WannaCruize wrote:
I'll jump in here with some info, although not about the Nimitz, but the Constellation. My hubby was an air-traffic controller on there for two cruises back in the early 80s. We watched the first 2 shows on the DVR this weekend, and he had some observations:
First of all is the standard old-geezer comment - "these kids now-a-days..." - they seemed much younger, immature and unfocused that when he was onboard. However, he commented that even with that said, the military still manages to turn them into well-trained, cohesive units. (with a few obvious exceptions, like racist-guy - what a tool!)
He was in before all this new-fangled technology to allow more interaction with home - we only had sporadic letters/packages from home, and an occasional radio-relayed phone call (the middle of the night unplanned ones, where you have to say 'Over' after every sentence: "I love you and I miss you, over" The increased communications with the family at home has to help both with the deployment time, and in integrating back when they return. Six months is a long time to be gone.
The new mess hall was a revelation to him also, nothing like when he was in there - no salad bar, etc. He thought the food looked great compared to what they had. He commented about the sailors complaining about the better food that the officers get - he said that the officers had to pay a fee to eat in the officer's mess - if they didn't want to pay the fee, then they could eat for free in the regular mess with the rest of the crew.
Someone asked about dealing with the loneliness if you don't have family around, we had a pretty active Enlisted Wives club that got together for activities, both with kids and without, and made sure everyone knew where to go for help, so it is around, but you have to ask for help if you need it.
I keep telling my kids how lucky they are compared the Navy when my husband first went in in the 80's. No internet, etc.
You are very right about the youth today who come in. It takes more hard work, but for the most part hubby gets his sailors squared away. They just complain A LOT more....haha.
