Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Holidays and Students

Friends,
Things are chugging along here at Fort Riley and is increasingly looking more and more like "groundhog day" with each new class of students getting trained to deploy. This weekend will be VERY busy as we have about 180 students leaving then coming back at the top of the year - we are setting up all the travel logistics (busses, plane tickets, etc), quite a challenge for a small staff of 3, including myself. But hey, it's the holidays and whatever we can do to make the student sailor's life easier we'll do if we can. For example, we have students graduating on Thursday, they they fly out Friday. We meet the bus for them at 0300 to ensure they get loaded up then they go on a 3 hour bus ride to Kansas City airport to fly out. Saturday, we have more students flying home (0200 this time), meet the bus, load them up and move them out. We also have some students coming BACK to Riley on Saturday in preparation to go into theater shortly after Christmas. I have to hang back to ensure they get situated with weapons, berthing, etc so the are good to go - will try to get back for Christmas this year myself. Then, the process repeats in reverse on 2 Jan and 4 Jan. Not hard, just time consuming. Looking forward to spending the holidays at home myself - wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year in 2009, especially our brave sailors and soldiers deployed overseas or deploying overseas. Be safe.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Troup Mobilization - Month 1 - Some Revelations/Observations

Friends,
Well, I've been in this job now full time for the past week, up and running. I just wanted to share a few thoughts/observations and promise not to drone on like the last entry. Basically, I turned over with the incumbant, LCDR Mike Smithers, who was in the role for the past 18 months. We had about 2 weeks to get me up to speed and I learned a lot and saw a side of the warrior training that I've not thought much about which I'll explain in a minute. Side note - Mike is the only 'rock star' I've actually known - he's the lead singer of an alternative rock band from the 90's called "30 Amp Fuse" and you can even download some songs from iTunes. A bit like Green Day - I saw him jam in his basement before he left - awesome. I wish him the best in his new role in Norfolk. Thanks for all the help Mike.

Back to getting up to speed - I just want to run through the moste enlightening day so far. It was on a Saturday a couple of weeks ago. We had a new class coming in for their 60 days of "NArmy" training (Navy+Army=NArmy), so Mike and I spent most of the afternoon at Manhatten Airport "hearding cats" as the sailors came off of 2 planes at different times of the day from Norfolk and San Diego - lots of driving back and forth from Fort Riley to the airport (only about 6 miles). Meanwhile, the rest of my staff (only 2 others, but they have been doing this job for over a year and are very skilled at it) were busy all day gathering linens, setting up the inbound teams rooms, getting their key cards, maps, welcome aboard letters, etc. to get them settled quickly when they arrived. Once arrived, we gathered their orders, briefed them on where the dining facility, PX, shopette, gym, etc were, they left them on their own until Monday morning when they start training. That took all day Saturday until about 2000 (8pm for you non-military types).

The day continued - we had a large class (~173) leaving that same night (called "Manifest") to fly into theater (Afganistan). It was interesting to observe - you could tell there was a sense of tension and uneasiness to some degree, but they were well trained and ready to go. The process to get them into the building, count them, weigh them and their gear, then get them into busses to get to Topeka, KS for a flight into theater took about 4 hours. I shook each of their hands and wished them luck as they left - although they don't need luck - they are well trained and competant sailors (enlisted and officer alike). Long day covering both ends of the spectrum.

I usually get emails from buddies in theater telling me that side of the equation - the output side. I'm working the 'input" side, along with the Army to get our Sailors onboard, trained up, and moved out into theater. We get a new class about every 2 weeks, so we are constantly busy with long hours. Today I have to pick up 4 for a small class at the airport at 2050, get them to their rooms and get them briefed as I mentioned before. Groundhog day, to some extent, but always new situations arise - more on that next time.

Finally, for this entry I wanted to mention my first exposure to the true nature and realization of these 2 simultaneous wars - sailors and soliders and airmen and marines, die. A sailor was KIA on August 8th, well before I got here, but I got a call this week from the Army letting me know they needed an address for this sailor's next of kin for his belongings, dog tags, etc. All they had was a PO box which they could not use. I investigated and found the information they needed. It really hit home that this is a "shootin' war" and people are indeed paying the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and for sailors and soldiers like the one I mentionied above, many thanks. I salute you. Hooah!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Troup Mobilization: Week 1 and Next Steps

Friends,

Well I arrived at Norfolk Navy base safe and sound last weekend and reported to NMPS (Navy Mobilization and Processing Site) for initial processing on Monday morning. I was lucky in that the group being processed was relatively small (like 40 sailors getting mobilized) and that helped shorten the daily timelines. Monday was a series of welcome aboard briefings (i.e. death by power point) including a chaplain brief, a legal brief, NMPS indoc brief, and the ECRC (Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command) briefing (whom we all pretty much work for in theater if we go there – more on that in a minute). We then went to another building (lots of walking this week) to get fitted for our uniforms that we’ll be wearing – picture the tan and the green style camouflage uniforms you see on TV. The second half of the day was spent at medical and dental processing – fun fun – to let us know what medical and dental items we were delinquent on to get fixed on Tuesday. I was a lucky one at this point – only 5 shots needed and a blood draw for lipids/cholesterol check on Tuesday – which meant I had to fast that night. Most sailors had to get a PSA test (if you are over 40 you probably know what that is). Needless to say the corpsman made mention of the doctor who typically does the test and his nickname of “Dr. Sausage Fingers”. Nobody laughed. Then the corpsman said ‘no, the PSA test is no longer performed “digitally” but merely a blood draw’. At that point, a guy in the crowd sighed “awwww..” – THEN everyone laughed.

On Tuesday morning we all reported to medical to get done what needed to be done. For me it was 3 tubes of blood, a flu shot (flu mist nasally actually), yellow fever shot, tetnus shot, and an anti-meningitis shot. Good news was that I did NOT require the small pox vaccine (where they scrape away some skin with a mini pitchfork then smear the vaccine on the wound site – that’s why most folks have that scar on the upper forearm) nor an anthrax shot (which is the 6 shot series). Other guys, not so lucky – they got the whole kit and caboodle. After that we were done for the day to recover.

Wednesday morning started out with group PT (physical training) where we did a bunch of exercises that I haven’t done since high school gym class (mountain climbers, shuttle runs, etc) – being that all I usually do is push ups, situps and running with some free weights tossed in, I ended up pulling a groin muscle. It still hurts but am trying to get it to stretch out and walking to help it heal – lots of motrin too. After showering up we reported to PSD (Personel Support Detachment) where we needed to check on some admin such as insurance forms for family and to check to see if my ID card was setup correctly to access military systems and was current. Fortunately, I got the new ID card prior to leaving the NOSC in Indianapolis last week and was good to go – others, not so lucky. There was a 4 hour wait to get a new ID card! When I came downstairs from my 10 minutes of admin that I mentioned, I said to the sailors in line (for 2 hours at this point) “hey, I just got a new ID card upstairs – took only 10 minutes” – that woke them up. Then I pretty much dashed their hopes and said “sorry, just kidding” – nothings too cruel if it’s funny enough….

Since at this point I now know where I’ll be for the next year – I mentioned the fact that I don’t need the small pox and anthrax shots is because I will NOT be in Theater in Iraq or Afghanistan or HOA. Instead, I’ll be the LNO (Liaison Naval Officer, senior Navy bubby Officer in Charge) at Fort Riley, Kansas. Yes, a year in Kansas. I was given a choice and took door number 1 to Kansas. My role as OIC (Officer in Charge) will be to help facilitate the sailors (about 200 a month) coming through Fort Riley (one of 9 “Forts” used for training sailors and soldiers prior to going in Theater- Fort Lewis, WA, Camp Shelby, MS, Fort Bliss, El Paso TX, Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Dix, NJ, Fort Hunchuca, AZ, Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Riley, KS, and Fort McCoy, WI) for Army training in preparation for deployment overseas.

ECRC has Navy Liaison Officer (LNO) teams at each of these Army training sites to further assist Sailors during their pre-deployment training. LNOs act as the primary liaison between the Army training Cadre and the Sailors under training to ensure the accurate flow of information and rapid resolution of issues. LNOs update Sailor information used to support IA sailors and family members during training and deployment. LNOs assist with berthing, pay issues, communications, scheduling, uniforms, transportation, documentation, surveys, database updates and informational archives. Basically, I expect it to be “ground hog day” every month as I’m sure sailors will have similar issues each month regarding pay, etc. Although I’ll not be on the “pointy end of the spear” for the GWOT, the job is important and I’ll do what I can to help our sailors get through this stressful time.

I went to the ECRC office at Little Creek Navy base (20 miles from Norfolk) and met with my ECRC sponsor and got some gouge (info) on the job and what SOP I need to follow. I also got a bag full of new clothes (the green camouflage uniforms) which I’ll only wear for a week – like they said in the movie “Stripes” – “chicks are paying top dollar for this stuff in New York…” I’ll wear the tan ACU’s (army combat uniform) when at Fort Riley. I’ll be at ECRC all this coming week doing check outs on what I’ll need to know once I report to Fort Riley. FYI - http://www.ecrc.navy.mil/ is the link to ECRC. I’ll report to Fort Riley around 14 October and start turn over with the incumbent – a LCDR. Being a Commander in rank will help drive out problems faster I think – I’ll be the ECRC representative at the base and will be empowered to make a lot of decisions in support of our sailors benefit more expeditiously IMO.

Thursday was a pretty light day since I had already done 99% of the stuff on my checklist prior to getting to Norfolk – just had to finish check out with medical, got some dog tags and went to an ECRC briefing on fraternization and sexual harassment – great briefings by a Chief Shelton from ECRC where he used some actual cases with names changed to show how either of those would ruin a career. Message received by all I think! I had an opportunity to see an old ND friend of mine, Eric Vorst – we went out to dinner and a general night of mild debauchery – great to see him again! Made a new friend (Eric’s best man), Scott Almond who lives here in Norfolk area. Found out that Scott is a huge sailing buff and has organized several sailing regattas over the past 10 years and invited me to help out for a race on Saturday – the Willoughby Harbor Memorial– which I jumped on! We had a great time on Saturday with 20 sailboats racing – I even helped out with the Race Committee boat tasks in setting up the course, capturing timings and the requisite after party events. Awesome time – thanks Scott!

Friday was a final briefing day, got all of our records and original orders back and ready to move on to the next steps. Also got yet another bag of clothes (tan ACUs), PT gear, 2 pairs of boots, the whole shebang. Tons to carry. I moved out of the BOQ (Bachelor Officers Quarters) from Norfolk to Little Creek ready to report to ECRC next week.

I’ll try to keep all up to date on my next steps after I get to Fort Riley – thanks for all your continued support for not only me but other soldiers and sailors separated from friends and family like you.

I’m sure I’ve missed folks on this distro (apologies) so please feel free to pass this on if you think it interesting enough to do so.

Talk to you soon.


PS – if you no longer wish to here these droning, let me know and I’ll take you off the distro…


V/R
Tony E. TroupCDR USN630-561-9691 (cell)
630-219-1566 (Skype number)tonytroup@onebox.com or ttroup@gmail.com (h)tony.e.troup@navy.mil (mil)
SKYPE: cdr.tony.e.troup and +16302191566
AIM: tonytroup

CDR Tony Troup - Remobilized for 1 Year

Friends,

I've again received orders for mobilzation for 1 year starting 26 September 2008. This entry catches up starting on day one of my travels....


Well I reported for active duty yesterday at NOSC Indianapolis, IN.

I checked in to NOSC Indianapolis (Navy Operational Support Center, formally “reserve center”) yesterday morning and got everything knocked out that I think I needed to do before I head down to Norfolk, VA NMPS (I report there on Monday, the mobilization center). I spent all of about 3 hours there going through an ECRC checklist (Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command) checklist to ensure I have everything I need medically/administratively for when I report to NMPS (the mobilization site in Norfolk). I’ll be in Norfolk for about the next 2 weeks, then off to Fort Riley, Kansas for some Army training.

I had everything checked off except Yellow Fever shots and a hearing test and eye test so I’ll get those in Norfolk. Thankfully I’ll NOT be needing Anthrax vaccinations (a series of 6 shots).
Checked my military email and offloaded it to my thumb drive then wrapped it up at the NOSC. After I left NOSC and got back to my room, read a bit and watched a few recorded shows via the internet from my Slingbox at home (great technology by the way!). Then last night I went out to dinner with Rodney Retzner (my XO at my unit at Indy) who graciously sported for dinner at Outback. When we were leaving I showed him my new “vanity” plates I was fortunate to get the day before I left (ordered them back in July) which are Illinois Notre Dame alumni plates emblazoned with “NAVY” as my tag number – really surprised that was available but it’s fantastic. I also packed a laptop and a webcam so add me to your Skype account and I’ll connect with you if I can.

I’ll be sending out notes as I go through this new adventure for the next 365 days or so. Should be, if nothing else, interesting. Thanks for all the support from my friends and family on this next chapter for me and my family.

Off I go – talk to you all soon.

Tony E. TroupCDR USN630-561-9691 (cell)tonytroup@onebox.com or ttroup@gmail.com (h)tony.e.troup@navy.mil (mil)
SKYPE: cdr.tony.e.troup
AIM: tonytroup

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Mob Orders Cancelled! End of blog - for now

Well - it's been a whirlwind 30 days. I had some skin cancer removed from my nose on 22 Feb 2007 (i'm fine and the margins are clear), but the Navy has a medical review board pending now. With that, my orders to ISAF have been cancelled for now. Pending the results of the review board, I may or may not become mobilized in the future. I'll keep this blog open for now and let all know if my status changes.

Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Very Respectfully,
T. Troup
CDR USN

Monday, February 12, 2007

ISAF?

FYI - ISAF is International Security and Assistance Force

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Security_Assistance_Force has some info....

R/
TET

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Got my official orders today.

I got my official orders today to report to NOSC Indianapolis on 27 April. Told work and friends - everyone was very supportive. Thank you all! I'll continue to post as I get ready for deployment and throughout my tour. Hope I can keep your interest. Lots of emotions - concern mainly for my family and my reserve unit which I'm the CO for (COMPHIBRON 2 DET 213). I hope they find a great interim fill for me while I serve at the ISAF in Afganistan.

Very Respectfully,
CDR Tony E. Troup
US NAVY
"To Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
all who threaten it."