with a new CO, XO, RO, DMC, you name it.  They all ride cycles; one ship might be operating well now and in a year might have MTT or NR living onboard.  Chances are that whatever ship you get, you will have a cycle of each.

I would first think about where you would like to live.  You should get a little time in port, so what part of the country is best for the things you like to do?  The choices are very different from each other, and I have been in all 4 carrier ports.  Is it important for you to be close to family?  You have to take that into account as well if that is important to you.

Where do you want to visit?  If Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Pacific ports sound interesting, then you want a west coast ship.  Europe or the Caribbean?  East coast ships go there.

You will find someone on each ship that will tell you that it sucks.  Having been on several carriers, I will tell you that, ship to ship, there aren't that many differences.

[Fermi2]

A pontoon or bass boat on the Tennessee River. Oh wait, not an option but just as relevant.

Mike

[G-reg]

Luckykid,

Taterhead is correct about focusing mainly on where you'd like to live.  After you have decided which geographical area you want (for example, Norfolk) then the next big criteria is ship's schedule.  Do you want to go to a ship headed for a two-year refueling overhaul in the shipyards this summer, or would you prefer a ship that's heading out on an extended overseas deployment?

Once you know which port you'd like to call home, Google the Naval Base/Station there and find out which ships are stationed at that port.  Once you've narrowed your search down to two or three ships, start asking the sea-returnee staff at prototype if they know anything about those ships' schedules.  And if you're only talking about one or two ships, you can try calling your Detailer (who will have some general information about upcoming schedules).  But keep in mind that nobody is going to give out detailed day-by-day, place-by-place schedule information over a phone line or a web page.

And finally, take everyone's opinions about 'this ship' or 'that ship' with a grain of salt.  There are good points and bad points to every tour in the Navy.  Even as a student, you've already seen this - how many students that went through your same class are going to leave saying "Prototype was an OK time", and how many are going to leave saying "Prototype sucked"?  Eye of the beholder, and all that.  Don't get too caught up in good ship vs. bad ship.  I've seen people have bad tours on good ships, and vice versa.  Most of the time, it simply boils down to "you get out of it, what you put into it".

So focus primarily on where you want to be stationed (geographically), and then determine which ships at that location are scheduled to do the things you'd like to experience in the Navy.

- Greg

[93-383]

If you are talking about soon. Then I would try to get on the next CVN to start refuel unless you want lots of sea time then pick anyone of them. If you want to see the world and exotic asia then pick the GW (73) if you want refuel current (70)(bad idea) if you want next refuel (71) all others you will have a variable sea tour of deployments and other BS. I like most will say try to stay away form the prize (65) unless you are an EM (they are the only rate I have not heard comlaints form for that ship).

[Gamecock]

I can attest that the first part of a refueling overhaul (called RCOH) is a pretty good duty.  The end, however, is absolutely brutal.  I did two years on IKE during her RCOH.  I left before life started to get really bad for the nukes. 

But, I really don't think you'll have much say in your first assignment.  I know when I was enlisted and finishing the pipeline, I said Submarines--West Coast.  I got CVN 73--Newport News--Initial manning.

[Loffy Muffin]

boats are subs,

the others are ships (or fill in derogatory name here).

I liked SanDiego FWIW.  The subbase was nice.  the skimmer base was no so nice.  But, it probably beats Norfolk.  I would avoid that place if possible.  Bremerton is Ok.  Not sure what the other bases left.  I would take a carrier over a CGN if they still have those things.  They are women on carriers now, so that is cool. Plus, a carrier has a weight room, multi food lines, stuff like that...you can jog the flight deck.  Watch flight ops...Maybe more opportunities for classes once you qualify. 

[Already Gone]

I'm surprised that I am the first to say this, but hare goes:

"There are only TWO good ships in the Navy - the one you came from last, and the one you are going to next."

[jowlman]

Troy......Now you sound like a crusty old sea dog.....LOL

[JustinHEMI05]

I'm surprised that I am the first to say this, but hare goes:

"There are only TWO good ships in the Navy - the one you came from last, and the one you are going to next."

Ah yes, fits perfectly with the only 3 things wrong with the Navy;

1. Calm seas.

2. The sight of land.

3. Nubs.



Justin

[HydroDave63]

Ready................go.

Is this a legitimate question, or some sort of game to see who will give you lovins and attention?? Why not start with what YOU plan to bring to the boat, etc. How will you make that command a better place?

[Fermi2]

Is this a legitimate question, or some sort of game to see who will give you lovins and attention?? Why not start with what YOU plan to bring to the boat, etc. How will you make that command a better place?

I think I'm gonna by Dave a Beer. Heck make it two!