<p>Hi All,</p>
<p>MN Jaquie has just received her second sea year assignment -- THE BIG SAND BOX with Military SeaLift Command. She leaves 0500 4 MAR 2006.</p>
<p>Oh my gosh!! It seems like she has just returned from the first one. WOW! I didn't realize that they can go that quickly. Not very much time left before she goes. Is she excited? Sea Lift Command. Was that her first choice? Do they usually get their first choices? How long will she be gone this trip? What will she be working on? Sorry...Do Plebe parents stick out this badly everywhere else?</p>
<p>So glad to see you on here again! Happy Valentines' Day!!</p>
<p>Exciting! From the Pacific to the Atlantic and beyond! See the world! DS served some time with sealift command in the Pacific. Enjoyed it - had more time in port than on containership. But it may be way different where she is going. Over the 8 months, don't they switch among 2-3 ships for wider experience?</p>
<p>She is very excited. Her major requires that she does 90 + days as an engine cadet as well as her time on the deck. She will be in the engine room on a replenishment tanker. </p>
<p>As far as her choice -- She left the decision to her ATR as to what ship she went on. She told him that her main goal was to gain the most knowledge and experience and have the best opportunity for training vs the location and ship. </p>
<p>She is happy with her sea partner and is really looking forward to heading back to sea. She did exceptionally well on her last sea project and since she carried 26 credits this semester and a leadership position she is more than ready to go! </p>
<p>She just called while I was writing this and said she has not slept in 4 days -- 4 papers and 2 large projects to finish -- She hates groupwork (Assignments given to 6 MN) because She and one other MN end up doing the work for the group as they refuse to carry their weight, which means days on end with no sleep.</p>
<p>I am so happy that your Plebes are still doing well. Recognition is just around the corner.</p>
<p>Yes -- this is the first 93 days. She will do an internship in between and then will spend more time on another ship.</p>
<p>8kids welcome back... missed you.</p>
<p>I had the opportunity to give two 3rd classmen a ride recently. I had a million questions for them regarding their sea duty...both were very animated and provided lots of info. One had done the Mediterranean and northern Europe; the other the Pacific to Japan and mainland China. Unbelievable the experiences for such young people!</p>
<p>The one who did Europe, stopped in Belgium. Naturally, I asked if he sent his mom any Belgium chocolate ...and he did...what a nice boy!</p>
<p>Not to be outdone, the other young man told me that he purchased a beautiful Japanese tea set for his mother.... my son, seated in the front, no doubt was taking notes :)</p>
<p>Prayerful Mom,</p>
<p>Glad to hear from you. I bet yours is getting excited for recognition and then his first sea year will be right around the corner. He is "B" split, correct.</p>
<p>8kids...</p>
<p>Wow, your daughter is doing so well...you really must be thrilled.</p>
<p>The title of this thread that you started is "Second sea year" ...so, am I to understand that their 2nd sea year really begins at the end of 3c year depending on the A/B split. I am guessing, based on your post, that she will return in June. Will she return for more classes? I thought most of Jr. year was spent at sea and that was the second sea year..oh my, I am so confused!</p>
<p>And yes, my son is "B" split.</p>
<p>LFWB & JM, what split do your boys have? I'm guessng LFWB's is a B split due to wrestling.</p>
<p>8kidsmom your doughter is in for an adventure. I sailed for MSC for five years after graduation on underway replenishment tankers. It is amazing to see the operation first hand. Not many sailing on commercial ships have any idea. When one of the nuclear powered 1000 ft carriers comes alongside only 80 to 100 feet off the beam to receive jet fuel your jaw drops the first time you see it. On top of that they may conducting flight ops and it'll be dark too. Ships also usually get good R & R in a decent port. Hope she has a good trip.</p>
<p>Prayerful Mom,</p>
<p>Her second sea year begins in March and ends in November. It covers the third trimester of her 3rd class year, the summer and the first trimester of her 2nd class year. </p>
<p>Your son and she will be out for part of the same time -- all the "B" splits come home in November.</p>
<p>kpcheng81 </p>
<p>Thanks for the info -- I know she will really enjoy her time wherever she is assigned. She is really excited for the experience. We are really proud of her and we know she will do well. I am a little concerned about the area she is travelling too and for her safety but I suppose that is just a mom thing. It is reassuring to know that she has a good sea partner. She said that because of the area she is going she is unsure of how much time off in port if any they will have.</p>
<p>B Split here as well. And I had better get a tea set from Japan. If I don't, it had better be a kimono. I've already put in my order. The B splits to go out sometime in July? I'm almost happy about it because he'll get to be home at Christmas. He's not as he wanted to be gone from NY during the winter.....</p>
<p>JM,</p>
<p>They report for sea on Graduation night. Most try to leave right away. But that depends on their ship/major. For Marine Operations they need more sea days than any other major so it is expedient that they get out as soon as they can. In addition to sea days during their second sea year they have to complete an internship that lasts 3-6 weeks. We are still trying to get one approved -- She has submitted 6 and we are waiting to hear. Her sea partner was turned down on all of his so he is in scramble mode now.</p>
<p>"B" split is the best especially for those MN who are family oriented. Being away on the holidays is tough on them.</p>
<p>As far as being in NY in the winter -- she actually said other than being extremely busy this has been a great trimester. It has gone by fast and now she is going to sea again. When she comes back she will be a 2nd classman. WOW is time flying.</p>
<p>The other plus for "B" splits is that when it comes time for their Ring Dance they already know whether they are graduating while the "A" splits don't have their sea project tests completed and their grades back. The other advantage is that they have 5 trimesters together on campus and can really excel at academics and their sports during their 2nd and 1st class years.</p>
<p>8kids....so true about "B" split, my son really wants to be home at Christmas.</p>
<p>BTW, I copied your GREAT info concerning the sea project, pics, copies, etc...Plan to e-mail to my son at a later date...don't want to scare him off right now!</p>
<p>So, will your daughter be in the Persian Gulf or Port of Oman on the Military Sea LIft? I know that my son would love that assignment; of course, his mother would not :(</p>
<p>Hey, JM...thanks for the idea, a kimono. I think I'll drop a big hint for one of those as well.</p>
<p>Yes, she will spend time in the Persian Gulf -- Dubai and Quater probably -- not sure where else -- she is leaving from Houston and sailing thru Panama and west across the Pacific to the ME then back thru Suez and across the Atlantic to east coast. That is all she knows right now -- will know more once she is on the ship. </p>
<p>Right now the main concern is making it through finals -- and she is really worried because she has not slept more than 2 hours in the last 2 weeks. She is really having trouble remembering things.</p>
<p>She said -- I know this stuff and I know it well but I can't recall it --- my brain is not working.</p>