In The Land of Japan

I've been away for almost two weeks now.  It's not an easy day when I'm away from my family.  So far, I've done little, accomplished almost nothing, and been tasked with many, many things.  The responsibilities started piling on the day I started.  Since I've landed I have been given many hats.  Some I will keep, some will go away.  You may be wondering what I do here, and I'm going to tell you.

Echo Company Commander: In charge of camp maintenance and construction projects, responsible for approximately 100 people.  I will be losing this position this week when the LT comes in.  This is typically not a job for an Ensign.

Camp Maintenance Officer:  In charge of all camp maintenance work for Camp Shields.  Right now, there is a galley renovation that I will be working on.  Responsible for approximately 40 people.

The Boot:  In charge of scheduling events for the Ward Room.  This is the position for the most junior ensign.  I have an actual concrete-filled boot that I take to every officer event.  This is a rich Navy tradition.  I will be losing this position in December once the new ensigns come aboard.

Watch Officer for Yama Sukara:  In charge of advising marine personnel about all the things the Seabees can do for the marines.  Not much known yet, it's a training exercise for the marines that will be happening in time to come.

Public Affairs Officer: In charge of all things that are released to the public from NMCB 11.  Responsible for two people.  They have other jobs also.  I will be getting another person to work for me here next month.

Air Detachment Commander: In charge of the group of people who would be sent out first if something were to happen which required Seabees.  The real job will happen for our Field Exercise.  The Air Det will play a role in that training exercise.

So, on any given day so far, I've split my time between all of that.  I have plenty to keep me busy.  Meanwhile, I'll be starting to study for my Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist pin.  It takes about a year to get, there's a lot of work to be done.

I've not done much since my time on the island, although I've been fortunate to have a two day weekend and a three day weekend.  I've been to a Japanese fast food restaurant where I quickly learned that a Japanese size Large is a Timothy size Medium-Small.  This weekend I was a part of the world's largest tug-of-war in Naha.  It was spectacular.  The event typically brings in 25,000 people.  The rest of the day was spent in the shop district of Naha.  It's like the miracle mile of Chicago, but Japanese style.

More work will be coming this week and soon I'll be having my feet underneath me.