The BOBO

Hafa Adia!

I can’t believe it’s been two weeks already aboard my new ship, the USNS 2nd LT John P. Bobo! Time just flew by. I am sailing as the Third Mate aboard this vessel. Like any new ship I’m finding I have alot to learn but I have adjusted well. The crew on board has been more than helpful; in fact, I have never been treated with the amount professionalism and respect as I have experienced here. It’s a contrast to the “rough tough” merchant industry I had been taught. It’s a breath of fresh air if I’m being honest. The men and women on board take great pride and ownership and it’s really nice to see. I can already tell that this is where I want to be.

So, what’s she like? Built in 1984, her L.O.A (length overall) is 205meters with a breadth of 32m. Not quite the largest ship I’ve ever sailed on though. My first ship, the APL China Containership still takes the crown at a whopping 310meters! Crazier still is that in terms of international containershiping, even she was and is small. But let’s not get carried away, the BOBO is massive. This Preposition ship is loaded up and ready to go. When we get the call we are ready for the Marines with everything they might think of. Here we sit, loaded up, ready at a moments notice to give the Marines who fight everything they need. I am proud to do this job.

She has over 100 fire stations though!! 😱 haha, that’s ok though, means I’ll be busy! For those that dont know, the Third Mate is traditionally incharge of maintenaning all the fire surpression systems on board. Outside of Bridge Watchstanding those systems consume much of my time, and for good reason.

Best part of this new ship assignment is that I’ll get plenty of time to truly enjoy Guam and really learn about this place! 🏝🏖 I have already learned a great deal since being aboard, and thus I am curious to see where these next few months take me.

Candid Moment

This was a short video I took when I first arrived. Thus far I can say it’s been a good experience aboard BOBO. The only part I got wrong was the amount of Cargo experience.

Stay Salty!

-Emily