I've never met a Sailor that didn't love his/her ship. Do sister services have the same sort of relationship with any of their equipment?

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:01:03 -0400

Ask any Sailor: ships are living, breathing entities. They have moods, and idiosyncrasies just like humans do. They have good habits and bad ones (yes, literally, for example, THIS ship's turn radius is slightly more than her sister's because her rudder is slightly looser, etc). They talk to you. For the first hour on board, the background whine of gas turbines will annoy you. From that point on, you will notice instantly when it changes, or stops, and over time, you will come to instantly know the reason why: course change? Power up/down? Something is wrong? She will tell you how fast she's going by how much she's grumbling. She will gurgle at you from THIS pipe junction at THIS time, every day, like clockwork. She will whisper quietly to you with the hiss of the passage of her hull through the water (yes, you can hear that when it's quiet), while at the same time treating you to a light show as she passes through phosphorescence. She will whine and moan and grumble and toss and turn. You just have to learn her language. When she's unhappy, she will blare alarms at you. She will enfold you in comfort when it's time to sleep, gently swaying and easing your trip to never-never land.

Most importantly, when it's time, she will FIGHT for you. Maybe even die for you, or with you. And she will be a raging, powerful, roaring bitch in that moment, and you can be sure that she will not be the only one dying that day.

I've never met a Sailor that didn't love his / her ship. Sometimes they'll exasperate you, but there's a continuity, a -connection- with every Sailor that's ever set foot on her. A very real sense of responsibility to continue her legacy, add to it, be part of it, best as you may. It's an exclusive community that even other Sailors from other ships don't get to join, particular to each ship, unless they come and serve on yours, too. There's a reason Sailors always talk fondly of their ships -- and never their shore stations. Why at every single decommissioning a whole community of Sailors, SM's and Vets alike, are saddened.

So that's my question: Army, Air Force? Do you have a similar situation with anything? As for Marines...I wouldn't be surprised if you feel the same as Sailors, if you've embarked, but feel free to answer, as well.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 30 at 2015 9:09 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:09:10 -0400

Ships are an extension of us. We're part of the ship. We live and die by each other. The ocean is a cold dark place which is trying to kill us both, and without each other it will in quick order.

Being on or in a ship is one of the most miserable experiences you can have. Being part of the ship is one of the greatest. There's a point where it stops being this horrible monster where you are staying to a home, or at least a home away from home.

I've had the pleasure of living on the Kitty, & the Cleveland, and calling the Essex home.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 30 at 2015 9:10 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:10:36 -0400

SN Greg Wright absolutely as a former Drill Sergeant in the United States Army. I love my M2 .50 Cal Machine Gun.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Browning

M2 Browning - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The M2 Machine Gun or Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun is a heavy machine gun designed towards the end of World War I by John Browning. Its design is similar to Browning's earlier M1919 Browning machine gun, which was chambered for the .30-06 cartridge. The M2 uses the much larger and much more powerful .50 BMG cartridge, which was developed alongside and takes its name from the gun itself (BMG standing for Browning Machine Gun). It has been...

Response by SN Alex Tufail made Sep 30 at 2015 9:14 PM

SN Alex Tufail — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:14:24 -0400

I loved the Nimitz.

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Sep 30 at 2015 9:14 PM

Cpl Clinton Britt — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:14:29 -0400

Two weeks aboard the USS San Bernadino was enough for me

Response by SN Alex Tufail made Sep 30 at 2015 9:14 PM

SN Alex Tufail — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:14:32 -0400

I loved the Nimitz.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Sep 30 at 2015 9:22 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:22:37 -0400

SN Greg Wright I don't know about loving it,Greg,but i was awfully fond of my rifle.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 30 at 2015 9:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:47:03 -0400

Yes we named our tanks, mine was named Diplomacy Failed.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Sep 30 at 2015 9:48 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:48:30 -0400

I worked on an AN/GRC24 transmitter back in the early 70's that we swore was Possessed.... Serial number 111............It was there when i got to the Unit and was still there when I left.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 10:27 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 22:27:56 -0400

I love my chair...

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Sep 30 at 2015 10:45 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 22:45:19 -0400

It can depend greatly on the ship. It was less than love on my last ship. The XO would not go onto an open deck after dark without a master-at-arms with him. Draw your own conclusions! The ship before that was great! Even those of us who knew we were not going to make the Navy a career were pretty gung-ho.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Sep 30 at 2015 11:17 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 23:17:55 -0400

My husband said he loved the USS Esteem, minsweeper, Korean era ship. He was heartbroken when they decommissioned the old girl and sent her to the scrap yards. He didn't even get a deck plank to keep.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 11:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 23:24:03 -0400

Tanks and armored personnel carriers definitely have their own moods, personalities, and frequently end up named. Even if that name is... *ahem*... unprintable in a semi-public forum.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Sep 30 at 2015 11:48 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 23:48:07 -0400

Marines and their rifles. A love story.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 1 at 2015 12:22 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 00:22:58 -0400

08A, my first flight, first solo, first solo cross-country. First time I was sucked up into a thunder cloud and fortunately spit out in one piece. Got turned sideways by wingtip vortex on the tactical runway 50 feet off the deck, and she responded in slow motion into a wheel landing. I loved that plane; it would do anything I asked of it. As you said, each one had its personality, and this one was my favorite.

Response by CPT Jason Mitchell, MBA made Oct 1 at 2015 12:43 AM

CPT Jason Mitchell, MBA — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 00:43:17 -0400

The MRAP (Dash model) that saved my (and my crew's) ass from a 100lb ammonium-nitrate IED. We all walked away without a front end on the vehicle, and with it sitting in a 20' crater. I still love that thing to this day.

Response by Cpl Micah Wing made Oct 1 at 2015 12:55 AM

Cpl Micah Wing — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 00:55:39 -0400

Us Marines love our rifles!

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 1 at 2015 1:15 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 01:15:20 -0400

I was NOT a sailor but was a member of the Marines Guard Mount for the USS Constitution & learned later about her history. Proud to say I guarded her from 2400 hrs to 0400 hrs for a few months at the Boston Navy Yard...And going aboard this old ship is a great experience and would recommend it for your kids when she gets out of drydock for repairs in a few years..

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Oct 1 at 2015 1:36 AM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 01:36:27 -0400

IDK...I'm thinking this is a sailor thing...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 2:25 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 02:25:47 -0400

I'd have to agree. As a flying/dedicated crew chief I can't explain my love for these birds. It's certainly love/hate but I never wanna leave the c130!

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Oct 1 at 2015 4:22 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 04:22:41 -0400

Stationed on a ship was the most enjoyable to me. Yeah, we stood watch and did drills but it was nice to relax as well. We had a few steel beach picnics and swim call.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 1 at 2015 6:21 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 06:21:17 -0400

I often cursed my ships when I was stationed on them and missed them when I left! My favorite ship was always "my last one."

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 1 at 2015 6:21 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 06:21:29 -0400

... SN Wright USS Constitution unloading a volley from her gun mounts

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 1 at 2015 6:37 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 06:37:24 -0400

I have a complaint against the Navy....why do you breakout with better chow once the Marine Landing Party goes ashore and there are no Marines onboard??? You seem to save the best chow for the Navy Ship's company once Marines have embarked from your ships... That is no way to treat your guests IMHO

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 7:17 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 07:17:58 -0400

I've called 3 carriers home during my first sea duty alone. the boats themselves I loved. Certain COC's, not so much. And for months after I got back, I couldn't sleep without hearing cat shots.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 1 at 2015 7:25 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 07:25:56 -0400

The woobie.... Everyone loves their woobie...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 8:05 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 08:05:46 -0400

I was fortunate enough to serve on not one, but two ships of the same class...SHREVEPORT and PONCE. It really is amazing how despite being largely identical in every respect...the two had distinct and very different "character". They even handled different...which was a little more than surprising (The Ole' Super-Gator could out turn the PONCE every time).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 8:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 08:36:42 -0400

I do not have a boat, except the one for bath time.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 1 at 2015 9:12 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 09:12:53 -0400

As a tanker for 26-years, I can tell you that every beast I was on from the M60A3 when I first came in, "Deathdealer-66" to my last ride as a PSG during OIF, M1A1 "Animal Instinct", was a living extension of the crew. It was our home away from home, and if we did not absolutely need to get off of it, we didn't, "Death Before Dismount". The tank was our "War Pig" providing us survivability as well as a whole lotta lethality, and believe me whomever was on the receiving end of the 120mm Main Gun or the 7.62mm coax machinegun or the "Ma Deuce" from the commanders position, knew they were in for a bad day!! "TREAT 'EM ROUGH!!"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 10:03 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 10:03:02 -0400

Only tankers and scouts are that weird in the Army! :)

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Oct 1 at 2015 10:09 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 10:09:04 -0400

This is similar to an Aircraft Maintenance troop who loves their planes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 10:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 10:36:37 -0400

Tanks all have an interesting personality and each tank is different. And I loved every one of them!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 1 at 2015 10:49 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 10:49:31 -0400

SN Greg Wright not all sailors love their ships. For some it's love/hate, some it's just hate... It all depends on the command climate...

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 10:53 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 10:53:32 -0400

Yep. Each jet has her quirks, and after a couple hundred hours, you can tell what the power settings on the engines are just from the sound they make.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Oct 1 at 2015 11:17 AM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 11:17:18 -0400

Yes, I worked Buffs, C-141Bs and C-17s Love them all.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 1 at 2015 12:43 PM

SSgt David Tedrow — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:43:41 -0400

When I was a tanker in the Marines, you tend to have a love/hate relationship with your tank.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 12:57 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:57:34 -0400

It's not as big of a connection in the Army. We name our tanks and some other vehicles, but it's not the same. The Navy is about systems (AKA: Ships). The ship is the centerpiece of the Navy. We don't think that way. The Soldier is the center of the Army. We don't man a tank. We provide a tank to the right unit to use as a tool. The Navy provides Sailors to a ship. The difference is the individuality resident in the Soldier. We can outfit them with multiple peices of equipment. We don't build a piece of equipment for the sake of having "X" numbers of them. We build a force that has "Y" number of Soldiers and then equip them properly. Different mindset.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 1 at 2015 1:05 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:05:13 -0400

I'm getting buried in a OH-58D, right after I shoot my last engagements from my Bradley turret. I love my Army toys.

Response by SGT William Howell made Oct 1 at 2015 2:10 PM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:10:02 -0400

Yeah in the MP Corp we had our..........never mind we didn't have anything you wanted to name. We had crappy patrol cars and ticket books.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 2:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:29:32 -0400

As a tanker/cavalryman, we love and have a similar relationship with our tank/bradley. You always shoot better/have less problems on "your" vehicle.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 3:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 15:13:17 -0400

HQ 207, aka "Lucky 7" - my M-1114 in Iraq.
That truck took a licking, and kept on ticking.
Two RPG hits in the driver's door.
A hole in the rear hatch where a small mortar hit.
Countless bullet and shrapnel holes from IED hits and small arms.

I took 207 to the motor pool to get the door replaced. The contractor said I had to DX the truck. I got in and drove away. Not a chance, KBR guy.
It saved me a dozen times, at least.
I loved that truck.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Oct 1 at 2015 4:09 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 16:09:41 -0400

You nailed it Seaman Wright.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 1 at 2015 4:12 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 16:12:09 -0400

On the left hand picture, only one I have of it on this computer, is an LMTV, I nick named "Fat Tony." Tony had the early armor kit for an LMTV, just slabs of steel plate. Being the resourceful guy I am, I modified a gunners turret of a blown up 1114 and made it work. Now no one wanted tony at first till I spent the time to get it up armored, turreted up, then everyone wanted to borrow it. My attitude was, get back in your 1114.

Why Fat Tony you may wonder, we were watching a lot Soprano's back then.

The other truck is our recovery truck The mechanics had a nickname for her, "da hook."

Response by PO2 Johnathan Kerns made Oct 1 at 2015 6:56 PM

PO2 Johnathan Kerns — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:56:00 -0400

I had a love/hate relationship with my ship. You do become a little fond of it after being on it for awhile.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 9:08 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 21:08:56 -0400

The only thing that comes close for me is my weapon. I've had an M4 named "Soochka", one named "Condi," and a M240 I called "Oprah." My present M4 doesn't have a name yet, I've only had her for a few months. Maybe this next range, I'll come up with a name for her.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 1 at 2015 9:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 21:39:37 -0400

Gentlemen, we now need female names. Will Ass Kicking Anne do?

Response by Cpl Ray Frigerio made Oct 1 at 2015 9:48 PM

Cpl Ray Frigerio — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 21:48:37 -0400

HA! I'm a former Marine and I DESPISE the Sea and All ships. If I had it to do over again, I'd have joined the army.... Sincerely, landlubber

Response by PO1 Steve Holt made Oct 1 at 2015 10:37 PM

PO1 Steve Holt — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 22:37:05 -0400

You bet we do!!

Response by PO1 Steve Holt made Oct 1 at 2015 10:42 PM

PO1 Steve Holt — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 22:42:01 -0400

Buddy you nailed ship life on the head. Nothing like your ship!!!

Response by SrA Scott Harris made Oct 2 at 2015 5:26 AM

SrA Scott Harris — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 05:26:15 -0400

I don't think anything other than a ship would have that same emotion to it. What, other than a ship or sub, do you spend that much time inside of? Rely on to survive for that much time?

There might even be a bit of Stockholm Syndrome in there....

Response by CPO Levoy Morring made Oct 2 at 2015 9:52 AM

CPO Levoy Morring — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:52:31 -0400

Very well put, SN Greg Wright! We do love our ships!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 12:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 12:43:33 -0400

YES , while deployed i had an MATV assigned to me and I loved it. I was very sad to leave it behind when time came to go home.

Response by PO1 Matthew Murdock made Oct 2 at 2015 10:31 PM

PO1 Matthew Murdock — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 22:31:45 -0400

Then you have not met a lot of sailors. I have met plenty of people who hated their ships. I'm my case it was mostly women, but that's just my experience.

Response by Sgt Ken Prescott made Oct 2 at 2015 11:26 PM

Sgt Ken Prescott — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 23:26:58 -0400

My first "real" squadron that had aircraft was a Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron. I was responsible for maintaining the logbooks for four of our sixteen aircraft. I crawled around those aircraft during phase inspections, double-checking serial numbers of key components.

The CH-53E Super Stallion isn't a fighter, it's not sleek, it's not "pretty" by aicraft standards.

But those aircraft were MY aircraft. And I loved them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 1:53 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 01:53:27 -0400

I may be an Army guy, and while never having been in the Navy, I know of Navy vets who have less sea tme than I have had!. I did 2 6-week gigs as a college instructor aboard Navy Vessels--USS Arkansas CGN-41 and USS Chosin, CG-65. I loved it (If course I didn't have to do any work except teach my classes.) I also spent 5 or 6 2-week underway training evolutions aboard ship with the Sea Cadets as a Sea Cadet or adult leader throughout my lifetime. I thoroughly enjoyed them. I was treated as part of the crew and felt very proud of being part of that ships company. As for your original questions--We ground-pounders, of course are very loyal to our units. Thats whats great about the military, the camaraderie and esprit-d corps. As for equipment, soldiers take pride in maintaining their weapons and vehicles. Just was with a ship, take care of your rifle and it will take care of you.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 2:04 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:04:59 -0400

This feeling is absolutely true with me and my seven aircraft I maintain. Soon I'll even have my name on one of them. I want to note on that personality bit. Each one of my aircraft like to perform and behave differently from each other, good and bad, and they do breath and live so I know exactly what you're talking about there, and they love a lot of attention. Many would say it's because they are HC-130Js and computers like to act funny but when you're fixing them and flying on them you can feel that they are much more than an aircraft.

Response by MCPO Tom Miller made Oct 6 at 2015 1:27 PM

MCPO Tom Miller — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:27:42 -0400

A shipmate is truly a bond for the ships success and to a man each part is connected for survival. Pride runs deep for all on board. During competition each sailor had to do his or her duty skills as if in actual combat. To do otherwise may mean the demise of all on board. Respect is grandpa

Response by SPC Scott Hulslander made Oct 6 at 2015 1:53 PM

SPC Scott Hulslander — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:53:18 -0400

Loved both of my SEN switches! C71 and E02.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Oct 6 at 2015 1:57 PM

SPC Steven Depuy — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:57:32 -0400

I did with my M-113, it was a piece of shit, broken all the time, but it was my baby, and I would beg, borrow, and steal to keep her working.

Response by PO1 Chad Alcock made Oct 6 at 2015 2:37 PM

PO1 Chad Alcock — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 14:37:57 -0400

I think that the chain of command has a lot to do with whether you love the ship or not. Having been on three different Nimitz class carriers each is slightly different. Having been on the Nimitz twice I can tell you my first cruise on the Nimitz was the best. I don't remember the Name of the Captain, but his call sign was "Nasty" due to the big out of regs mustache he had. I can also tell you that My second time on the Nimitz was by far the worst, and this was after being on the Lincoln and the Stennis. I had never been anywhere in my 18 years that morale was so low. That includes 2 years ORNG, 4 Army, 12 Navy.

Response by SN Alicia DuRoy-Saunders made Oct 6 at 2015 2:52 PM

SN Alicia DuRoy-Saunders — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 14:52:40 -0400

For we aviation sailors it's our jets. I remember every hole, the whine of each engine, how fast each one would spit her fuel on shut down, how fast or slow they would fuel, which one was going to pee herself on refuel. We had the sensitive one and the one that was always pissed off. To this day I still look to the skies searching for one of them.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 4:48 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:48:03 -0400

Absolutely!!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 4:51 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:51:40 -0400

Each branch has their item, be it an aircraft or tank or weapon or even bunk. But I could see Navy being a bit moreso than others since the ship is your house, your restaurant, your village, and your lifeline that keeps you alive on the water instead of drowning. All are large reasons I agree with sci-fi shows that call spacecraft ships and have Naval similarities. It'd be a bit hard-pressed for most of us in the other branches I'd reckon to have that level of attachment (except maybe Tank troops? ;) ).

Response by PO2 Matt Rhoades made Oct 6 at 2015 4:53 PM

PO2 Matt Rhoades — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:53:49 -0400

How about the Air Force and their chairs?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 4:59 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:59:27 -0400

C-5 crews bounce from tail to tail but each one has its own personality. The airplane actually has an Airplane Personality Module. Each jet doesn't have a name but the community refers to the airplane as FRED. Freddy this or Freddy that. So when you're around us you could think we were talking about another person.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 5:02 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:02:23 -0400

One piece of equipment I will always use is the TNT tool; it's so versatile and will break into everything. (An axe, pike pole, sledge hammer, etc.)

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Oct 6 at 2015 5:14 PM

SSG Wayne Wood — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:14:11 -0400

I didn't see any artillerymen posting but I believe we cannon-cockers have/had a love-hate relationship with our guns. It is difficult at first glance because when you think of it, one M110 Howitzer is pretty much like any other you'd think. We tended to think of them as systems rather than individual pieces. It's not like the Navy where your ship was your home for however long you were stationed on her. But I have to admit, I did spend more nights with my howitzer and M-16a1 than I did my first wife!

But one does develop a bond. I worked three systems in my career, the M110 8-inch SP, the M114 155mm towed (the "Pig"), and the M102, 105mm towed howitzers. Of the three, I loved the M102. I gunned and chiefed on the 102 in the 82nd Abn Division. In 2002 or so I went back to Bragg for a visit. By that time my beloved M102 had been replaced by the new M119. I took my family to visit the 82nd Abn Division Museum and was bemused to see an M102 sitting in a place of honor out front of the museum. It's a funny thing when your weapons become museum pieces - you realize you are getting ooooold...

Now, you would think one howitzer looks pretty much like the other but there was something familiar about this gun. I said so to my wife and she kind of laughed. But I walked over to the nomenclature plate and read the serial number: "2545." That was my gun I chiefed in 1983-85. It was like seeing an old friend. Somehow, I recognized my gun. Crazy?

I told the girl working the gift shop in the museum they had my gun outside. She didn't seem impressed. Oh well...

I have told my wife when I die, she can have me stuffed, put in my old BDUs, and maybe they'll stand me outside the museum with my gun. Two old museum pieces.

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Oct 6 at 2015 5:27 PM

SFC Thomas Howes — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:27:56 -0400

I mwould say yes I loved FT Bragg and all the Airborne Troopers

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 6:43 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:43:37 -0400

Yeah we do...we even bring our kids out to learn about it! Gotta teach them about the sexiest bird in the sky!

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Oct 6 at 2015 6:57 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:57:45 -0400

F-15 Eagle for me. Even now I still drool over the design that has served us so well for the past 40 plus years. She is and will always be my baby. First time I got to work on one I could not do anything but walk around her and touch her and stroke her with pride. Perverted I know but she is a thing of beauty and a work of art.

Chuck D :)

Response by PVT John Williams made Oct 6 at 2015 7:15 PM

PVT John Williams — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 19:15:39 -0400

my M-16. I talked to it and slept with it. Yes,we were in love.

Response by MSgt Dwyane Watson made Oct 6 at 2015 9:29 PM

MSgt Dwyane Watson — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:29:51 -0400

As a maintainer we didn't get super attached to our aircraft, especially if you are doing sheetmetal repairs fro over 75 aircraft, but we often had nicknames for our frequent flyer aircraft that always seemed broke. One F-15E model had a tail number that ended in 333, so we called it Triple Cripple because it was always broke and then one aircraft was called Frankenjet because we were always canning parts for it.

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Oct 6 at 2015 9:58 PM

SSG Wayne Wood — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:58:40 -0400

If I might add another post and story to this; my father served in the US Navy during the Korean War on a tin can, the USS Taussig, my stepdad did his first tour of duty in the US Navy on the USS Hancock after it had been upgraded. Knowing how old sailors feel about their ships I searched for years to find models of their ships to build them for a special Christmas present. About 20 years ago I managed to find a 1/600 scale model of the Hancock and put it together for Dad, he loved it but I wanted to do better. Over the years I was able to get ball caps for both - that allowed my father (I'll call one Dad and the other father to keep them separate) to get in contact with the USS Taussig Association when he ran into another vet from the Taussig while on vacation. He was able to attend a couple conventions and see guys he hadn't seen since the war. He really enjoyed that.

Thanks to the internet and some connections in the hobby biz I was able to find 1/350 scale models of sister ships of both the Taussig and the Hancock. I did tons of research and downloaded photos to get the most accurate representations of the ship I could. I have to admit, the Hancock was a giant!

I then mounted them in display cases with polymer resin to represent the water; I was even able to replicate the foam of their wake. A lot of effort? Yeah, but it was worth it to see the looks on their faces when they opened their gifts. I remember my father even pointing out where there was a patch from a hole he'd had to drill to take care of a leak one time. I told him I could take the case apart and use a needle to replicate it. He almost took me up on it.

Dad died back in June; I'm glad I was able to finally give him a piece of his ship before he went. Nothing like an old salt and his ship.

I've managed to put the stuff together to recreate an M102 position in the field. What's great is the bumper number on the kit for the M561 gamma goat in that scale is from my old battalion in the 82nd, the 1/320th FA - it's too good to pass on. That will be my piece of "home" in my old age.

Response by SPC Jessica McClung made Oct 6 at 2015 11:00 PM

SPC Jessica McClung — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 23:00:39 -0400

As a former crewchief of the UH-60 I came to know every aircraft in our fleet. From slight differences in paint patches right down to which gear box covers offered the most opposition in reattachment, I came to see and know every one of our old "girls." But no aircraft was as near and dear to me as the one assigned to me. She also just so happened to nearly kill me, but that just makes her all the more memorable.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 11:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 23:05:32 -0400

The Tactical Airspace Integration System. A Humvee with a meat truck looking thing mounted on it that was all server racks and radios. It's part of an air traffic control unit and is considered the runt of the litter despite the fact that its a rolling TOC all by itself. That sucker can talk to everything the military has that can talk, from field phones to AWACS to satellites.

I named mine Urusela

Response by CDR William Kempner made Oct 6 at 2015 11:17 PM

CDR William Kempner — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 23:17:59 -0400

As ex-USAF before USN, I think you can find similar feelings about OLD bases, or former bases/airfields. I think the classic image of that is Dean Jagger in "Twelve O'clock High", when he rides a bicycle out to his old WWII base "Archbury" (a thinly disguised Alconbury", but could have been others) and the old memories return. I had a similar thing, when the WW II USAAF Flight Surgeon from my base in England stopped for a visit with his wife and daughter and son-in-law. An RAF Policeman ("snowdrop") stopped me, as I thought it was a 1400 appointment, until I was introduced, and I promptly blew it off to spend some time with the gent. I took him to several areas that I knew he'd remember from 1943-45 (this was 1991). Everyone was very good and kind to him-serendipity-an RAF friend was the duty ATC officer in the tower when we came up, the OC OPs Wing was present(good friend) and the RAF photogs printed up a composite of the station in 1944-terrific-I have a set, too. I took him and his family to the Officers Mess for a drink, and we took a few pictures together at the gate. He was pleased that the station was still in operation(mostly shut now) and that there were Americans there(even if we were USN). People asked me later why I spent so much time with him-and I replied "Did you ever see Dean Jagger in "Twelve O'clock High"?" They'd say yes, and I'd say "I didn't want him to be alone with the ghosts."

Response by CDR William Kempner made Oct 6 at 2015 11:39 PM

CDR William Kempner — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 23:39:34 -0400

Ships. Have read some of the comments-some are very funny. Others very incisive. Much DOES have to do with the COMMAND:. "Loved the Ship, Hated the Command" is a very common comment from anyone who's been in the Nav for a while. That goes for the Navy in general: unless you're an O-6/E-9, if you don't hate it a little, you're an Idiot, or you weren't in it that long! The difference is, they become OUR HOME!! The Junior guys LIVE on them. And the rest spend A LOT of time on them. You remember things, places, funny, happy, sad, even bad, that happened on them. We become part of them, and they become part of us. I had an a22hole department head who had been on the OK City as an Ensign. We needed some mag sprinkler parts and some globes and went over to cannibalize from her-she was in InActivShips at Bremerton. By this time (1986, she was pretty rough looking) The DH looked at me and asked if it was worth going over to look at her. Even though I didn't like the guy, I looked at him, and said "Nah. It'll only make you feel bad, sir." He took my word for it. We both understood.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Oct 7 at 2015 12:10 AM

SPC Byron Skinner — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 00:10:41 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner, 11th. ACR 1966
I agree 100% with Sgt. Jeremiah B., In Vietnam we gilt the first issue of poncho liners in October 1966, then they were a pinkish color on one side and OD on the other side. The next best and most lovable piece of gear in the U.S. Army was the P-38.

Response by Cpl Michael Cefalo made Oct 7 at 2015 1:30 AM

Cpl Michael Cefalo — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 01:30:47 -0400

I did. It was with my rifle.

Response by SGT Felicia King made Oct 7 at 2015 1:32 AM

SGT Felicia King — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 01:32:04 -0400

You're supposed to love your weapon better than or just like your wife*. I say wife because I don't remember my DS or NCOs bring politically correct. They said it how it applied to them lol

Response by COL Clifford Wheeler made Oct 7 at 2015 7:50 AM

COL Clifford Wheeler — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:50:58 -0400

In a word, yes. If you've seen Fury, you'll have an idea of the love tankers have for their tank.

Response by MCPO Dennis Didier made Oct 7 at 2015 8:10 AM

MCPO Dennis Didier — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:10:24 -0400

After a 31 year career, I can attest to having a love affair with ships I have served in. Ships are a reflection of the command and her crew: some better than others. My favorite Navy phrase is "underway, shift colors." This is when all that steel, aluminum, paint, etc., comes alive. You can feel her as she gathers way and slides into the fairway, and then into the open sea. There were bad times at sea, as well as the good, but memory seems to favor the good. One of my fondest memories is after the evening meal, going out on the foc'sle of USS Duluth (LPD-6) and having a cup of coffee with one of the other chiefs and watching the stars come out. Ramblings from an old master chief.

Response by CSM Jim Morrison made Oct 7 at 2015 8:15 AM

CSM Jim Morrison — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:15:50 -0400

Yes, my Tank!!!!

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Oct 7 at 2015 11:20 AM

SSgt Michael Cox — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:20:33 -0400

Yup I loved my MH-53M Pave Low. See pic to the left.

Response by SGT Kevin Karvinen made Oct 7 at 2015 12:49 PM

SGT Kevin Karvinen — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:49:49 -0400

I was a helicopter crewchief in the Army and I always talked to my bird. It''s just like you said, She had her moods and idiocincracies.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 1:29 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:29:36 -0400

I was a Seabee, so I do not know a thing about ship life. However, your statement sounded poetic. For me it was my tools.

Response by SFC Popz Beckwith made Oct 7 at 2015 2:38 PM

SFC Popz Beckwith — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:38:35 -0400

I loved my M109 SP Howitzer while deployed for desert shield/storm. It saved my crew and myself from incoming a few times.

Response by Cpl Phil Hsueh made Oct 7 at 2015 4:27 PM

Cpl Phil Hsueh — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 16:27:20 -0400

While I fully understand and appreciate the sentiment I have to say that I never really experienced it myself, largely because I was in the Ops section of my squadron and a Reservist on top of it. Because I was in Ops I had no equipment that was mine or even the sections; radios belonged to comm and they were responsible for setting them up and their maintenance, vehicles belonged to motor-t and we'd just check them out as needed but were never assigned to any one vehicle. Being a Reservist meant that I hardly ever saw my rifle so I never really got a chance to learn its quirks and personality, much less develop an attachment to it.

I suppose the closest thing that I developed an attachment to during my time in the Corps was to my DASC checklist, a little 3 ring bound book that all DASC operators got in school, I rather liked mine and never wanted to replace it with another. In fact, I think I still have it sitting in a bin somewhere in my garage, but that's mostly because I'm a packrat and hate to get rid of anything more than any sentimental attachment to it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 4:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 16:38:05 -0400

I can see where a Crew chief would love his plane. Its different on the ground, in an Army Infantry unit the pride comes from the esprit de corps of the unit itself. Tankers have pride in their tracks. I recon Marines are the same about their parent units.

Response by CPT Nik Webb made Oct 7 at 2015 11:17 PM

CPT Nik Webb — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 23:17:10 -0400

As a finance officer I love cash!! Except none of it is mine to keep :(

Response by SSG Katherine Likely made Oct 8 at 2015 2:22 PM

SSG Katherine Likely — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:22:09 -0400

My truck when i was serving with the 1113th transportation company in California. I knew each gurgle, each bump in her tires, the hiss of water, the sweep of the breeze of the little fans put out on the dashboard. The whine of the engine as she came to a calm roar - raring to get out of the yard. I knew when she wasn't feeling well and when she was anxious to hit the road.

I didn't want anyone driving her and I certainly didn't want to drive anyone else's.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Oct 15 at 2015 2:13 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 02:13:13 -0400

I don't have anything I could directly consider to be mine in the sense that I think you're referring to. I will say that I do have a sense of pride and love towards the aircraft that I do weather support though, particularly the B2s and the pilots that fly them as I feel a sense of responsibility to their mission safety. If they get struck by lightning because I failed to brief them on a thunderstorm then regardless of whether I hear about it or not I will feel bad for screwing up the brief. If one crashed as a result of weather, even if I briefed them of the weather that caused it you better believe I would also be heart broken. I may not fly them and my briefing may generally be an after thought to the pilot but I pride myself on knowing that I gave them an accurate forecast and that they were able to do what they wanted to do as a result.

Response by PO1 Pete Sikes made Oct 19 at 2015 12:42 PM

PO1 Pete Sikes — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 12:42:06 -0400

USS Badger (FF-1071), fastest Knox class FF.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 16 at 2015 7:37 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 07:37:44 -0500

Is that why they call them USS Forest Fire, USS Slimey Snake, USS Neversail, USS Hashville?

And those are all from back in the day.

Walt

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Dec 16 at 2015 8:08 AM

LTC Bink Romanick — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 08:08:25 -0500

SN Greg Wright I was an enlisted tanker and an Armor Officer for 34 years. M48A1, A3, A5 M60A1, A3. I can still smell the smells and hear the sounds (not great hearing, most of us are deaf LOL) I loved most every minute. Stay on the tank!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 12:26 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 00:26:55 -0500

USS Makin Island LHD8
As much as I hated all the bs we had to put up with, it's only once you've transferred that you realize all the good people you met, all the memories you had there. Especially if it's your first command from what many people say, that command is usually the one that sticks with you the most

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Dec 19 at 2015 10:48 AM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 10:48:42 -0500

I am sure they have a love/hate relationship with their tanks, aircraft, or other gear. What's funny is that you might be griping all the time about your ship - but God forbid someone say something bad about her. You get as mad as you would if someone called your wife or mother a whore...

Response by PO1 John Juarez made Dec 28 at 2015 9:41 PM

PO1 John Juarez — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 21:41:05 -0500

Damn this is spot on!!! I left my first ship in 1986. I STILL love the USS Jason AR-8. She was a fine old girl! Built in 1943 commisioned in '44 she had her idiosyncrasies. Deck vibrated a certain way, she creaked and sometimes groaned.....she was my first true love and I miss her dearly!!

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Dec 29 at 2015 1:53 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 01:53:54 -0500

I was USAF and while I have great appreciation for all aircraft, IMO the greatest airplane to ever have life is the BUFF ~ B-52. Bombing enemies to the stone age for over 50 years.

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Feb 4 at 2016 10:36 AM

LtCol Mac McCarty — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 10:36:38 -0500

I feel the same way about 1st Battalion, 5th Marines--your first unit, especially if you joined it while it was at war--will always be your "one, true love." Same for your first rifle company. When he was a Captain, Louis H. Wilson commanded Fox Company, 9th Marines. He was awarded the Medal of Honor at Guam (1944). 34 years later, he was Commandant of the Marine Corps. My CO introduced me to the General saying, "Sir, you and Major Mac have something in common." Those cold blue eyes bored in on me. "And what might that be, Majuh?" "Fox Company, Sir." (He softened, and for a minute, I'd have sworn he was 26 again. "You commanded Fox Company? When?" "1975, Sir." "Ah, Randy Austin was your Battalion Commander. Was it a good company, Majuh?" "The best damned rifle company in the Marine Corps, Sir!" He chuckled, tagged me on the shoulder and said, "It damned well better have been!" After 34 years, it was still HIS company, and we caretakers that followed him had better know that.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 4 at 2016 10:39 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 10:39:04 -0500

I drove a jeep for two years & recently drove one again that brought back a lot of memories.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Feb 4 at 2016 1:32 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:32:38 -0500

Absolutely. From "Ole Grandad" (KC-135A #55-3130) to "Cold Ethel (KC-135R #60-0365), we love our tankers. Grandad turned left better than right (Air Refueling orbits are left turns), and Cold Ethel was bent mid-section with a good leak at the cargo hatch, so anything above 30,000 feet meant you were gonna freeze. The 55s thru 57s are all in the bone-yard now (RIP), so the 58's are the oldest left flying. Just like ships, old planes get a history and reputation.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 4 at 2016 1:37 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:37:38 -0500

I loved my truck!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 4 at 2016 1:54 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:54:20 -0500

The pilots in the Air Force feel that way about their aircraft.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Feb 4 at 2016 2:21 PM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:21:50 -0500

In my time (early 80's) women were only allowed on tenders and tugboats. My job was to repair the tugboats. I loved them all but the Paduka was my favorite. I used to eat dinner with her crew when I had Dockmaster duty. I knew every inch of her hull!

Response by MAJ Joel Vandenhouten made Feb 4 at 2016 2:40 PM

MAJ Joel Vandenhouten — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:40:33 -0500

My rifle, my ruck and my boots!

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 3:28 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:28:51 -0500

Sure do love my computer.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Feb 4 at 2016 5:36 PM

PO3 David Fries — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:36:55 -0500

Six years in the Navy, and the longest I spent on a ship was a few days doing Amphib Ops with Lima 3/3 out of Pearl Harbor.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 7 at 2016 12:24 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:24:13 -0500

SN Greg Wright From my perspective... in the Army, we are connected to our units, not the stuff... 82nd, 101st, 10th Mtn... etc...

Response by PO3 Michael Peterson made Feb 9 at 2016 5:25 PM

PO3 Michael Peterson — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:25:19 -0500

My girls name was Sara. The USS SARATOGA (CV-60)

Response by SPC Darren Koele made Feb 9 at 2016 5:42 PM

SPC Darren Koele — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:42:30 -0500

I was an engineer. Can't really say we loved our equipment in the manner you speak. Simply put, they were all toys and the world was our sandbox. Now, with that said, it is common to have a favorite toy.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 7:15 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 07:15:37 -0400

I am a crew chief on the C-5 Galaxy. One plane in particular is a dream to work on whilst others could be like pulling teeth

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Jul 5 at 2016 8:24 AM

GySgt John O'Donnell — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 08:24:56 -0400

A Marine and his/her rifle is a special bond.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 6:03 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 06:03:55 -0400

Well then, SN Wright, you have probably never met a Seabee. . . We're Sailors without ships, so while I can honestly say I've been transformed from filthy wog to Honorable Shellback, I've never cared for ships. That can probably be chalked up to the fact that we don't have ships, and are rarely ever stationed on them. Now my BATTALION. . . That's a different story!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 1 at 2016 9:50 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 21:50:30 -0400

Some better than Others, The Golden Grizzly USS California CGN-36 was Built for Speed not Comfort. I was much more Fond of the Ark, PigBoat, Razorback USS Arkansas CGN-41 a Virginia Class the Cadillac of Nuclear Cruisers.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 2 at 2016 7:03 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 07:03:14 -0400

I always had a soft spot in my heart for the tanks, M60, M60 A3, and the M1 Abrams.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2016 2:14 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 14:14:34 -0400

Thank you for sharing about ship like and loving your ship. I will have to say being a Seabee have never been stationed on a ship, and that is not what 90 % of Seabees will never do. We share equipment as you change over every 6-7 months and that Battalion takes charge of the equipment and the camp site or DET sit they are forward deployed to. The chances of using the same trucks and or equipment depending on your rotations, you will never see that piece again. Now most Seabees will have a favorite Battalion, or command, and that will be like others posted, depends on Chain of command climate.

My one story for favorite piece or would be,my first deployment to Okinawa, Japan. This was my first command and first deployment. We get issued weapons from that Det site armory that the Battalion operates, you receive a weapons card for that weapon and have to clean it when not on mission every month. This deployment I was new and was in Charlie Company and also got placed on what we called an AirDet. This is the Battalion quick response Detachment, that will rapid deploy any where need for Disaster Recovery, and also combat support missions, with the MEW's, and MAGTAF- CR- SP. Anyway I Air Det went on training mission with Marines for Team Spirit Exercise, Korea. I was issued M16 Butt number 189. Then we deployed back turned over to oncoming Battalion. The next deployment was supposed to be Portia Rico, but that changed because Iraq invaded Kuwait. Well all home port as we did 6-7 out and 6-7 in, so home Port is where we get ready fro next deployment, this one was a combat deployment so we trained that way, they even gave us some SERE (PJ's from Hurlburt Field, FL and we were gulf port) type training, not knowing what the mission would be, or who some of us would be attached to. Anyway as I said we usually will not see same stuff unless you go back to that site. We deployed to DS/DS in DEC 1990, we fell in on the outgoing Battalion that had redeployed with equipment from Okinawa and guess what I was issued M16 Butt number 189 and yes it was the same weapon. Loved that weapon, as I would use it on the border of Kuwait to lay down suppressive fire on a Iraqi Patrol, the Recon guy's doing over watch took them out

Favorite or most rewarding deployment, would be a Recovery/ Civil Humanitarian/Affairs Deployment to Pakistan 2005- 2006. Then I would say CTF deployment same type stuff in South/Central America in 2008, was all over places like Colombia, Nicaragua, and other crazy places but not where tourist travel. This was a South Com and 4th fleet CTF at that time, Worked with Air-force Army and Marines.

Then Vehicle would be the MRP that saved my like in a IED hit. Then I had a SUV, i loved in Pakistan form State department, it was up armored, and I drove it all over the mountains of Pakistan, loved it so much I bought one when I got back from that deployment.

Most depressing and Hart braking, have had many in the jobs we do sometime, but number one would be Task Force Katrina, right before my deployment to Pakistan. We deployed from California to Gulf Port and for Seabees to have to do that, it was bad as we already have around 2000 Seabees there. Hart braking to see that in the US.. One more love my Woobie

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Sep 5 at 2016 2:08 AM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 02:08:31 -0400

I have the same relationship with my blunted M8 bayonet

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 3:49 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 15:49:04 -0400

My 3 great loves throughout my service my ship Enterprise CVN65, my battalion the 100th Battalion 442nd INF USAR, and my weapon

Response by MSgt Joseph Briley made Aug 2 at 2017 4:27 PM

MSgt Joseph Briley — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:27:06 -0400

Air Force guys don't usually get attached to a specific plane, but they sure have strong attachments to particular models of Aircraft. We will argue for hours about the pros and cons of cargo craft models, bomber and fighters too

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 2 at 2017 7:39 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 19:39:15 -0400

I loved my M14 but the Army in its infinite wisdom took it away when I needed the most in "the land of the little people" and gave us that crappy 16, and then to really pile it on gave us the hated rucksack and to add insult to injury filled that said rucksack with "C" ration Ham and Limas,hope this helps in your quest,and also shows you how old Army grunts are just miserable old bastards.

Response by PO3 Dan Wagoner made Oct 27 at 2021 7:17 PM

PO3 Dan Wagoner — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 19:17:50 -0400

It's been years since l seen my ship, but to this day, l can still hear the sound of the soft moans within its hull... l have visited my prior base as well as the same dock my lady of the sea once was moared while at dock... To see her again would almost be unbelievable now... as my wife often tells me, she wants to plan to go see it, but to me, it would be more than just a ship at the dock, but rather, a home that l worked, ate slept and fought on... The USS VICKSBURG, still to this day will forever hold my heart to the sea