November 8, 2009
Today marks a few changes in different areas of the ship; in qualifications for in-port, as well as what the as-directed group of Repair 2 does during GE drills. I will now be a zone setter, and although it will be something new, I look forward to the challenge as do the others who have new jobs.
Now that we are a bit further south land was easily spotted, and it was a very welcome sight. The beautiful snow covered hills looked beautiful. There are also more birds, and I am hoping more whales as well. Although the warmer weather is also welcome it means that we are once again standing lookout on the fly bridge. However with the view looking up I personally look forward to it, even if it is still chilly.
Seas have still been smooth and the gentle rocking is actually quite conducive to putting you to sleep. Hopefully they will stay this way and we won’t hit any really bad weather.
Being Sunday we also had the weekly Bible study for those who wished to attend.
For our newest members to the crew, SN Gorringe, and FN O’Brien today is the one week mark. Having the day off came as a pleasant surprise to SN Gorringe, and I’m sure both will enjoy their first “Sundae, Sundae Sundae” tonight.
November 7, 2009
Most of the crew now seems to have gotten the hang of the underway dance, and are now walking the halls much more steadily, although there are still some that seem to trip over everything. We haven’t been rocking that much, and looking out the porthole we were briefly again surrounded by a little bit of pancake ice.
The excitement is on with DC Olympics coming up on Monday and Polar Bear Initiations just around the corner as well. There is some trepidation among my fellow Blue Nose shipmates, as we contemplate what kind of challenges we must face to become Polar Bears and receive our red Polar Sea covers and certificates. This evening the teams for the DC Olympics will also be giving interviews to promote their team above the competition.
Although we did not pass our inspection with the flying colors as we had hoped, we did pass and holiday routine for the afternoon was granted, at the discretion of the department heads.
November 6, 2009
Today was the deadline for getting a group for the DC Olympics. Over the course of the trip we have participated in many different training exercises to learn about damage control, and now it will all be put to the test to see which team comes out on top. Everyone on deck force signed up, and there are around 12 teams, each consisting of 5 people. This afternoon team captains were finalized, as well as team names which are not limited to, but including; “Totally Totally Totally” “Deck Force Mafia” “Moxy Polarnaters” “Average JOs” “Team Nitro” and the “Chain Gang.” Each group also got together dressing in different costumes to show their team spirit for a team photo.
November 4, 2009
After being unable to retrieve the Chinese science buoy, we have now headed south and the crew is definitely looking forward to our first port call and getting off the ship. Even though we will be spending most of the first port call re-stocking supplies it is definitely something to look forward to after being confined to the 399’ of the Polar Sea for the past 50+ days. Securing for Sea is the main job now, and cleaning as well. It is a never ending job to make sure that everything is still ready for the high waves and large rolls that we will be expecting when we head further south, out of the Arctic Circle.
November 2, 2009
Brrrrr. I thought that it was cold in the north before, but that was definitely not cold compared to now. Winter has definitely started coming to the Arctic, and it is showing on the decreased temperatures. Ice is covering almost everything outside, and anything you touch out there bites you. Within minutes you are rushing back inside for hot chocolate or coffee. With temperatures reaching -7 degrees, it is cold even without the added 18 knots of wind.
~SN Klineburger
About Me
- POLAR SEA
- Coast Guard Cutter POLAR SEA (WAGB 11) is the world's most powerful, conventionally propelled icebreaker. POLAR SEA was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle. Homeported in Seattle since being commissioned in 1977, POLAR SEA has operated around the globe. POLAR SEA is designed to perform science, icebreaking, and all Coast Guard missions in both polar regions. POLAR SEA has sailed all seven seas, crossed the Arctic Ocean, circumnavigated Antarctica, and visited ports in twenty-four foreign countries. As of fall 2009, POLAR SEA has made eighteen voyages to Antarctic and twenty-one voyages to the Arctic. POLAR SEA has been awarded four Coast Guard Unit Commendations, five Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner's Commendation.
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About Me
- POLAR SEA
- Coast Guard Cutter POLAR SEA (WAGB 11) is the world's most powerful, conventionally propelled icebreaker. POLAR SEA was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle. Homeported in Seattle since being commissioned in 1977, POLAR SEA has operated around the globe. POLAR SEA is designed to perform science, icebreaking, and all Coast Guard missions in both polar regions. POLAR SEA has sailed all seven seas, crossed the Arctic Ocean, circumnavigated Antarctica, and visited ports in twenty-four foreign countries. As of fall 2009, POLAR SEA has made eighteen voyages to Antarctic and twenty-one voyages to the Arctic. POLAR SEA has been awarded four Coast Guard Unit Commendations, five Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner's Commendation.
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