Here's Sovbob's Free Advice on What to Pack for a Submarine Underway(tm)
IntroductionWhen packing for an underway, it's important to look at a few crucial factors. Specifically, where you will be berthing, how long you will be underway, and whether you are hot-racking.
If you are going out to sea on a boomer (SSBN) patrol, then you're going to be packing differently than a fast-attack going out for a week. Pack accordingly.
One of the great things about submarines is a phenomenon called "Boat Funk." It's a smell that can best be described as "an aromatic blend of monoethanolamine, atomized lube oil, and recycled farts." Usually you can get the smell out of your clothes when you come back from sea after 2 runs through the washing machine. But just to be safe, I wouldn't recommend bringing any really nice clothes with you underway. You're going to stink when you come back home. Ahhh...sub life.
The Essentials- White socks (10 pairs)
- Underwear (10)
- White T-shirts (10)
- Coveralls (2)
- Belt (1)
- Underway shoes / Sneakers (1 pair)
- Toiletries (In a small travel bag)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Razor(s) (Electric or manual)
- Shaving cream (Non-aerosol) (If applicable)
- Deodorant (Non-aerosol)
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Body Wash (may be substituted for soap/shampoo)
- Towel (1)
- Shower shoes (1 pair)
- Qual Cards!
You cannot go to sea for any period of time without "The Essentials". This is the MINIMUM that you must have with you. Furthermore, you will probably need to be wearing boots and black socks for entering/leaving port. On my boat, topside personnel had to be wearing utilities (I guess now it's the NWU), but your ship may have a different policy.
The Extras- White socks (8 pairs + Essentials)
- Underwear (8 + Essentials)
- White T-shirts (8 + Essentials)
- Coveralls (1 + Essentials)
- Towel (1 + Essentials)
- Dryer Sheets (1 small box)
- Febreeze (Prohibited, but some people brought it anyway)
- Disinfecting wipes
- Travel mug (with sealable cap)
- Multi-Tool / Pocket Knife
- Small Flashlight
- Black ballpoint pens (1 pack)
The "Extras" are just that, extra. They aren't necessary, but you may be glad you brought them. If space is tight, or you're just going out to sea for a couple of days, you can skip some or all of these.
I suggested bringing extra socks and underwear, because you only get to do laundry once a week. And wouldn't ya know it? The washing machine is broken when it's your turn. Hope you brought "Extra" underwear...
The Luxuries- iPod / MP3 Player
- Laptop
- Recreational reading material
- DVDs
- Candy*
- Sodas*
- Cigarettes*
- Smokeless Tobacco*
- Foam matress / pillow (May be prohibited)
- Teddy Bear (Yes, really. I've seen grown men bring these in their racks)
- Civilian clothes (1 set)
If you're not fully qualified, you shouldn't really even be considering bringing "Luxuries" onboard. The possible exception would be those items marked with an asterisk (*). Here's why:
On a submarine, you will show up and be immediately labeled a "Dink ass nub". Don't take it personally, everybody goes through it. But because you're a NUB (Non-Useful Body), all of your free time should be devoted to qualifications. Nubs should not
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES be caught watching movies or playing on a laptop. To do so is to invite the wrath of the crew.
Often times, a qualified person will be less-than-willing to take the time to give a nub a checkout. Offering a soda or a candy bar in exchange for a checkout (not a signature) may offer incentive for them to take time out of their busy schedule for you. Candy helps get you the checkout, knowledge will get you the signature. A-Gangers are particularly susceptible to bribery.
TIP:
To prevent loose soda cans from rolling around inside your rack-pan and making lots of noise, stuff them inside your socks.If you're a smoker, you should bring some cigarettes. Personally, I think it's a filthy expensive addiction, but it's an addiction nonetheless. Usually the price of cigarettes is low. The price will skyrocket if the ship's schedule suddenly changes, and you don't pull into port for an extra week. (Whattaya mean we're not pulling into port until Monday?! *puff puff* I've only got two cigarettes left!)
The Deployment Items- Dress Blues (1 complete set)
- Extra cigarettes / dip (Just in case...)
- American currency (No more than $100.00)
- Civilian clothes (2 sets, preferably in a sealed bag with a dryer sheet inside)
- International pre-paid phone card
- Camera
- Backpack (VERY useful for carrying souvenirs)
- Travel guide / Phrasebook
- Enlisted submarine warfare insignia, aka silver dolphins (2) (For trade with foreign sailors)
"Deployment Items" are specialty items that will be useful and/or required when you go on deployment. Usually you'll have to find alternative storage locations for your stuff, because your rack will be full and the ship will be loaded down with all kinds of extra gear.