The Merchant Marine Express

Vol. 2 No. 18
FINAL ISSUE

This report is written from my home, back in Michigan.


I arrived home after a VERY confusing ten days of being extended, while onboard the USNS STOCKHAM On Saturday, 23 July. I was supposed to be “relieved” by my replacement Third Mate on the 13th of July, but instead, the entire ship was forced to stay out and endure a few days more as per the US Navy.
In the remaining days at sea, a couple of support Navy ships made a rendezvous with us to receive our military crew, some of our equipment so that the “operation” could continue while we return to port. Many factors made it impossible for us to stay out at sea: low diesel fuel levels, a week’s worth of food left, and about fifteen crew members who were due to sign off!!
My nerves and restlessness, along with most of the patiently awaiting crew were nearing their thresholds! Being out on the ocean for almost thirty-five days without a port stay was quite a challenge even for the “seasoned” mariners.
To add insult to injury, I was told on the day, prior to arrival into port, that my relief would not show due to a “missed flight”. I would end up staying an extra day while my comrades would be walking off the ship, the night of arrival. It was a sad sight seeing the group depart without me!
The Arrival into port was delayed, as well. We arrived around 1800 (6pm) into Port and I would assume the Watch at 2000 until midnight- A day that would seem to continue forever!
After I received word that my “relief” would never arrive on time, I was given the green light to sign of on that Saturday, the 23rd of July,regardless. The plane trip ahead would be about seventeen hours of travel on three “legs” upon arriving in Detroit. Since I physically was up from 0700 until midnight for my Watch, then a short rest until 0300 when the agent picked me up for the 0600 Plane ride- I practically had no rest until safely, onboard the flight. Even, onboard, my ability to rest was difficult.
The trip was good, and I saw some nice videos and listened to music using the controls off the video screen on the seat backrest, in front of me. The only downside to this trip was the loss of my cellular phone, while running what seemed to be a “half mile” to the next gate to the Houston to Detroit Leg with a minute to spare. I apparently left the phone on the counter while pulling out my ticket- as I showed the attendant. What surprised me was the fact no one saw me walk away from the phone and I asked the Captain of the airplane to call the gate asking if I left the phone at the gate. With no response, the plane continued on. As I arrived into Detroit, I asked Baggage Claim to call the Gate in Houston to confirm that they still had the phone, and they said they did! However, they could not send the phone on any flight, and that I was responsible for paying for the FedEx shipment.
What a mess. Nonetheless, “Gary” from City Taxi, who I made acquaintances with during my last flight home, picked me up in a stretch-limo for the ride home. A very pleasant two-hour ride home.
I was met with a very elated and relieved wife who practically ran to welcome me with arms extended! Lucy, the dog whined while I petted her. Home, at last!!

Tags: USNS Fred Stockham