Do I need my uniform on board Chief?

Today a senior officer came on board and I wanted to provide a ceremonial sentry at the bottom of the gangway.  So, I detailed an Able Seaman for the duty and he then informed me that he didn't have his best dress uniform on board.  "It is being cleaned Chief".  Okay, fair enough I thought, they have to be cleaned sometime.  At least he has thought about it, most matelots are absolute scran bags with appalling kit.  The next lad had taken it home because he had attended a funeral in uniform.  He didn't think to bring it back with him!  So, at Both Watches, the sailors will be mustering and proving their Number 1 uniforms.  I expect to be handing out kit musters!

An uncaring Chief

As part of communal commitments I have put an Able Seaman in DHP.  On being given the good news she immediately tried to worm out of being a flunkey for the next 3 months.  The reason?  Playing rugby, apparently, should take priority over all other considerations.  I don't think so!  The AB then commented to someone else that I don't really care about her rugby playing career.  And do you know what?  She is dead right! 

A waste of a white front!

My two favourite sailors are causing problems again!  I shouldn't even describe them as sailors really.  I managed to get one of them drafted today and they were supposed to start courses for another ship in a few days.  Cue lots of crocodile tears and wringing of hands, and the result is..... I am still stuck with them.  So I thought about drafting the other one, but that is a no go unfortunately.
I know we have a duty of care to individuals but some people do not deserve my time.  The worst thing about some of these young cretins is that they get a good wage for doing very little.  I would like to see them struggling on a building site for sod all money.  
I have three years left in the Andrew and I am done and to be honest I am looking forward to it.

Scrimshankers

My two youngsters who decided that they didn't want to sail in December have been at it again!  Whilst they were landed because we were at sea, I have positive control of them when the ship is alongside in base port.  So, they are fit to work on board alongside, they just can't go to sea and do the job they are drawing the pay for!
Today they tried to get the Medical Officer to sign off on an employment form which would mean they wouldn't turn to on board.  The brains behind the scheme then tried the same on me.  They were unsuccessful, I can tell you!
The paperwork to release them from the Royal Navy has now been started, and hopefully they will be in civvy street within a month.  If it was up to me they would have been kicked out before Christmas.  I would have taken great delight knowing they were unemployed at Christmas time!  

ROMFT

This year my best friend leaves the Pusser,having completed his 22 years, and a bit more.  He'll hand in his ID card in a couple of months and it is strange to think that he is moving on to do something else with his life.  We have shared a lot of good times over the years, and a few bad ones too, unfortunately.  It will be my time soon enough, but we'll never be civvies, we'll be ex-matelots.  

A new man at the helm

So, I went on to the Island last night for the first GI's meeting of 2012.  A new President of the Association has now taken over.  The outgoing President has put a lot of time and effort in during his 4 years and has really made a difference.
The turn out on a stormy evening was okay, and the usual stalwarts of the Association, mostly older members turned out.  It would be good for the future of the GI's if we could encourage more serving matelots to join.  I sat last night listening to the usual suspects droning on, with Harry the Dog barking occasionally!  I am alongside for a few months now so I'll be able to get along for a couple of meetings.  I will just have to make sure I'm not sat next to Harry!
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