photo #1718339

50 years ago, when I was in the Navy, these days were known as "the duty days". I don't know anything about other services, because the Navy is a different ball game. IF your ship was in port this time of year, and you were single, you "swapped duty" with the married guys, especially ones with children, so they could spend time with them. The following week, it was turnabout so the single guys could celebrate New Year's in "Navy style". The tradition applies to shore duty as well, probably an extension of sea duty tradition. It's not as easy as it sounds, though. Most of the single guys were younger, and experience is a must. A married guy had to find somebody with his qualifications and knowledge, then fill out a Special Request, and forward it up the chain of command. Leading Petty Officers, Leading Chief's, Division Officer, Executive Officer, and Captain all had to sign off in order to insure operational readiness wasn't compromised. A lot of people don't understand what that's all about. It wasn't just two duty days in a row. Most ships are on three section duty. You have the duty every third day. This is because the ship may have to get underway at any time. There's got to be enough qualified people to insure that it can. To get a ship underway with only 1/3 of her crew requires people qualified to operate systems and perform duties at enhanced levels. If the ship's "cold iron", there's some time while firing up the boilers and engines which might help with recalls, but maybe not. If the ship's "hot iron", she may just execute an emergency breakaway, which consists of cutting lines and moving NOW. This isn't a joke, and the Navy doesn't treat it as one. We don't sit back and only do one job every day over and over. We've got to cross train, learn damage control, and firefighting. We've all got our primary function, general quarters stations, damage control party assignments, and fire team positions. As we progress in rank, we've got to qualify and pass additional military requirements. We've also got to study catastrophic first aid, and battle type medical conditions. Boot camp is a cram course that separates those who can't handle pressure from those who can, but only starts the process. If the married guy wants to swap with you, and he's Combat Information Center qualified, you've got to be qualified as well before the swap can take place. Your rating CAN matter, depending on your primary function, too. There's a limited number of fully qualified personnel to trade with, and was done well in advance. That's why "emergency leave" must be confirmed via the Red Cross. The primary mission is to save and fight the ship come what may, 24/7/365. Being an Electronics Technician, Radar Qualified, and Combat Information Center watch qualified, damage control assistant team leader, and Nozzleman on fire team six, I was one of those who was sought out early. I was always happy to do it, even after I was married because I didn't have children. Remember my shipmates this time of year, and their sacrifices. To ALL who serve, thank you. I might not know how things work in your branch, but I doubt you're partying either. Feel free to include your protocols here, just remember classified information WILL be deleted. Again, thanks for all you did and do. Our nation is blessed ! Remember our service people this time of year. They're on DUTY to protect our nation !