tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85094888123460968882012-02-16T21:37:30.303+03:00The rants and ramblings of a Navy man; learning about life, working a job, and still trying to find time for a level or two. UPDATED Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.comBlogger621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-53775047831686856192011-06-17T00:26:00.005+03:002011-06-17T01:08:32.205+03:00

Holy crap, I can't believe it either. You got an email in your inbox saying there was a new Sailor Harry post. I figured I had given up on it to. Trust me, I'm just as shocked as you are. I couldn't sleep, so what the heck, I guess I'll knock one out if anyone's interested. No? Doesn't matter.I was going to title this post "I'm Tired", then drag on and on about all the things I'm tired of in my

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-83733966870288597832011-05-02T13:01:00.004+03:002011-05-02T13:14:05.101+03:00

In this joyous occasion, I would like to serenade you with a patriotic hit. A song that should be played around the world as loud as possible. From every mountain top, in every valley. On every street corner, and of course, every cave along the border of Afghanistan/Pakistan... Or custom built terrorist mansion in Islamabad. Warning, strong language.America, F*** Yeah (Click the link "Play" at

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-90348024424639314782011-04-28T20:35:00.002+03:002011-04-28T21:02:10.402+03:00

What can I say? You do one war zone, you gotta do the other. "War zone". That's funny to say. When you grow up as a child and fantasize about "Saving Private Ryan" in the woods with sticks, or playing Call of Duty, this place doesn't strike you as a war zone. Don't get me wrong, as cliche as it might sound, I am at the Tip of the Spear.Being on the border of Pakistan might not sound appealing to

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-30596132594005273812011-01-14T01:52:00.003+03:002011-01-14T04:17:41.870+03:00

Let's start the New Year off right with a new post! Finally I have a true reason to come back home to this blog. 2011. A shrine to me.Truthfully, I am posting today to tease you all to the actual reasoning why I've started up again. Yes I could go on about my time spent back home or back in Norfolk. I could spend the time to regale stories of my weeks at Ground C School. And it seem appropriate

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-70296473538694912072010-03-26T12:07:00.002+03:002010-03-26T12:34:12.320+03:00

Finally something worth writing about. Our mission to Haiti is finally over. What? You thought I cam back with the rest of the other Navy ships a couple weeks ago? Nope. MY ship was one of the very first ones in and the last to leave. Funny how that is. It was a bit frustrating to see the news coverage of the Comfort returning and how the media basically reported the US military's mission in

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-47005777284393686782010-02-19T18:33:00.003+03:002010-02-19T21:42:51.457+03:00

Well it looks like my estimated time of return was incorrect. So wrong in fact that it would seem we have another month and a half left of this mission. It will be the most time I've been out at sea for one period, (without stepping foot on land). Hell of a way to end a tour on the LHD 5.The mission has been long and is starting to wear us down. Tempers are short and we simply desire a date of

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-25519623047508766912010-01-25T04:06:00.004+03:002010-01-25T06:08:05.224+03:00

Most people in the service have been part of something significant. Most have a story to tell, whether good or bad. Then there are those that have stories of personal accomplishments and experiences. Lastly, you have those that have stories that tend to be the most entertaining. Unfortunately, the best ones usually do not start or finish with a positive outcome for the storyteller. While not my

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-15906191933772886162010-01-24T20:42:00.004+03:002010-01-24T21:25:44.861+03:00

USS Bataan's CMC puts his guidance into the Plan of the Day after two days of secured showers.

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-28582205147093501792010-01-24T04:29:00.004+03:002010-01-24T05:41:52.201+03:00

The days go by and Bataan keeps dishing out the help. After another successful underway replenishment, the ship became full of aid supplies and is continually transporting it to shore as I type this. This mission has allowed Bataan to reach some milestones, including the transport of 600 pallets of supplies. (A big RAS usually only has about 200 pallets). The supplies include MREs, medicine,

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-51616092072599691232010-01-22T05:44:00.013+03:002010-01-22T06:59:24.665+03:00

Among the numerous stories from the international press and media, putting the United States' support in relief efforts, (including domestic, far-left liberal dribble), in a negative light, the most comical of them all comes directly from Hugo Chavez's mouth. The Venezuelan "President" has discovered the awful truth behind the destruction of Port-Au-Prince: "U.S. Hit Haiti with 'Earthquake Weapon

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-59155292315392623052010-01-21T07:04:00.012+03:002010-01-21T09:02:03.641+03:00

This morning the crew was literally shook awake. Thoughts of the ship running aground were soon gone as it was announced we experienced an aftershock (6.1). We're fine, and besides scaring the people to death, there was no word on efforts halting or the situation worsening.Bataan and Comfort are here and doing our jobs. You know what they say; a picture is worth a thousand words.

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-2514061687989699512010-01-20T10:31:00.008+03:002010-01-20T13:06:15.116+03:00

USS BATAAN and the 22 MEU reached its staging point off the coast of Haiti approximately 1500 yesterday. We are currently providing support to humanitarian efforts on the ground, via our helos and landing crafts, and have sent marines and aid throughout yesterday afternoon. The Comfort has been on our tail since this thing started and should arrive tomorrow.The USNS Comfort is ready and capable.

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-89119330701647732342010-01-19T09:09:00.007+03:002010-01-19T13:33:40.478+03:00

While not close enough yet to provide support, USS BATAAN is currently less than 50 nautical miles from Port-au-Prince. There has currently been news reports circulating that some countries, particularly their leaders, feel that the U.S. is using this humanitarian effort as a cover for its real agenda. Accusations of an American invasion/occupying force have begun to wear away at an already

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-6399761197706239472010-01-18T09:45:00.003+03:002010-01-18T14:14:41.432+03:00

Currently having issues posting images as bandwidth on the ship is limited. I will hopefully be able to post the image itself at a later time but can be accessed with the link provided. The damage sustained at the piers is noticeable and the building on the upper right corner is completely gone.Imagery is UNCLASS and can be accessed here.BATAAN and the 22 MEU is currently less than 200 nautical

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-64301195548707969302010-01-17T13:16:00.006+03:002010-01-17T13:48:20.888+03:00

Four years from now, I was on a bus headed for basic training. Now, much like my birthday in Iraq, there is no beer in sight to celebrate the occasion. Still headed to Haiti, obviously, and should get there in a couple days. I'll keep posting and updating how things go.

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-7702108814677203482010-01-17T11:56:00.007+03:002010-01-17T12:40:24.910+03:00

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. – The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) began onloading approximately 1,700 personnel and their equipment today aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission to aid the people of Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12. The ships of the relief mission and the 22nd MEU were mobilized and ready to depart their home bases within 48 hours of being

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-36470654997950509372010-01-16T09:56:00.004+03:002010-01-16T10:31:50.536+03:00

Long time no post. A continuing trend, and I apologize. I am currently off the coast of North Carolina, en route to Haiti aboard the USS Bataan, along with the 22 MEU. We are headed to the island nation to assist with Humanitarian efforts in response to a catastrophic earthquake that shook the island apart, leaving a people already stricken with poverty, further destitute and desperate.As of know

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-34623681707914329252009-12-05T16:26:00.008+03:002009-12-06T02:00:58.269+03:00

This will be my 50th post total. I've kept logs, journals, and online things before, but this is the longest I've ever dedicated to one of them. The last month has gone by at a decent pace; not too slow, not too fast. And while I am curious to see who I'll be working with and what my work will entail back on board my ship, I am still ever hesitant to return to Norfolk. What is keeping me from

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-49801223381469377652009-11-16T06:40:00.004+03:002009-11-16T07:58:07.036+03:00

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, out at sea, or wherever he's at.Wow, haven't done a POTD in a few weeks. Currently sitting in my Grandmother's guest room. Been nearly a decade since I've been in this house, yet when we pulled up in her car Friday, it was all too familiar. No complaints or negativity, just felt

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-68853492993482650112009-11-09T17:45:00.003+03:002009-11-09T18:14:05.972+03:00

Yeah, late posting is no stranger around these parts. Like I said before, thought the adventure is over, I want to keep this thing running. I left Kuwait like a bat out of Hell, looking ahead and ready to be welcomed back like someone you ask, "You were gone?" Nah, just kidding.No posts from Germany? What the hell Harry, you made us loyal readers a promise! True. But what if I never made it to

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-68127766408115899922009-10-25T08:37:00.002+03:002009-10-25T08:45:08.731+03:00

Sailor Harry here, disproving those that thought I wouldn't make it ut of Iraq alive. Sorry to dissapoint, though knowing me, no one is dissapointed. In fact, I'm sure you all are estatic as I am for being close to returning home. Well, you're wrong. Why? It has been the shared feeling of most that it doesn't feel like we're going home yet. Maybe it won't hit us till we're in civilian clothes on

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-66191301359742157262009-10-24T10:16:00.003+03:002009-10-24T10:40:04.783+03:00

Don't you loving waiting for something? Anything? I love to wait. Hell, I wait to wait. Going to Kuwait... eventually.

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-40905897321990469822009-10-23T17:16:00.003+03:002009-10-23T17:44:18.350+03:00

Holy Hell! Almost out of this place and all I have to show for it is a tan and a tee-shirt. OK, maybe a little more and not dissapointed in the least. Nice to be with most of the original team again, and the picture shows that we are all happy to be together and soon on our way home. I will update our progress as we go along and so people don't think this blog was temporary I do plan on sticking

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-31178135914251885802009-10-22T11:03:00.005+03:002009-10-22T11:23:44.379+03:00

USO gave us a treat here in Baghdad. 10 cartoonists came to visit us here and I was able to sit down and chat with Stephen Pastis while he drew me one of my family's favorite charachters from his strip, Pearls Before Swine. Most of USO hosted events would get canceled when I was at Speicher or Brassfield, so it was nice to actually be a part of this one. This post is short as I've included

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-86811149715019166352009-10-20T15:53:00.004+03:002009-10-20T16:09:56.120+03:00

Just a heads up, this tend to be a bit obscene. If you are against foul language, don't watch. If you do watch, you forgo the right to complain to me about it. Don't like bad language, don't watch. Very funny, to say the least:

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-4585002592932896042009-10-20T13:48:00.004+03:002009-10-20T14:20:37.102+03:00

Today, Sailor Harry got a nice, shiny Army Commedation medal.For exceptionally meritorious service while serving as an intelligence analyst for Weapons Intelligence Team One in support of OIF. IS2 Atchison's dedication during combat operations in Iraq contributed significantly to the command's mission success. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-44113655962765440402009-10-19T01:22:00.005+03:002009-10-19T02:46:35.077+03:00

I think it's safe to presume that many of my friends' reactions when I broke the news to them that I'd be in a place full of sand, high temperatures, and a significant lack of booze. I had gone on and on about how I wanted to come to Iraq for so long, but as how things go with life, most assumed that I would see that grass isn't the color it was previously assumed. Many figured I would do the

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-32610421251929968922009-10-17T20:42:00.002+03:002009-10-17T20:52:46.281+03:00

Listening to random music on my iPod. Bonus points for the person who can guess which song has the following monologue:Today, I made an appearance downtown.I am an expert witness; Because I say I am.And I said, "Gentleman." And I use that world loosely.I will testify for you.I'm a gun for hire. I'm a saint. I'm a liar.Because there are no facts. There is no truth.Just data to be manipulated.I

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-84514845498251185292009-10-17T19:11:00.004+03:002009-10-17T19:32:23.907+03:00

I get here and the first thing I do is complain. WTF Harry? Jeeze, it's not like you'll be off to Kuwait and then home in a week... Oh right, I am. Wahoo! Wahoo, indeed.The part of Baghdad I'm at actually has several cool things to see as there is literally a palace in my backyard and a man-made lake. Along the lake are several cool houses right on the water and the architecture is actually quite

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-20515185279558431002009-10-16T22:28:00.001+03:002009-10-16T22:31:52.538+03:00

Sometimes, when I need help understanding the opposite sex, I turn to Sarah Haskins.

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-52102697557754286272009-10-16T19:20:00.001+03:002009-10-16T19:22:53.858+03:00

Baghdad, I already know that we will get along so well. With your endless stream of Brass and uptight NCOs, where uniform regulation is most important, and PT belts reign supreme. Yes, Baghdad, full of history and never-ending headaches. The trip here wasn't peaches either. Who doesn't love being a sardine on a C-130, a fulll bladder and no where to relieve yourself for the next 3 hours? I

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-88337804041757832492009-10-14T21:55:00.005+03:002009-10-14T22:15:03.251+03:00

Getting ready for a flight to Ballad, then to Baghdad. Don't I look thrilled? Maybe because I'm going off of 2 hours of sleep for two days. I love you insomnia. Which brings me to another bane of my existence; Red Bull. Ah yes, the piss of demons, disguised as a gift from the angels. Back on my first deployment, I went through a 4 pack a day for 2 months, STRAIGHT. Kind of swore of the liquefied

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-54205222914819174932009-10-14T03:47:00.004+03:002009-10-14T04:33:42.029+03:00

Finally. After waiting for weeks and being delayed by a bad copy, I was able to see "District 9". Simply because of the fact that it looked like the best sci-fi movie this year, but also because of it being directed by Neill Bloomkamp. Besides having an extra "l" in his first name, Neill was originally given the duty to direct the now postponed Halo movie. I needed to see what could have

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-91929274266533506992009-10-13T17:39:00.005+03:002009-10-13T19:09:31.107+03:00

So the Army has places set around Iraq called Freedom Rest. Long explanation short, it's a place where troops can go a take a 3-day break. No set times or requirements, just 3 full days of do what you want, when you want. The small compound, (and I do mean small), came complete with a pool and 3 jacuzzies, 24-hour kitchen, plenty of computers, pool tables, and plenty of phones to call home. Let

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-52758670560087320342009-10-12T13:55:00.002+03:002009-10-12T14:13:47.837+03:00

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-89383968634852214062009-10-07T11:08:00.004+03:002009-10-07T11:25:01.556+03:00

Sorry, kind of been in a Halo-mood this past week. Ended up helping out at another Partnership event. Though this time, I mistook it for simple training. Boy was I wrong. Seems it was more along the line of a huge publicity stunt for high brass and Iraqi leaders. So what did that mean for Sailor Harry. Oh I had the besttest of times! Who wouldn't want to sit in full gear, inside one of the

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-83108069963494712932009-10-06T18:26:00.006+03:002009-10-07T11:26:57.074+03:00

Yes, I got a custom patch that says ODST* on it.Yes, I wore it around the whole entire base.Yes, I got yelled at for it. Yes, it was worth it and totally awesome!....Yes, I'm still single.*(ODST is the newest game in the Halo video game series. ODST stands for Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.)Want a patch? LET ME KNOW!

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-64584915465654125072009-09-29T01:22:00.004+03:002009-09-29T01:50:42.795+03:00

Gah! I missed last week due to work, prepping for turnover with incoming Army. This picture represents where I'm at in this deployment: I've ran clean into the proverbial wall. We all have reached that wall in our lives, and simply left in a complete daze, stumbling over our feet and muttering, "But I don't want to go to work mommy. I want to stay home and bake cookies with you." It's like being

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-36475293082098334142009-09-17T14:15:00.003+03:002009-09-17T14:25:32.375+03:00

It seems everyday there's something new that our new Presidential Administration is doing to either worry or piss me off. I said from the start that my number one worry about Obama was his lack of experience and foreign policy.Scrapping our missile defense shield in Europe, in my opinion, will do us more harm than good. As the days go by I really want to tell this Administration where they can

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-81887613131414057532009-09-14T14:49:00.006+03:002009-09-16T10:55:28.042+03:00

Seems I left for Iraq at a crazy time for our country. Health Care Reform, North Korea test firing missiles, and a global pandemic. The first couple of months in country, it seems people were panicking about the newest "Black Plague". The media made it sound as if people weredropping like flies, Mexico was a biohazard, and it wasn't safe to go to school. Was it safe to eat pork? How can I prevent

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-89929261101019564372009-09-14T09:08:00.000+03:002009-09-14T09:13:29.114+03:00

There's two reasons why I like doing "ten things" lists. You guys love them and it makes it easier on me when I seem to have writer's block and can't figure what to post.Today we go over some of the things you don't want to hear before going outside the wire.1. This is my first time!2. I'm headed home. Been here an entire year with nothing.3. Intel says they don't expect anything.4. @*$%! I

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-18223830530106540322009-09-12T08:00:00.002+03:002009-09-12T08:09:12.853+03:00

Well Timmy, when a man loves a woman very much, but hates America, a stork makes a magical journey from a mystical land called Iran. Then the stork decides to take a dump on the nearest Humvee it can find.But that's just a fairy tale, so it isn't true. Right daddy?You would think seeing something like this would make me mad, but for us Intel nerds, we simply smirk. Go figure. I thought IED

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-61648714023725104382009-09-10T02:44:00.002+03:002009-09-10T02:57:26.072+03:00

A friend of mine about to go into the military asked me the other day of what made a good deployment? Is it the action, or the satisfaction of doing one's service? As I was in the middle of some good Halo multiplayer, (and I'll be damned if anyone comes between me and the Master Chief), I told him I would take some time to really think about it and come back with a real answer.So after saving

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-87099585136107430082009-09-05T01:44:00.003+03:002009-09-05T02:10:22.747+03:00

Ah, another year has come and gone, and a certain special someone has become a year older. The year was filled with ups and downs, but thankfully it has been more of a positive experience. Thanks to the birthday wishes and to my grandma and parents for their birthday packages, they were awesome. The only thing that would have made them any more awesome-er isif you guys mailed yourselves, (then

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-64107904276121925032009-08-09T01:06:00.003+03:002009-08-09T01:34:23.048+03:00

I've spent quite a bit of time working with EOD, learning what they do, how they do it, and what keeps them coming back for more. Not so much the Hollywood action heroes, fighting the desert heat while racing against time choosing between the red or blue wire, though I'm sure in that situation, they would do just fine. What I discovered was a tight-knit community that enjoys a good laugh, a hard

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-10094100991026093562009-08-07T17:47:00.003+03:002009-08-07T19:40:19.569+03:00

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day.Just a glimpse at what EODC is cooking up at the office. Here's a picture of what he's recreating. I hope to have a picture of the end result. He's using left over frag from previous missions and what was laying around the TOC.Not much has happened but I'll be

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-69581983420827792882009-08-04T17:44:00.003+03:002009-08-04T23:35:48.976+03:00

Checklist for when I get back1. "Mission Accomplished" Beer2. Homecoming party/BBQ3. Kiss pretty girl4. Full-body massage5. Near-Coma sleep fest6. Xbox Live marathon7. Visit friend in Pennsylvania8. Visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Frankie in Seattle9. Visit Grandma Jo in Oregon10. Brag about how much money was saved on deployment11. Somehow spend it all on women and booze12. Immediately regret spending

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-47067715554099676702009-08-02T23:02:00.003+03:002009-08-02T23:08:41.317+03:00

18 years; 18 long years. The remains of Capt. Speicher were found by Marines today. This brings closure to his family and a search that has been ongoing for a long time. The full story can be read here.If you notice, I am currently at COB Speicher. Last week I looked into the name and found out that it was named after the Navy pilot. Funny how all this has happend in less than a week. Finally

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-79578107524820135362009-08-01T21:32:00.004+03:002009-08-01T21:49:46.128+03:00

I know the quality kind of sucks, but that's the best my web cam does. It's a copy of the May, 2009 issue of the Army's 25th Infantry Division's monthly newsletter/magazine, "Lightning Strikes". Way back when I first came here, I did my first demo, along with some engineers and Army press. They had the pics from the demo shot and it included me. Not exactly Newsweek awesome, but I thought it was

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-47533254762373072172009-07-29T22:14:00.004+03:002009-07-29T22:43:27.172+03:00

What to write about? If that wasn't a rhetorical question! Whew, has work drained me these last couple of weeks. IEDs, evidence coming in, people to meet, training sessions, a joint Iraqi-US EOD conference... I've been working hard, to say the least. But let me talk about the conference.The Iraqi Police, (IP), came to Speicher for a conference with Navy EOD. While the IP Colonels spoke with our

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-90189489742939091452009-07-23T01:33:00.004+03:002009-07-23T03:02:43.466+03:00

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day.Sooooooooooooooo, yeah. I hate the fact I keep lolly-gagging when it comes to updating this thing. Sadly, this is due to the fact that, like most, I'm simply lazy and have the self-righteous interpretation of not wanting to be bothered. As much as I want you all

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-28004433570893270432009-07-15T23:03:00.002+03:002009-07-15T23:32:45.823+03:00

Let me start by apologizing by my recent lack of postings. I hate falling behind, but to be honest, not much has changed where I'm at.I did however get an email from my ship listing the available orders that I will be able to choose from for my next duty station. I know I said my first choice was England, but that has yet to be seen as available. So far I can choose from:MarylandVirginiaNorth

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-46264048898275664112009-07-07T16:56:00.006+03:002009-07-07T17:12:32.479+03:00

Three calls in a 24-hour period runs you ragged, believe me.Before every call, I make sure I do these following steps:1. Roger up on the radio.2. Ensure uniform is sat.3. Make sure I have camera and memory card.4. Grab body armor and WIT backpack, and get into EOD vehicle.5. Put on body armor, helmet, and gloves6. Load magazine into 9mm Beretta pistol.7. Listen to debrief.8. Rock out to "For

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-43562769058636473642009-07-07T06:23:00.004+03:002009-07-07T06:49:36.274+03:00

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day."Young Fans" - I should have known this would have happenend. I go and write that we rarely get a call these days. I went on two in one day, yesterday. This picture was taken on the fifth. Right before I could post my last one, we got the call and off I went. We

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-12738783491018359082009-07-04T06:43:00.002+03:002009-07-05T22:38:45.519+03:00

Funny how fast a year can go by. You don't realize it till you stop and actually think about it. Another year, another Independence day. Last Year, I was in Boston when my ship pulled in. Boston was awesome and I went and saw the Boston Pops, getting myself on TV every other five minutes. Now I'm in Iraq. If you would have told me last year what I would be doing at this exact moment, a year later

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-66376631589435183072009-07-02T18:21:00.004+03:002009-07-02T18:40:12.698+03:00

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day."The Real Bomberman" - Today's picture shows one of the many heroes out here. After the rope attached to both of the charges thrown from our truck, snapped. SFC Bray put on the bomb suit, faced the brutal heat, and attached the line to do a remote pull. Finally

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-25719054844772820082009-06-30T12:29:00.003+03:002009-07-01T03:08:04.360+03:00

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day."Root for the Home Team" - Luckl, last year, I was able to see a couple Blue Crabs games last year during their first season. I remember going to Bowie and seeing the Baysocks, and now my family doesn't have to go that far to see a game. The stadium is nice and

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-90482474033823679912009-06-29T16:16:00.005+03:002009-06-30T01:33:42.148+03:00

I am, of course, being sarcastic. Last week was filled with so much news, it was almost a little hard for this dirt sailor to keep up with. Famous deaths, protests in Iran, and cautious happenings with our buddies in North Korea. I decided to pass sometime reading, what I thought was an appropriate book at the time.Better knock, what I consider the least important news stories, out first. Farrah

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-68034413401867385242009-06-25T21:38:00.007+03:002009-06-25T21:49:54.436+03:00

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day."Green Haze" - Today's pic is a glimpse through night vision. Night vision is cool and thought I'd share it with you. It's cool because there is nothing funnier than scaring someone so bad that they scream and draw their weapon on you. Wait, maybe it isn't.

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-76229376043068069342009-06-25T16:41:00.002+03:002009-06-25T16:50:01.062+03:00

Weird Al has just released a new single, titled "Craigslist", which can be found here. Unfortunately, being outside the US, I cannot purchase it to review it for you, however the preview makes it sound like a tribute to The Doors, complete with groan-y lyrics and organ solos. NPR even did a review on it, which I think they gave the man justice.If anyone downloads this, please let me know how it

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-73991116348371418682009-06-25T16:00:00.007+03:002009-06-25T16:21:50.769+03:00

Operation Gratitude's mission is simple:About Operation Gratitude:Operation Gratitude is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer organization that annually sends 100,000+ care packages of items and letters addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile overseas regions. Our mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and to express to our Armed

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509488812346096888.post-65632667024103635582009-06-24T01:45:00.007+03:002009-06-25T21:51:06.637+03:00

"This is the first night of the tour. Thought I'd give it a try." - Robin Williams: Live 2002So I thought I'd go for this blog thing. Apparently a couple of my emails back home were funny enough for a couple people to comment that I should save a few of them. Firstly, I will post the couple good ones. Look forward to my daily pics from Iraq and some quick stories for your entertainment and

Sailor Harryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12912616909290147262noreply@blogger.com1