Greetings from the high seas my friends. Yesterday marked one year since I left home for the academy. That was really crazy to think about. I know for you missionaries in the field, when that one year mark roles around you will feel just as strange as I do. I started reflecting back on how much my life has changed since I left. I have a new place to call "home," new streets to roam, and a new set of friends...but they just aren't the same as the one's back home. Those streets, hangouts, and pals back home hold a special place in my heart. I think about home everyday. I think back to the nights spent in Andrew and Chase's basement, the adventures taken on Bonneville golf course, late night runs to Moca, and most of all cruisin' the streets with the best friends I could ask for. Thanks for those memories guys.
Now, too much less reminiscent things. For some of you, I really haven't given you too many updates since I saw you last. So, let's go from second semester until now. The first big thing that happened was sea trials. The way we finish off your first year here at the academy is by doing a 15 hour long continuous physical evolution to pretty much beat the crap out of you. Then they pat you on the back and say,"hey, you actually have rights again." So, you know that's always good to hear. It started at 2:30 in the morning to a wonderful clanking of pots, bells ringing, and people yelling. Then we were out running, jumping over stuff, doing push ups, and beating on each other by 3 a.m. I would like to say that I made it through the entire thing without a problem, but at about 13 hours in they threw me in a pool and pretty much tried to drown me.(i.e. handed me a 30 pound weight, told me tread water, and sprayed water in my face with a hose.) So, at that point, you could say I struggled...anyways, the video I posted will hopefully explain Sea Trials a little better.
Pressing on, the next thing we did was the Herdon Climb. Even though sea trials is a culminating event, here at the academy we go hard. So, that means we have two. The Herdon Climb has been going on for years and in it the freshman class must scale the Herdon monument after it has been greased down by the senior class. Once they reach the top, they freshman must replace the plebe "Dixie Cup" with a midshipmen cover. The event is timed and goes in the history books. So, if your slow it just reflects badly on the class. Ain't nobody want that. Again, I have kindly included a video to reify your understanding.
Since classes were over, but I was still stuck at the academy, we had a lot of free time and as a result I decided to culture myself one Saturday and attend the Preakness. Although the triple crown hopeful Orb did not win the race, it was definitely worth it. While I was at the race they had concerts on the infield and I was able to see Afrojack, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Florida Georgia Line...and Pitbull. Did not really care too much for the last one. It was a blast and I will definitely be headed back next year.
To finish off my action packed month of May, we had graduation. All midshipmen have to go support the graduating class, but it was definitely worth it because the President spoke at graduation. So, know I can say that I have seen both the President and First Lady in person.
(pictures included)
So, for the last month I have be on my "Summer Cruise." Sounds like a blast right. Well, that is a half truth. I had a lot of fun on the weekends when we went down to Virginia Beach, but the days spent on the USS Anzio were a bit long at times. USS Anzio is a cruiser, so it's major focus is anti-aircraft. Although, it does have the capability to engage other surface ships and fire missiles on land. Although this all sounds so interesting, I was on the ship almost a month and in an attempt to spread all the interesting and cool things out we only did that stuff for about an hour each day. The rest of the day involved a lot of sleeping aka "going to work in the fan room" ;), watching movies, reading, and attempting self-made food challenges (Ex: An entire loaf of bread transformed into a single PB&J...bread toasted. Ya, it was rough. Almost had the whole thing down in 5 minutes.). Hopefully, I can get the videos of those epic meal times up on here at some point.
I had a lot of fun in Virginia Beach. One of the first days we were in port, we went to the Kenny Chesney concert...ya, that's right country music. You heard right. I am into that scene now. Judge me as you will, but it is like a way of life here at the academy. The midshipmen cling to republicanism, guns, BBQ, and country music. At least they are patriotic ya know. Anyways, after that we spent the next two weekends at the beach just hanging out and walking the board walk. Being beach bums for awhile was definitely not a bad time. As per usual, I have become a darker shade of white. Gardner knows what I'm talking about. After our time at the beach, we went back out on the Atlantic for a couple days and I got to drive the ship (i.e. give the commands for course, speed, direction, etc.). That was a pretty cool feeling, but following those four days underway I was done with the Anzio and done with my cruise.
Now I am back at the academy serving out the last part of my summer training. For this session of training, we have to prepare a bunch of charts and learn to how to run a ship ourselves so that we can take it down to Norfolk, Virginia all by ourselves. Pray that we don't crash the thing. I worry about the intelligence of some of the people on my ship.
Finally, it is my birthday today, but more importantly that means that it is Elder Ely's birthday. Happy Birthday man! It sucks that you are not home with the fam and friends, but obviously I can relate.
Well, that's all I've got for now. I hope this message finds you all well. Keep doing the great work that I read about in all of your messages and come home safe. I miss you guys!
MIDN 3/C Tyler Roach
P.S. Sports!
