Congratulations on the orders, pickle. Seems like only yesterday you were trying to "friend" one of your department heads on Air Warriors (and yes, I still lurk here, helps me feel like an aviator on staff duty). Be careful out there, both in your next VP adventure and the VT's. I would concur with your well earned advice (though my theory of P-3 minutia has always been associated with the relative lack of mortal danger in our community as compared to many of our comrades).
Just found this forum and looks great. My active duty was as an A-6 B/N but I was able to get into VP-65 as a Reservist in 1991 and flew as a Nav/Comm for 4 years until I made CDR and was booted out LOL. I enjoyed the hell out of my tour there and have some fond memories of the big bird.
Pickle has learned a lot in the last almost 3 years. He's actually turned into a halfway decent human being (the husband and father part is still lacking severely, but whatever... he's "an effin' pilot, baby!"). He's learned to shut up and color in no small part from his DHs. What I've learned is that no matter how pissed you are at skeds, the DHs, the front office, or anyone in particular because your husband is SDO for the second time that week and multiple flights in the same week, do not show your ass. I have also learned to (mostly) shut up and color, but you can bet your sweet self that I will still put someone in their place if need be. I'm enjoying being a stay at home mom and wife, and I'm proud as hell of Pickle. I'm not ready to say goodbye to 46 and our life here, but I'm kind of excited to get back to Florida. Pickle is really excited about teaching on the T-6 down there. He may be a little "special needs," but he's still my Pickle!
Touche... Welcome back MrsP, I wondered where the Pickles went. After I stumbled into AW 'bout 3 years ago, you are the one who cajoled, then dragged me kicking & screaming, into posting a TINS tale or two...I guess it didn't bore anyone to death, 'cause ~850 posts later, I haven't been ban-boozled yet! BzB
***Posting a copy of this in my "mini-blog" for continuity purposes***From http://www.airwarriors.com/community/index.php?threads/carrier-deployments.39706/page-2#post-7138723 years, 1 month into the first Sea Duty squadron as a pilot:My brief to my Sailors is as follows:You joined to serve your country, you are going to do that. It is service, not fun party 9-5 job. That means you need to get every ounce back out of the Navy you can; MGIB, TA, understand how your service can translate to credits, get that A&P license...you are going to earn it, get yours. Put your family before your service, they will be there long after the Navy is. I cannot say I have always followed this advice.TINS: I am currently at home instead of on deployment (2 months early) fixing the mistakes I have made in my life that have affected my family. I spent too many hours at work fighting for that #1 EP instead of paying attention to my wife and kids. I missed soccer games, medical appointments, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I told my wife that she had to "suck it up" when she called me and the kids were in the closed pattern around her and she was trying to get stuff done and was overwhelmed. I worked so fucking hard at my job, quals, PQS, and flying, and when I would finally get home, I was too tired to do anything other than sit down on the couch, yell at the kids for making noise during Family Guy, and bitch at my wife because the house was dirty and the dinner wasn't made (sound familiar anyone?)Result: 4 hours into a 5th fleet mission this past weekend I got word from the command to "RTB immediately, as per Skipper." We landed, 2000 pounds overweight (again, as directed) to expedite. I was met by the CO, XO, OPSO, and SNO, and was informed that my wife had attempted suicide. She had swallowed an entire bottle of anti-depressants and a neighbor had called an ambulance.I, personally, have been blessed with a great Skipper, a great command, and especially a great wardroom. When the time came for them to step up, they met me with plane tickets home and orders in triplicate to take care of my family. But I got to that bad of a situation doing service for this Navy, and burned my family in the process. I don't feel like I did "extra" work, I did the work required for my job.9 hours later I was on a flight home with 24 long hours by myself on a plane or in a terminal to think about all the mistakes I had made while she was fighting for her life in a hospital. Longest fucking day of my life.Don't get me wrong, I love the Navy. Anyone that has flown/served/worked with me can vouch for that. I love to fly, I love leading Sailors, I even love the P-3. I have enjoyed my service, I would encourage anyone who wants a great opportunity to do something real with their lives that has a positive impact on the world to join. I am still commited to making Skipper, and being the first P-3 CNO. But I also am upfront about the toll it takes on you and your family.This is not the Navy's fault. I was incapable of balancing my career and my family. I was too good at compartmentalizing at work and not good enough at home. I would like to say I am the exception to the rule when it comes to marriage and the Navy, but the numbers don't lie, the military divorce rates are above the National divorce rates.Suicide rates are well above national rates...this job is hard on your life.That was my point. We are talking about it on a blog for Officers and potential Officers, not in the smokepit around my Sailors, we can be blunt.Pickle
Our thoughts and prayers for your family Pickle, sounds like you've got a great squadron helping you take care of things.
Reminded me... I'm Ass't Gun Boss on CVA-41, in drydock at Hunter's Pt. 1970. About 8pm I'm at SF Giant game @ Candlestick (right next door to SF Int'l Apt.). I get paged on their version of 1MC to report immediately to gate XX, I hurried smelling an emergency. Gun Boss on ship said my 6 yr. old Son (in Seattle), hit by car on a bicycle, in hospital, injuries undetermined, but condition not super-critical. He advised we have A/L reservation SFO-SEA (1+20), we'll pick you up at gate XX, we have your SDBs (will change in the airport head), also bringing emerg. leave papers - open-ended. Only 3 1/2 hrs after notification, I touched down at SeaTac! Having a great front office is awesome, makes a really tough tour mucho easier. I love it when the Navy "comes through" that way. BTW luckily, young Patrick BzB's moderate scrapes/bruises healed nicely, & I pray that Mrs. Pickles also heal quickly & fully as well! BzB
Thanks for all the well wishes; for all the faults and pain, there is no community/family closer than the Navy. I have realized that this week. Pickle
Thinking about MrsPickle. I spent time with her and your kids down here in Corpus when you were in flight school. Praying she makes a quick recovery.
