What are some "essentials" that you'd recommend every Sailor having with them prior to deployment?

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 22:21:35 -0500

Going on your first ship can be scary. Going on your first deployment can be just as nerve racking. What are some items that you'd recommend Sailors bring with them not only to their first ship, but on their first deployment? (Please include small boys as well. RallyPoint doesn't have DDGs and CGs as tags).

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2017 10:32 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 22:32:37 -0500

Baby wipes and plenty of hygiene products along with 2-3 books

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2017 10:53 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 22:53:45 -0500

I would think bed sheets, and or sleeping bag, I only spent a little time on a LHD, only would spend a night when ever we flew back and did commodore briefing's, I kept a bunk, and a Locker. We were on a contingency type deployment, so we didn't do any liberty ports, but one. Bring will books to write shit in and my advice a log book type or note book for a daily journal, would be good. Plenty of pins,lap top tablet, nice set of civilian clothes, not too American looking type suggestion. We deploy different than ships but I would imagine they will give you a packing list, Mandatory Sea-bag Items, and the recommended. I always had my basic 3-day Bug out so when I when we convoyed or did what ever made sure I had basics and the things that I could use for survival just in case. So my 3 day could be my life saver if we ever stayed out longer or ran into unforeseen. I would just think basics and what you need to keep you happy. I'm sure ship guy's will have more I didn't do much time maybe 15 days total sorry, and good luck and look out for your troops, they will do the same for you..

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2017 11:07 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:07:33 -0500

ENS Private RallyPoint Member - Oral and barrier contraceptives. Whether or not troops are supposed to fraternize - young people (and not a few older people) occasionally get too close to each other - particularly when stranded on a moving island hundreds to thousands of miles from home. A supply of clean comfortable easy to maintain underwear. Preferred tampons and monthly period medications. Cell phone that can be used as a camera, wifi device, and portable music player. Headphones and extra headphones. Sunscreen 60+SPF. Tooth brush, hair brushes, scrunchies, skin care, razors, shaving cream, antiperspirant, and makeup supplies. Social skills, self defense training, nonlethal self defense devices, situational awareness, thick skin, and a sense of humor. Reading material - perhaps on an iPAD. Weapons where appropriate to your billet - though CMDCM Treants has suggested to me in the past that with rare exception lethal weapons should be secured in master at arms locker. I personally prefer to bring along some small binoculars - and a Nikon D810 with 2X extender and 24-70mm and 70-200mm VR f/2.8 telephoto lenses - together with small pocket Munsell color chart and lens cleaning materials. Some items may not be allowed on nuclear unterseebooten. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2017 11:30 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:30:49 -0500

Lots of books and toilet paper and make sure your buddies bring books (and their own toilet paper) you didn't bring.

Response by CWO4 Tim Hecht made Feb 21 at 2017 11:55 PM

CWO4 Tim Hecht — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:55:09 -0500

I didn't have a chance to bring anything other then my sea bag and some civilian clothes for my first Westpac. In 1972 I was a 19 year old E3 and after spending 5 months recovering from knee surgery and physical therapy my world was turned completely upside down: on 4 April I was found fit for duty; on 6 April I reported onboard the USS ENTERPRISE. On the 7th of April I volunteered to be part of a draft of sailors to augment the crew of the USS MIDWAY that had been ordered to sail to Vietnam 7 weeks early. On 8 April I reported aboard MIDWAY and on 10 April 1972 we sailed from Alameda, CA and 28 days later we were dropping bombs on Vietnam. We returned to Alameda on 3 March 1973; after spending 205 of those 10 months and 3 weeks away from the States deployed in the Tonkin Gulf.

Back then - I didn't need to bring anything special - hell I wouldn't have known what to bring anyway! Being stationed onboard an Aircraft Carrier everything that one could need or want for one's creature comforts was provided. The ship had numerous stores that sold everything from cigarettes, soap, deodorants, stereos, cameras, there were barbershops, a ship's laundry to wash your uniforms, two different galleys that served food an aggregate of 23 hours a day; a library, TV and radio station, weight room, etc. During Vietnam sending first class mail home was "Free" it just took several weeks to a month to write a letter and get a reply. Payday was always paid in cash and you could "leave money" on the books as a way to save money. It was tax free as long as we were in the combat zone; Everything was, at least for me, provided. We pulled into various Ports of Call for R and R (or as we called it I and I - meaning Intoxication and well fill in the blank). Tours of special points of interest were always available as well.

That was then. There was a war on and we worked hard; after 3 months of working as a Mess Cook - scrubbing pots and pans among other things - I worked in the Ship's Guided Missile Shop; best job I ever had in the Navy. We worked 12 hours on and 12 hours off; then every 2-3 days we would have underway replenishments for fuel, food, supplies, ordnance, etc. Several times we'd work 30-40 hours straight due to replenishments, flight operations, drills, and watch-standing.

We were also entertained at sea and in-port; one time Miss America (former Miss Ohio) and several of her court were flown out to the ship and performed for us and in December of 1972 we had the Bob Hope Christmas Show onboard the ship while we were in Singapore Harbor. In addition to Bob Hope there was Red Foxx, Lola Falana (hubba-hubba), Roman Gabriel (former NFL Quarterback), and Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Heck of a great show.

Fast forward to 1999 - 2001; when I was a CWO4 assigned as the Supply Officer onboard a 270' Medium Coast Guard Cutter that was home-ported in Key West, FL. Size wise the MIDWAY, at it's widest point was 211 feet; the Cutter MOHAWK was 270 feet long with a beam of only 38 feet! We had a very small ship's store that sold the barest personal essentials (soap, shampoo, razor blades, Gedunk, and ship's marked ball caps, Ship's Logoed Tee Shirts - that were allowed to be worn underway) so anything and everything else that we thought we needed was brought onboard from our homeport or bought during our Mid-Patrol Break. Crew members brought whatever candy and snack items they wanted as well as I-Pods, Music CDs, etc.

Instead of deploying for months, we were away from homeport from 3 weeks to 7-8 weeks depending on what our operation schedule was like.

To answer the what "essentials" to bring obviously depends on the nature of the deployment; the duration away from homeport and the size of the ship/cutter (and what is available to buy on the ship); but one thing I found very valuable to have was an international pre-paid phone card. Back in 1972 when we would pull into Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, there was a Telephone Exchange on the base for making long distance calls home; nowadays a prepaid phone card covers those calls home. The last year onboard the cutter we had the ability to send and receive e-mail that was sent over the ship-s HF Radio Net - high tech in 2000! The ETC was the Ship's Censor - reviewing outgoing e-mail for OPSEC violations. You would think that all one would need was a security briefing about OPSEC but one brand new LT - Lawyer, sent to the cutter for familiarization, was relieved of duties, returned to his office on the first available flight from our first port call, and upon return was escorted to the 3 Star's Office, given a Class A Arse Crewing, and his DD-214! He tried to send a detailed e-mail describing our operation with a deep undercover operation...

Other then the creature comforts needed for health and sanitation purposes I would recommend beach wear, good suntan lotion (good both on the Steel Beach and sandy beaches of a port call), fishing gear (for those Sunday Morning trolling sessions) and a good digital camera to take pictures of your deployment. Most important - bring a good sense of humor and a great attitude - especially for those cancelled port calls and unexpected extensions on your deployment! Take advantage of any tours of local attractions to broaden your horizons. Best of all try to enjoy your cruise!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 22 at 2017 12:31 AM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:31:42 -0500

A Kindle. (RP disses Sailors in a number of ways, don't get me going on that. Though they're trying to be better.) Steel-toed boots to stuff the tip under your mattress when the rolling gets rough. Candy and cigs to trade for...well...anything.

Response by MSgt Dan Hurley made Feb 22 at 2017 12:34 AM

MSgt Dan Hurley — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:34:54 -0500

No one said phone cards some cash and change

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Feb 22 at 2017 3:47 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 03:47:04 -0500

Good advice throughout this thread.
Also a payday allotment to the shipboard ATM, for liberty or ship's store funds.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Feb 22 at 2017 6:18 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 06:18:59 -0500

I would emphasize those things that will make you the most comfortable. If there is a particular soap/body wash/shampoo that you like, bring a supply. Invest in some nice soft towels and a comfortable robe. A nice, warm blanket and high thread count sheets/pillow case. I brought a stainless steel (not glass! learned that the hard way) BODUM french press to make my own coffee. My aunt was able to set up a supply of Starbucks ground coffee that arrived every 2 months.

Ship life is hard. Anything that you can bring that makes it a little more bearable (and is withing regulation) and brings some creature comfort is recommended.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 22 at 2017 8:26 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 08:26:35 -0500

Funny stuff here, if you deployed on a vessel that had severely limited space for up to 90 days below the surface of the ocean, you get real selective as to what storage you have in your bunk pan. And, today, would be considered luxurious compared to older smaller submarines.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2017 1:38 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 13:38:10 -0500

I made a list. Let me know if I am missing anything or have anything that I shouldn't:

-Seabag with all uniforms including Peacoat. (No coveralls as FRVs are now issued).
-Mini Light (white / red LED).
-Running Shoes
-Shower Shoes
-Consumables (soap, shampoo, tooth paste, razors, shaving cream, etc)
-Towels (do these need to be any particular color or does it matter?)
-Extra black and white socks.
-Extra underwear.
-Cash
-Locks x2
-Kindle w/ e-books
-Medicine for headaches, Vitamin-C for immune systems, sanitizer.
-Extra low ply Toilet Paper
-Phone Charger
-Notebook and extra pens
-Jeans, Shirts, Khaki pants, collared shirt.
-Extra pair of boots
-Extra ribbons
-Shining Kit
-Sleeping bag and high thread count pillow case.
-Sleeping Mask (yes, no?)
-Laundry Bag
-Tweezers

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2017 2:21 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 14:21:28 -0500

I have been on 4 deployments 3 on ship and one as a Dirt Sailor. My last ship was a CG (Small boy) So here is what I have learned, and please keep in mind some of this is allowed by some commands and others don't.

TP is a Must 2 rolls min, For some reason the Military never seems to order it or if they do they don't want to hand it out.
A Sleeping bag (this can be over ridden by the command) make sure it can be folded and stowed at the foot of your rack, and don't buy an expensive one. Your going to throw it away when you leave your ship if not sooner. Every thing takes on the Boat smell. If you have been there you know what I'm talking about.
Uniforms ... (sigh) im not saying don't take everything but I am saying be sensible about it. Take 2 weeks worth of T-shirts, underwear and socks, you should be issued 2 sets of FRV's (coveralls) Take your dress uniforms and have them hanger inspection ready. If you are going to be standing a lot of QD watch's take 2 sets, one for Watch and one for Inspections. In fact you should have one of each uniform that is Inspection ready and never worn.
Others have said it 2 pairs of boots one for working the other for inspections and or emergency use.
As for stuff in the head I found a Microfiber towel was great it dried fast and never smelled. They come in really large sizes too. Personal entertainment I leave up to you just think small and light. You don't have a lot of space and you may or may not have a plug to recharge stuff. Amazon is your friend BUT plan for it to take a month or two to get to you and don't buy anything that is overly expensive in case it gets dropped overboard during the Resupply at Sea. As for personal clothing don't pack like your going on vacation. Maybe 3 to 5 nice shirts a pair of jeans and a pair of slacks work, anything more is dumb your not hitting the town every night and the locales don't care if you wear the same stuff a month later when you might stop their again. Your not out there looking for a Wife (if you are you have issues)

If you are a Supervisor / LPO you will have more space in your shop here is how I used that.

I had 2 plastic boxes (the kids in the shop called them the Magic boxes) that fit nicely under my desk. Didn't leave much leg room but it was ok. In one I kept ... how should I put this... Odd tools. things the Navy doesn't keep on hand or you may need. As an IT I had barrel connectors special cross over cables odd pinned connectors I knew we used on the ship some specialty tools ect. When your out at sea you don't have time to order and wait for it to arrive so plan ahead and accordingly. Look over your gear for that weird old item that is going to give your problems and plan for it.

The OTHER box.
Before we pulled out I found out what each person in my shop liked, one was sour patch kids another was Swedish fish, Chocolate ect ect. I packed that box (discreetly when no one was looking lol) full of those items and a few for my self lol. About 2 months into deployment the Ship store will be out of all the normal stuff and you get the weird foreign knock offs if that. When I would see a person in my shop just having the worst day possible or they are having deployment blues I break out that one thing they like and toss it at them. Makes their day gives them a moment of not the Navy and the ship. This can be that thing that helps bring them back in focus that it really isn't that bad, and build some Morale. I learned this from watching an old Senior Chief on my first deployment.

I think others covered a lot of the basics I wont duplicate here, I would also say talk to those that have deployed on your ship before. Find out what tricks and tips they have, every Ship has its quirks.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 22 at 2017 6:37 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 18:37:19 -0500

Bring some good books to help you unwind

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2017 8:31 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 20:31:52 -0500

Bring a pair of thermal underwear (or two). At least the pants. I also brought 4 of the Hanes blue (same color as the T-Shirt) long sleeve T-shirts. Radio can be super cold sometimes, especially when you get into colder waters. That plus the fact you live in Hawaii means radio can get mighty chilly during those 12 hour watches in the middle of the night.

Response by MSgt Tom Buglia made Feb 23 at 2017 1:34 PM

MSgt Tom Buglia — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 13:34:37 -0500

Not trying to be a smart ass but, you deploy you should have a will.

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made Feb 23 at 2017 10:30 PM

PO1 Jack Howell — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 22:30:27 -0500

By extra socks, underwear, t-shirts (you should buy enough of the first three items that I mentioned to last AT LEAST 2 weeks, although 3 would probably be better), an extra pair of shower shoes, extra bar soap, extra shampoo, extra toothpaste, extra toothbrushes, baby wipes (in case the ship has to go on water hours or showers aren't available), an electric razor, manual razors and shaving cream (in case the electric razor breaks or goes missing), a non-stick iron because many berthing irons, by the time you get to them, have been used and abused (don't forget to take it to the EM's for an electrical safety check, along with the aforementioned electric razor), an alarm clock (if you don't bring your cell phone), entertainment for your down time, extra towels and wash cloths, a small bottle of laundry detergent, fabric softener sheets (even when they've been through the dryer, they can still retain some of their scent, which can be used as an air freshener in your rack or stand up locker), and take shoes (for PT and liberty) pants, shorts, t-shirts, and collared shirts for when you go on liberty (be sure to pay attention to the ship's policy on acceptable liberty attire during the port brief). One other thing. Bring gum or some other type of breath mint. Your coworkers will thank you for it. Also, bring foot powder or spray to keep down the smell of your feet.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Feb 24 at 2017 1:12 AM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 01:12:21 -0500

Makes no difference if you are a boot or a Master Chief you need a full Sea Bag. Then some civvies for liberty overseas - you do not want to look like an American in most places so no jeans but slacks and shirts with collars NOT t-shirts. you only need a few decent shirts and a few slacks; you are not trying to impress everyone just having a good time. Uniforms: have one Inspection ready uniform for the season and one for travel available as well as inspection ribbon/medals.

Most of your needs will be available on the ship or in stores in ports, look around in places other than bars; grocery stores, department stores and malls. (heck you might even meet locals of the opposite gender if that is your thing). Camera and camera accessories are not always easy to find overseas, but sometimes CAN be a bargain.

Reading: Kindle/I pad full of good books as well as a the ships Library. CAMERA! take a good one! this is your chance to record your deployment. Cell phones are not the way to go, but if that is what you want fine. Remember that a good camera is a real investment.

A WILL. This is a MUST and it makes no difference if you are married or single. You own something and do not leave it up to your home state to dispose if it. Make a decision and leave it to someone you love or HATE. What better way to get even with that old boy/girlfriend than to leave him/her something and really piss off their new friend. You get the last laugh then.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Feb 27 at 2017 6:04 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 18:04:39 -0500

A good attitude VC and life preserver

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 4:27 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 16:27:46 -0400

If your a smoker or a dipper then you might want to stock up on smokes and dip. They do well on keeping a good supply on ship, but the prices in the store fluctuate depending on how much they have left. The ship may run out as well, and then you can make your money back from your less prepared ship mates.

Make sure you don't leave anything out without someone you trust in your aisle. Even the most redundant things get stolen, I lost my towel that way.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 3:11 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 15:11:13 -0400

Ability to swim...

Response by CPO Mike Castro made May 4 at 2017 5:29 PM

CPO Mike Castro — Thu, 04 May 2017 17:29:36 -0400

Bring enough consumables to last 6 months. Soap, razors, shaving cream, cigarettes, lighter fluid, etc. use the ships store when you can, expect to be stationed outside the Unrep ship circle which means the ships store runs out of supplies. Have at least 7 underway uniforms including socks ( it still fascinates me that it can take up to 4 months to get something back from laundry.) 5 towels and always keep a spare set of undergarments. If your a Boatswain Mate have a Dress Uniform dry cleaned and ready to go at all times. Not the one you normally wear on watch.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 14 at 2017 10:18 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sun, 14 May 2017 10:18:17 -0400

SMH. The last sub I served on was a fast attack Nuc, USS STURGEON (SSN-637), as an RMCM. My storage space was my bunk pan and a shared locker to hang our khakis in. The ships you folks served on must be designed like Dr Who's Tardis.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2017 6:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 May 2017 06:43:08 -0400

Some cash iPhone toiletries items and make sure some of your items dual voltage

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made May 28 at 2017 6:52 PM

CPO Bill Penrod — Sun, 28 May 2017 18:52:46 -0400

Keep inspection uniform, now for small boys especially first timers motion sickness tablets and start taking two/three days before........

Response by PO2 Arnold Kaminski made Jun 8 at 2017 10:59 AM

PO2 Arnold Kaminski — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 10:59:31 -0400

Athlete's Foot/Jock Itch medication. Lots!

Response by PO3 Christoph Hintze made Jun 9 at 2017 11:10 AM

PO3 Christoph Hintze — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 11:10:40 -0400

I have one question to many of these folks. Where in the dickens do you put all that stuff? When I was in I had one 24x24x24 locker and one 12x36x24 locker. Bunk pan? My rack was canvas stretched on an aluminum frame with a stuffed pad for a mattress. And, this was on a destroyer tender. I would have bet that there was even less personal storage on destroyers and frigates.

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Jun 26 at 2017 5:37 PM

FN Charlie Spivey — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 17:37:57 -0400

Found these posts interresting. I remember when I got my orders for my first ship. I was in the Transit Barracks and there was a rumor going around that she had gotten orders to deploy to Vietnam. I had a friend Aboard and made a mental note to get over there to see him. Well, I got my orders, so got to see him. We were in the same division and same engineroom. It was a relatively small ship by most standards. 311' and 41' at the beam. It was an Old Navy Hand me down form WWII and an AVP in her previous life. We had a ship's laundry and the guy made some extra money. You did need a laundry bag. Personal Items could be bought at the ship's store ( such as it was ). We didn't need cash. You ran an account and paid it off when you got paid. We NEVER got paid when we were underway at sea, only just before entering port. I know a lot of things have changed since my time. I was looking at stuff About CG Basic Training and what you had to have. You needed a Debit card in order to get paid as the money was deposited directly into your Account. In my time, we only got a partial payment and the rest held back and we got that when we graduated. I have seen videos aboard Naval vessels and people lounging around in Jeans, tee shirts and sometimes a sweat shirt, but all the time NON Reg ( at least in my time ). My thought was hey, you are on a US Navy Vessel, NOT a cruise ship ( they are cruise ships compared to what I was on ). [chuckle]. Yep, things have changed. NO civvies aboard ship in my time. that was verboten ( except for Officers, who could come and go in civvies ). Body wipes??? Don't know what that is about. We did have showers [chuckle] although when you were underway, it was Sea Showers. For the uninitiated a sea shower consists of stepping into the shower, turn on the water and get wet, turn the water off, lather up and scrub real good, then turn the water on and rinse off, then turn the water off. When underway, you had to conserve water as the evap, could only make so much water and if everybody was taking a hotel shower, no way could it keep up with the demand and you would run out of fresh water. Get caught taking a hotel shower while underway and you will be doing extra duty bilge diving. Getting tools that have been dropped in there. Off duty, you wore dungarees and chambray shirts ( or a Gov't. issue T-Shirt ). I know that they have long gone by the wayside as a working uniform in both the Navy and the CG. ( in my time the CG Uniform was Identicle to the Navy uniform, except for a shield on the right sleeve, then they went to the Flat Hats in '66 from the dixie cups ). We were told that if the Government didn't issue it to you, it was verboten. Energy drinks were unheard of. We lived on coffee.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 27 at 2017 12:13 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:13:56 -0400

They are not used to people standing up ti them.

Response by AN Robert Freeman made Jun 27 at 2017 8:09 AM

AN Robert Freeman — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 08:09:56 -0400

What I'm going to recommend bringing on deployment is Not an essential, but it could help you make a few bucks off Your Shipmates.
I don't smoke, or chew tobacco, but before going on deployment, I would find out what kind of cigarettes & chewing tobacco that people liked.
I would buy a couple cartons of smokes, and a few logs of dip. (The popular brands everyone liked).
The ship store carries these items, but on a 6 month cruise, they run out of these items quickly, and you never know when the ship will replenish their stock, or when you're going to hit a port. People that like tobacco, Need their nicotine.
Anyway, this is when you make a lil $$. You sell these items, charge double for the service you're providing for your Shipmates. Sometimes it's difficult to find a certain brand of tobacco, in other parts of the world, this is when your customers will pay the price you're asking.
*I apologize if this post seemed inappropriate..
We don't make a lot of money serving our country. When you have a kid, and an unemployed woman back at home, She has to spend your deposited check from PSD. So you'll be broke when you finally get to port, & you can't even buy yourself a beer!
It's tough financially. And every Shipmate knows, when we're at sea, we Are working 12 on, 12 off, 7 days a week Until we get to a port.
So this might help you buy your 1st cold beer in over a month! Enjoy Shipmates!
Be safe out there.
Thank You for your Service! ⚓️

Response by MCPO Mark Burns made Jun 29 at 2017 11:36 AM

MCPO Mark Burns — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 11:36:27 -0400

UP dated wills and personal affairs.

Response by CPO David Welsh made Jun 29 at 2017 8:04 PM

CPO David Welsh — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 20:04:49 -0400

A good quality camera. Take time to enjoy the liberty ports. Spend time in places other than the local bars. You will see places, sites and experiences that your friends from high school will never have. Save money for trips to local sites and attractions. I missed several places I wish I had gone and have seen dozens my friends watch on the news. Many of these memories will last your entire life, make the most of it.

Response by COL John Hudson made Jul 3 at 2017 10:51 AM

COL John Hudson — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:51:49 -0400

Wipes.

Response by Cpl Ryan Berry made Jul 9 at 2017 3:00 PM

Cpl Ryan Berry — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 15:00:23 -0400

For sailors? KY Jelly and Village People CD...don't they get that issued to them?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 7:42 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:42:28 -0400

Each Sailor should ask what are the essentials? What can make his/her life more pleasant while on deployment? On my last deployment, I brought a tiny stone statue and a family photo as essentials. Things making my life less miserable were supplements, favorite food seasoning and hot sauce, teas, and Emergen-C.

Response by PO2 Steven Hardy made Jul 21 at 2017 1:07 PM

PO2 Steven Hardy — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:07:23 -0400

Cigars! There's nothing like a stogie early in the evening, after the work day is over (if you're not on watch).

Response by PO1 Robert Kay made Jul 21 at 2017 1:13 PM

PO1 Robert Kay — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:13:52 -0400

One essential I had to have was two decks of cards (for pinochle) and a cribbage boad with at least three lanes on it. Other than that the rest has been covered I believe. A lot of good advice here. I have been on three ships and 5 deployments... one to Gitmo, one to the Med, and two WestPacs.

Response by PO1 Mike Dean made Jul 23 at 2017 9:33 AM

PO1 Mike Dean — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 09:33:21 -0400

Sailors need enough civvies to have a change of clothes each day of liberty in port and enough cash on hand to take care of those primal "needs" that you don't get at sea. Need I go farther? BTW.... condoms are available from the corpsman free of charge so you take home any souveniers that are not intended.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 12:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 12:26:07 -0400

The one thing I have seen over my years that is often forgotten but essential are fingernail and toenail clippers. Troops forget their nails grow and when they get that aggravating hang nail they often try to bite it off and cant seem to do it. I also always traveled with a couple of rolls of toilet paper, zip lock bags and Shaving and Shower Kit, with at least two bars of soap. Also considering the environment the fewer the cans the better shaving soap over shaving cream in a can, stick deodorant over spray can. and of course a good quality razor. seen to many guys think disposable razors would last in harsh environment. Females should also consider their special needs as well.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Aug 6 at 2017 1:01 PM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 13:01:19 -0400

Iron, shoe polish, maybe thread, pen, paper, envelopes, hygiene things and a full sea bag is about it.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Aug 6 at 2017 2:21 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 14:21:13 -0400

Should have joined the Army!

Response by SCPO William Akin made Aug 6 at 2017 6:26 PM

SCPO William Akin — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 18:26:35 -0400

My first ship was a Gearing class DD, and Camels were a dollar CARTON...
So I'm just reading these remarks (for the most part) for shits and giggles...

Response by PO3 Joseph Ford made Aug 23 at 2017 5:20 PM

PO3 Joseph Ford — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 17:20:20 -0400

Patience

Response by PO2 Tom Aarstad made Oct 11 at 2017 10:27 PM

PO2 Tom Aarstad — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 22:27:20 -0400

Until you get your sea legs know where the heads are.

Response by LT Richard Mondak made Oct 12 at 2017 8:59 AM

LT Richard Mondak — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 08:59:07 -0400

"B.S Detector" - for defense against the berthing compartment UCMJ / Legal experts.
A sense of self dignity and humility.
A willingness to learn from EVERYONE - whether they are junior or senior to you in rank, time in service or aboard your ship.
And from a practical standpoint - easily identifiable LARGE bath towels and enough socks to last a month.

Response by CPO Michael McAllister made Oct 24 at 2017 12:28 AM

CPO Michael McAllister — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 00:28:56 -0400

A camera. Don't let those memories escape. I was in 23 years. I've been retired 26 now. Still miss every it every day.

Response by SR Walter Faherty made Oct 27 at 2017 4:45 AM

SR Walter Faherty — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 04:45:55 -0400

Back when i served both in subs and carriers I always had 2 weeks of underwear,5-6 sets of working clothes (pooper suits in subs and dungarees in carriers) and at least 2 towels in my locker.

Response by PO2 Robert Comegys made Nov 1 at 2017 10:35 PM

PO2 Robert Comegys — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 22:35:17 -0400

Take along a thick paperback or two that you thought you'd never find the time for ashore. Time between watches can become boring and having something to keep your mind on will add some value/enjoyment/escape to your waking hours.

Response by LTC John King made Nov 27 at 2017 2:39 PM

LTC John King — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 14:39:52 -0500

pack some extra shore line for sea anchors and some extra prop wash for keeping things clean and tidy

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2017 10:50 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 22:50:54 -0500

If your shop has room for a small Rubbermaid container and the people in your shop are cool with the arrangement, I recommend Tuna fish in the tearable packets. Peanut butter, and my personal favorite, Fluff. I always had a few dozen Ramen noodle packets as well. and a few small Tupperware bowls to make the ramen in on the mess decks.
I had CSER1 as my shop on both my DDG's so that was my setup. The Toilet paper, extra undies, and the other comments are spot on as well. I also remember watching movies on my iPod 160GB classic. At least now there are iPad pros and the like. I would definitely recommend digital media. Movies, anime, videos of loved ones. Music for working out, relaxing.

Response by PO1 Barbara Matthews made Dec 10 at 2017 6:44 PM

PO1 Barbara Matthews — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 18:44:30 -0500

Bring the basics, toiletries, toilet paper, spare pair of glasses if you wear them, iPod/MP3 player, tablet or laptop, book,

Rx medications make sure that they are filled before you leave as sometimes the Medical Dept. Don't have them. Also get some motion sickness pills you can get them from Medical. A lot of people get sea sick I know I was a Corpsman.

Also do not bring a lot of food of any kind. You are not supposed to have any in berthing. It's yuck and attracts bugs. You will have the ships sore and geedunk machines aboard. Bring some cash and change, your debit card and a few checks. Sometimes you can cash a check if you need money. At least you could back in 2003 when I was on a ship.
Get a good note pad and some flash cards so you can study to get your qualifications done. Most of your free time will be spent studying until you get them done.

Response by SGT Walter Lester made Dec 19 at 2017 8:51 AM

SGT Walter Lester — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 08:51:15 -0500

I had to walk to work, I didn't have a ship to ride. I would tell a sailor he needs to know how to swim and tread water.

Response by SGT Jeremy Boyd made Dec 20 at 2017 8:09 AM

SGT Jeremy Boyd — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:09:02 -0500

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 26 at 2017 6:26 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 06:26:05 -0500

I had reasons to not go Navy.. and read’g these comments I remember why I didn’t..
I went AF and deployed to some bard bones places .. I brought along a few books, Paperback of some novella that wound up being wipe paper.. at least pages were big enough and not waxed.. toilet was in a outhouse so no prob there..
no need for I pad(wtf was that? .. it’s ‘83)
Had a Walkman and plenty of batteries they almost didn’t let me bring from Germany.. I think I had 2 left(in the Walkman.. they made it all the way back to U.S. soil.. in the U.S. base in Germany was still German soil. Was in Sudan in K-Town there.. some Sudanese tried to sell me a empty shell of a 6 band radio.. nice try.. i’d Like to hear before buying.. oh.. very good radio, cannot let you listen..
Might wake child... only $10 American!
I passed on it... just glad that wasn’t a long deploy... glad to get home ! Did get to the coast... beach wasn’t clean.. lotta dead fish... so no swimming... musta been a red tide.. water oily.. took along kippers n crackers and decent dry stick salami.. that wasn’t greezy... got that in Germany.. had some good Lowenbrau
Wrapped and stored in a ammo can with a top secret tag ... had a bud at base command Post get the tag.. Customs guy wanted to look anyway.. the other Customs guy got me through.. so we enjoyed the Lowenbrau that first night .
It was Lowenbrau export.. I brought one empty bottle with cap back .. wrapped good.. so it didn’t break..
my brother not understand’g the meaning of the memory of it took it with some other bottles and took to work and had a place that took them... what a jerk! So much for them memories..

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Dec 30 at 2017 10:26 AM

Sgt Charles Welling — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 10:26:35 -0500

You squids need to belay that small boy term, it sounds rather perverted......................

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2018 4:51 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 16:51:21 -0500

I'd definitely recommend a sleeping bag as the mattresses aren't very clean and to avoid having to wash your sheets as often. Little baggies of any kind for small things. When it comes to anything for your hygiene ALWAYS bring extras. Like 4 or 5 in case they walk away or run out quicker than usual. Reading material is a personal preference but I find it easier so I don't have to worry about my electronics being dead. A small flashlight in case you're in the dark trying to look for something or reading before bed. Some people like to bring memory foam for more comfort or robes. Headphones so people coming in and out of the birthing won't disturb you if your sleeping.

The biggest thing is too be mentally ready to realize at some point you've forgotten something, ran out, or wish you would've brought something else to make it easier.