Yes, it’s another post where everyone is going to think I’m pissed off and in the mood to sulk and whine. I’ve actually been meaning to write this post for a long time, usually after every day where I’m driving home just gritting my teeth because of an encounter with one of the following things I hate.
- Base Parking:
- Base Security:
- Fleet Family Support Center:
- Medical: You get what you pay for:
- Nothing to do:
- The Exchange:
- Navy Spouses:
This is probably everyone’s biggest gripe about the base, or at least those who drive. Parking is scarce everywhere in Japan but nowhere else as much as on base. It’s especially bad for Sailors, as in those on ships, who have to park by the waterfront. Using this surprisingly detailed Google Map of the base, I very generously counted 500 legal parking spots. I took into account the 250 that are given to every Khaki that’s stationed on the USS Blue Ridge, as I did the remaining 250 that are reserved for absolutely every Japanese SRF worker. Although nowadays they’re not even using the parking spots. They’re just roping it off for absolutely no other reason than them squatting or playing catch during their lunch breaks.
So this brings us to the obvious question of where does everyone else park? Answer: any frickin’ place we can. I don’t have to be to work until 0730, but I try to get there around 0550 just to get a legal parking spot. Should I arrive later than usual, I’m forced to take my chances parking next to a shipping container, near a random building, or just making my own parking lane and hoping the others following suit will throw the ever-vigilant base police off. I took the latter option for about 6 months with no problem, when one day I get a phone call telling me to move my car or it’ll be towed. Don’t worry about the ticket though, they already had it on my windshield! Thanks, shipmates! Confused at why all of a sudden the parking was being enforced, I called base security to ask if something was going on. Apparently they had been previously undermanned, and now had enough bodies to go out and start writing tickets.
The problem with all of this, is there’s really nowhere to park. You have to make your own spot, or you’ll be driving around all day. And as far as I can tell, the unwritten law has always been as long as you’re not blocking a road, you’re good to go. Not so says the base police. When I asked what we, who had nowhere to park, were supposed to do, I was given a “I don’t know…come earlier I guess?” I know parking has been an ongoing issue for a long time, but it’s not fair to let all these cars on base, when a large number of us have to play Russian roulette with parking every morning. Here’s an idea on how to alleviate some of the problem. Ever been to Narita Airport? Ever see their parking lot which has a steel overhead that acts as a second deck? Oh yeaahhhh, that! I don’t think it would cost all that much, especially for how wasteful we are, and I’d even help carry the damn thing.
This is just a rollover from #1. I’m not talking about all the base security. The folks who stand at the gates every day checking IDs, they have my utmost respect. I did ASF for nearly a year in 2001, and gate guard duty drove me absolutely nuts. I’m specifically talking about the ones who drive around all day giving Sailors tickets. I remember a time without so many MAs. Prior to 9/11, I was in Washington state at Subase Bangor, and they had civilian contracted police (Johnson Controls). Then after 9/11, there was a huge push to man the MA rate, and every person who couldn’t get advanced in their dead end rate decided to be a glorified mall cop. Now, I know not all MAs are total power-happy jerks, but just like one bad Sailor can ruin the image of the entire Navy, I’ve had enough experiences to hate them all equally.
After a 24 hour duty day, I was taking a 1/2 nap during my lunch break when I was again called to move my car. When I got to my car, two of these Pretty Important GuyS were there waiting for me. I asked what was wrong with my spot, and the first one told me I was blocking a road…overlooking the fact that his truck was pulled up right next to mine. Whatever, I’ll just move it. Before I could do that though, he wanted to see my insurance, so I gave it to him. It was current, but it didn’t show in their system. Instead of catching some sleep, they told me I had to go to the vehicle office right then, or they’ll impound the car. I said fine and told them to keep doing a hell of a job in all of the hooyah-shipmate motivation I could muster. Well, that’s apparently what makes them snap. Both of them are immediately in the defensive position, you know…one foot forward, arms in front of their waist, waiting to react. They gave me some line about respect and I shot back with “why don’t you go to a ship first, maybe get a warfare pin or some quals like real Sailors do, then tell me about respecting you”…but it sort of just came out like “Sorry. Yes, I’m sorry. Yes Petty Officers.. Thank you, have a good day.” I was totally thinking it though!
This one is short, because it really does irk me. I’ve been in Japan for nearly 2 1/2 years now, and my Japanese language skill consists of introducing myself in a completely uncool overly-formal way, calling myself a stupid foreigner, and the crowd pleaser “you like dick, yes?” Don’t worry, I don’t actually use the last one…anymore. Furthermore, I clean my apartment for about 6 hours every week because I don’t know how to stop it from being overrun by magically appearing dust and mold. I also get paid a good amount of money here, but I honestly don’t know how to invest it. I won’t even go in to my extreme depression. See, all these things could be taken care of using some of the many courses offered by the FFSC…only one problem. All the classes are scheduled during working hours. Not towards the end of the working day, but right in the middle. How much special liberty do they think I’m going to get from work? Am I expected to take leave just to learn how to clean my frickin’ apartment. It’s really a shame that there’s such great opportunities for Sailors to better themselves, but many can’t take them.
I don’t mean to reveal TMI here, but since I’ve been in Japan I’ve been unable to take full deep breathes, I get random sharp pains near my heart, I’ve had ongoing pain in my nether regions which has made a lot of stuff very uncomfortable, and an uncontrollable mysterious itchiness. There was also the four months where my right leg kept going numb at random times. Besides the numbness in the leg, I still have everything else. There’s really nothing I can do about it. If we’re underway, or even in port, and my balls hurt I have to go to my ship’s corpsmen first. They’re some great docs, but they’re not doctors. They have a set of standard procedures they have to follow before I’m ever able to go to the hospital. And I can’t just go in with everyone of my problems, because I run the risk of looking like a malingerer, or as if I’m trying to weasel out of work…and I’m not the only person in the sick call line. So I take the Ibuprofen and see if it goes away in a week or two. If it doesn’t, I go back and they put a consult in for an appointment. One problem though…there’s no doctor.
Nearly every time I try to schedule an appointment, the doctor is always TAD to another base. “Sorry, s/he’s the only
When I went home on leave prior to coming to Japan, I went to a Tricare-affiliated family doctor, and that guy took all the time in the world to help me in every way he could. It was much different from the 10 minute consultations you get with one of the Yokosuka doctors, who spend most of that time trying to find a reason to blame it on stress or something you’re doing/no doing. Who cares though, I already signed the dotted line and I can’t sue. Sucker!
I drink. My friends drink too. In fact we all drink…a lot. There are times I end up passed out, or covered in puke. Not my finest hour, I know. I don’t even like drinking anymore, but it’s really the last resort we have. I know what you’re thinking…”that’s the wrong thought process, SHIPMATE!” Sorry, but it’s the truth. When our ship pulls in and we’re all about to have a nervous breakdown, what’s there to do? Certainly not the Big Buddha or Disneyland or any of that other good feel good zen bullshit. We want to do something to really unwind and just get all of the pent up frustration, stress, anger, and the dozens of other emotions, out of us before the next time we have to get underway to do donuts. Drinking is never the first option, but it’s the lowest common denominator, so it ends up being the activity of the evening.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve tried going to ITT and MWR, but it’s all crap. All of it. I’m not some middle-aged married guy with 2 kids. I don’t want to go to the aquarium or hot spring. I don’t want to see Sumo or go look at cherry blossoms…I want to do something FUN! When I was at my first base, Subase Bangor, I was introduced to the finest MWR program ever. They always had concert tickets, paint ball outings, whitewater rafting, bungie, I even went skydiving with them…SKYDIVING! Until there’s something that young Sailors actually want to do out here, drinking will always end up being the fall back…unless I find Jesus at some point. Are you there God? It’s me, Jim…
I try not to go to the Exchange at all, but the few times that I absolutely must go, it’s usually performing my pre-underway ritual of buying bulk undershirts, underwear, razor blades, and a neutral colored loofah. No less than two minutes inside the building, I’m already pissed. Just to get to anything, I have to maneuver through the obstacle course of 15 Navy wives with SUV-like strollers talking about why they get soy milk instead of regular, or muttering out the occasional “Mommy saaaiid nooooooo” to their yelping kid running around my legs. When I get to my destination, the razor blades are sold out, so I’m stuck buying the $40 8-back of the 6-blade super Fusion Deluxe(TM).
It’s not even worth looking for anything else, since the selection sucks. The computer books, and I know I’m probably a minority here, are all written for grandmothers. I’m sure people know how to use Outlook, how about for the ton of people who working with computers as a hobby, who wouldn’t mind learning a new programming language or something? Then the clothes…who, besides Seamen, wears Billabong? And who, besides the jerk offs in AFN commercials, wears “Basic Concepts”? Also, I know we make a lot of money out here, but that doesn’t mean I’m looking to buy a $4,000 TV. Could you please just sell a simple 27″ for a few hundred dollars? Where in my little ass apartment would I be able to put a massive TV anyway?
Finally, I’ve grabbed all the shit I needed and I just want to get out and go home. But there’s a dilemma. 120 people in line, and three open registers. I’m glad the lady behind me is restocking the shelves full of candy, instead of you know…expediting the check out process. I stand there for a minute and evaluate which line to get in. I go for the one with the shortest amount of people. Aha! I got lucky in this one. Then I notice the clerk…it’s that little old lady. You all know which one I’m talking about. She’s the kindest and happiest woman on the entire base, but , I’m really sorry, she is fucking slow. I then also remember that I have the ability to disrupt laser scanners, which causes the kind gentle old lady to walk slowly to the farthest aisle in the store to do a manual price check. She finally gets back, but then I notice something. The two women at the register aren’t happy with the price she came back with. They’re almost certain the lame ass shoes they’re trying to buy were marked 2% off. They sit an argue and decide to put one back, or just stfu and buy them. At last…I’m almost home.
Oh no! I was so preoccupied with the two women arguing about discounts, that I completely overlooked the lame Seaman in his “Navy” hoodie with the Japanese chick he’s trying to bed, and her 4 friends. What a sweet guy. Instead of just using the Exchange for its intended purpose, he decides to bring them all in so they can buy makeup and clothes cheaper than they could out in town. Asshole. I’m finally up and at this point I’m so pissed off, I don’t even talk. I just look pissed off, scan my card, sign and throw the receipt then run to my car. Suggestion: Single sailor-only line.
I figure this one might piss someone off, so allow me to apologize ahead of time. I really dislike spouses. Partly because I’m jealous, but mostly because you drive me insane. No matter where I go on base, you’re there with your four kids all in one giant stroller. You’re always in front of me in line. You always get the parking spot at the gym, theater, field, Exchange, etc., despite the fact that you live ONE FUCKING BLOCK AWAY. On your husband’s payday, it’s like a Navy wife convention at the Exchange, and it’s absolutely impossible to get anything I need. What probably pisses me off more than anything, is you get benefits you haven’t earned.
I’m sorry to piss all over your rainbows and “Navy Wife” sweat suits, but you’re not in the military. You have sacrificed nothing that I don’t already sacrifice, being away from loved ones. The difference, you get to see yours before I do mine. In the meantime, you have a whole support group of others just like you to keep you sane while you wait. All you did was marry in, and now you’re already given more than I am. I can’t go to the FFSC classes, but you can. I have to live off base and pay $2,000 a month, you live on base for next to nothing. Sure I get BAH, but it’s not always enough. If I need anything from base, or get called into work, I have to drive from off-base, or when I didn’t have a car, had to take the train or taxi. You drive one block to go to the gym! You can get an appointment with a doctor or dentist ten times easier and faster than I ever could. At the end of the night, you get to be with your loved ones.
I know it’s bitter and selfish, but honestly, why shouldn’t I be? Put all your pissed off feelings aside for a minute, and try to see it from my point of view. I work 17 hour days underway, up to 10 or 11 hours a day in port, with nothing to look forward to afterwards other than sleep. People are always saying how spouses do so much for the Navy. What have you ever done for me? Where was my invitation to Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, when I was sitting home eating McDonald’s and watching a DVD until I fell asleep? When have you ever given me the last open parking spot, since you know, I’m actually serving in the Navy? When have you ever let me get in front of you in the checkout line with my two items, while you sat and argued over a discount? I’m not asking for a handout by any means, just a little respect.
Well that was a refreshing. I’ve been up for 29 hours now and I have to get ready for my duty day tomorrow. Anything else about Yokosuka Naval Base that pisses you off?
Comments 131
I´m not in the military, but I understand your point of view. Specially the spouses part. Like you, i don´t want to piss anyone off because i share the same opinion, but either way, that would drive anybody insane. If it is like you describe in point number 7, that would really make me feel angry as well. Busting your ass for hours, being away from your loved ones and then getting behind the spouses every single time,… c´mon that would piss off anybody, even the more psychological balanced ppl.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 4:33 am ¶Slow down there, Tiger. I resent the implication that I’m psychologically unbalanced.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 4:36 am ¶Can´t blame you lol, dealing with this 7 different types of problems 24/7. I would say that given the fact that you at least write about them instead of doing stuff that you would probably regret, you´re doing pretty well I think.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 4:58 am ¶Since you brought it up, reserved 06 parking places are a point of contention for me. I am speculating, but how often to 06s actually use those spots? The powers that be need to sack up and properly label the spots as parking for 06 wives.
Another sore spot is the behavior of sailors out in public. Enlisted sailors – of which I am one – are our own worst enemies. I believe ignorance of entry-level social behavior is the root of many of the larger problems the Navy faces. Social skills, both on and off base, should be in regular rotation at every command’s GMT.
“How not to act you are a freshman in high school 101,” and “Why wearing anything issued to you in your sea bag should – outside of the ship at sea – should stay in your sea bag,” could go a long toward helping us all help ourselves.
Also, people should be taught that despite pedestrians legally having the right of way, under no circumstance should you step in front of a moving vehicle. Navy bases seem to encourage people to leisurely stroll in front of moving vehicles as if it were a sport.
It is against the laws of nature. I am from New Jersey. Back home, people step in front of a moving car once. After completing physical therapy to learn how to walk again, most tend to be a little more circumspect in their decision making. The learning curve, should one graph it, would look remarkably like the front end of a speeding car.
I’ll get off my soap box now.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 8:07 am ¶For some one who dos,nt have any thing to do you shore have a lot to bitch about
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 10:46 am ¶…………..I wear Basic Concepts.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 11:50 am ¶Base Security:
“I’m not talking about… the folks who stand at the gates every day checking IDs” I am. Like you said, “I’ve had enough experiences to hate them all equally.” They check my bag and ID coming and going while cars are going in and out with zero checks. I know that’s not their stupid policy but I walk through the gate every day and the last thing I need the first thing in the morning is having one of these disgruntled guys giving me attitude. But it’s the same almost every morning. But that’s ok, their attitude is in direct proportion to how long it takes me to get through the gate. I always smile but sometimes it takes me a good minute or so to find my ID and, just as they ask me to stand to the side, “oh, here it is!” as I pull it out of my pocket… but oops, I dropped it. And the bag search? Well that’s a couple minutes more. You want to search it you open the pocket! That’s right, I have to. Well that takes me a bit and once they’ve had their look it takes me even longer to get everything situated again and zipped up. I know, bad attitude but I smile the whole time and when they give me shitty attitude that’s my only weapon.
…oh, and I did ASF once upon a time as well. All the ASF guys at the gates, always, while the actual security force ride around in the cars and takes a sand down… except the really hot ASF girls. They always have room in the cars for them too.
Medical:
“You get what you pay for”??? According to the last Secretary of Defense pay survey which was recently completed, we are getting equal to or more than our civilian counterparts… and much of that is apparently our medical benefits. Of course, if you look at what I am actually getting paid and bounce that off what they say I am getting paid (with said unseen benefits) you will see each sailor is acutally using like, $30k in medical expenses a year.
Nothing to do:
Nothing to do? Come on shipmate. Everytime you step off base it’s like being on vacation in a foreign land. LOL at least that’s what they always tell me. I wonder if that’s what the commanders in Iraq tell their guys to boost morale? At a previous command the Single Sailor program offered serious events, like white water rafting in Austria or skiing in Germany and they paid the majority of the pill. I don’t think I ever shelled out more than $150 bucks, even on a thee night trip. Here the single sailor program consists of a room of computers and an occassional trip to Disney or a trip shopping. Woohoo! MWR does have some cool ski trips but like you said with medical. The ship gets underway a day before the trip begins or, it’s a ski trip that leaves at 0200 and waits in the parking lot for two hours until the lift opens. You would be on that trip except it’s your duty day and turnover isn’t until 0730.
The Exchange/Navy spouses:
For me it’s always a Navy wife with an SUV size butt blocking my way and it’s not the soymilk she’s after. That’s where I’m going… I think she’s after the raw cookie dough just down the way.
I only say that because yesterday I got blocked at McDonalds. The family of five in front of me decide to all stand around the register and wait for the tray after they ordered. Excuse mel, no! Make your order and stand off to the side like every other person in the place. The kids eventually picked up on the look of death and the “hello, excuse me’s” and the look of death I was giving them. But moma never did. She stood there the whole time. While I ordered and walked off to the side while other people ordered. She never moved, one hand on her tray the whole time.
I hate those people! I hope she reads this too. Gets pissed off and goes to the fridge for more cookie dough… and finds she’s out!
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 11:57 am ¶ID checks are GAY…seriously, i come through the front gates, show my ID, get to the pier gates, show my ID, get to the ship, show my ID, and now when i walk off base i have to show ID. WTF!
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 12:51 pm ¶Navy Dad: I don’t have anything to do on my off-time. Hence why I bitch so much. Maybe I need a hobby?
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 1:23 pm ¶What probably pisses me off more than anything, is you get benefits you haven’t earned.
Now, you know I’ve got to say something about this. I’m sure you mean it a different way than I’m taking it, but this was a completely SHITTY thing to say. If you had any idea of what I’ve been through for my husband and how I took care of HIM BEFORE HE WAS IN THE NAVY or how I worked my ASS OFF for a VERY LONG TIME for my little family, you wouldn’t say shitty things like that Jim. Seriously, it’s just like the single sailors hating being lumped into one stupid stereotype. We’re not all selfish bitches who take advantage of everything. We also don’t all wear our husbands’ rank. I could give two shits if I’m talking to an enlisted spouse (which I am) or an officers’ spouse, I JUST DON’T CARE. I know a lot of people who do act superior, and that’s fine, that’s why they are just acquaintances to me. When I used to be able to have a job in my career in the States, I was the one who had the major insurance that covered us. I was the one who worked my ass off, to include weekends and holidays, to make sure my family had what they needed. My husband didn’t join the military until after we’d been married for some time so that’s bullshit that we all are cookie cutter fat asses that push gigantor strollers. I don’t push a damn stroller, I hate it when ANY GROUP congregates and that includes the sailors and wives and kids and whoever.
When have you ever let me get in front of you in the checkout line with my two items, while you sat and argued over a discount? I’m not asking for a handout by any means, just a little respect.
I ALWAYS DO THIS. I let people in front of me if I have more crap than they do, I always have. It’s part of my southern upbringing. I let uniformed men and women in front of me as well, I’m sensitive to the time issue. I worked hard for a long time, I know what kind of hours you guys keep and I do this. Don’t lump us all in. And don’t pat me on the back either, I think everyone should do this but they don’t. The world is full of assholes. Personally, I think those shoe ladies should have just paid and taken their issue to the Customer Service in the back by the liquor. That’s what I have done SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST.
And finally:
Where was my invitation to Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, when I was sitting home eating McDonald’s and watching a DVD until I fell asleep?
I printed out business cards with our info on it and I HAVE PASSED THEM OUT TO SINGLE GUYS WHEN I COME ACROSS THEM. I’ve always been down with having single guys over as long as they watch their mouths in front of my youngest (and other than respecting my stuff, that’s my only other rule), and in the past, I HAVE invited guys over. My husband thinks I’m nuts and way too friendly, but I know how shitty it is to be alone on holidays or to not get to play with kids when you have lots of cousins…I HAVE INVITED OVER SEVERAL SAILORS TO COME HANG OUT but they NEVER DO IT. Ask PigeonMan, I even invited him over the very first time I ever saw him. You want an invitation? COME THE HELL ON OVER!!! We have people over ALL THE TIME to hang out. Come over, play WOW with the man, play Super Smash Brothers, eat our food, whatever. Don’t say you weren’t invited. I just haven’t come across your ass yet.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 2:49 pm ¶I think my favorite is the MA’s who just dont get it, they love to CTO people just to get those extra brownie points and for some reason dont get it. There are most that dont want to CTO people realizing that it hurts everyone not just there command but possibly every one by having base lockdowns, but hey one day theyll get it when no one respects them and there civilians again = D. Nothing to do? well i feel the same way seeing as most of my time off i dont feel like waking up at 2 in the morning for a ski trip seeing as i just worked a 10 or 11 hour day all i want to do is sleep and to have any fun i have to sacrafice what little sleep i get as is to do something fun. I get aggravated everytime i realize i stand in the little old lady’s line, like you i think o sweet 2 people in this line but it seriously takes her 30 minutes to check 2 people. I also think they seriously need to hire more people to run registers after 1600 when everyone is off, plus it seems like the spouses can go to the damn exchange anytime during the day when they have nothing better to do seeing is the kids are at school and everything but they tend to wait till everyone is off work to go do there shopping to add to the frustration of standing an extra 30 minutes in line and manuevering between people. I honestly think if they make spots for 0-6’s that are never used they should make spots for sailors only seeing as were the ones fighting for that freedom as it is, why cant we have a damn parking spot instead of giving it up to the spouse who doesnt have to serve, and has all day to shop.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 2:57 pm ¶Not all spouses are drama queening, bloggers on their “the bitching mothers of yokosuka” website. I’m sure some of them are actually decent people like I*LUB*RICE. I love the lack of discipline the parents have (military and spouses, and even those non-military types) on their children running a-muck everywhere. Get your fucking kid/s under control! Wholly christ, running around like friggin retards, screaming because they don’t get their way, fighting with brother/sister at a restaraunt is totally unacceptable, and I don’t have kids! When I was young my dad instilled a fear in me about acting out in public and you can bet your sweet hind parts thats why I have a soft ass today! Learn to control your kids, this isn’t a three ring circus!
MWR does a great job of lowering Morale. Just the other day I had a softball game and it just so happened to be at 1730 (the worst possible time for anyone to play any sport). So, we’re 2 short of having 9 players to start the game. One minute after 1730 and our two players show up, but because the umpire already called the game we couldn’t play. Being as we had a double header we didn’t want to ’scrimmage’ them. Needless to say, the other team was from the waterfront and was getting underway soon and wouldn’t play another softball game for quite some time, and they really wanted to play and even asked the ump to let us play, but that just went out the window. Isn’t letting us play the whole point anyway? I mean wholly shit they were 1 minute late because getting off in time to play at 1730 is complete hell! MWR: We’re here for the Sailors to support us! ha ha! uhmm…yeah…great job that night MWR!!! BTW, that team stayed on the field for the whole hour playing softball because they really wanted to! It was sad.
Jim, you’re too funny. That old lady is too cute! Okay, maybe not, but she tries. I feel your pain dude. I really can’t chime in cuz everything has been said already.
To the MA’s. You guy’s truly are horrible. Not all, but most. I hope you guys find my big rubber duck to be a threat to society! I will take him everywhere I go and I will make sure you check my bag for KAMO upon my return!
Have a great week everybody!!
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 5:01 pm ¶I enjoyed the last paragraph of reason number 6. I was laughing my ass off in the office. Yeah, my blog isnt as cool, I know.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 5:08 pm ¶There should be a few mandates for parents on this base:
1. DON’T BREED ‘EM IF YOU CAN’T FEED ‘EM
2. THERE’S A BATHROOM NEARBY IN ANY STORE YOU GO TO, TAKE YOUR SCREAMING KID IN THE AND SPANK THAT ASS!
3. TAKE THAT KID HOME AND HAVE A FRIEND WATCH THEM IF THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO ACT.
And then there’s the sailors, any age, any rank, any danger zone parts:
1. Quit acting like you went to remedial school on the short bus and act stupid in public, like smoking half a cigarette and throwing it down on the ground where babies could pick it up or fall down on it…you asshole!
2. STOP TALKING ABOUT THE GIRL/GUY YOU LET CLIMB ALL OVER YOUR CROTCH LAST NIGHT IN THE SHOE DEPARTMENT, THERE ARE ALMOST ALWAYS KIDS IN THERE! YOU SOUND LIKE A SKANK WHORE!
3. Don’t put all that cologne/perfume on, you smell like you took the douchebaggery class on how to be an inconsiderate nostril assaulter. There’s a middle ground, just don’t spray head to toe. There comes a point when that sexy stuff starts smelling like pretentious asshole.
And as for KJ, who had this intelligent run-on sentence:
I got a newsflash for you: some of the people who are at the exchange aren’t necessarily spouses from THIS BASE. That’s right Tom Brokaw, you were assuming things without basis in FACT…just like assuming that all parents have kids in school or they have nothing better to do. Ever heard of a spouse that works or volunteers? Maybe you should take your lunch break and go shopping…oh wait, that would be ridiculous right? THAT’S RIGHT, just like assuming you know that person standing next to you or why they might be there at that hour. It’s a damn store, why don’t you go up to the manager and request an ACTIVE DUTY ONLY TWO HOUR WINDOW!!? Oh that’s right, because that’s RETARDED. Get over yourself.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 5:21 pm ¶Go ahead and drink Jim, we’re counting on you up here.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 5:37 pm ¶Wow…you are one heated mama! I heart the douchebaggery statement! If you want to smell good, take a freaking bath! A little bit of cologne goes a long way, so when you take ur bath, use soap, not cologne!
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 5:54 pm ¶Yeah! What you said PM!
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 5:59 pm ¶I like Billabong!
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 6:00 pm ¶Here’s a story for you: Two navy enlisted women are in the shoe department of the Navy Exchange a few weeks back. They are being loud and talking slutty, not a surprise if you STEREOTYPE. They were talking about cock and how big this guys’ dick was and how they wouldn’t sleep with this other guy, who’s a nerd. One of them even discussed how she’d FUCK a married guy and she has before. I guess I should stereotype Navy enlisted women too? Are you all whores? That’s what I heard - only really ugly girls or rejected porn wannabes join the Navy. Is that right? We’re not all hanging out by the cookie dough…just like you aren’t all laying on your back passing out free pussy cards to any available dick while underway.
So thanks Buffy, glad to know women are sticking together for a common goal.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 9:06 pm ¶Hey, as long as we’re making sweeping generalizations….Jim, quit whining and go knife a taxi driver, and Buffy, don’t you need to give your pimp a call? In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, “…everyone knows, when you make an assumption, you make an ass out of “u” and “umption”.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 10:04 pm ¶I*heart*rice - that is such a horrible stereotype…but it’s all so true!
You forgot about all the ones who get pregnant while out to sea ON PURPOSE so they can evade sea duty.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 10:06 pm ¶I think Buffy is a dude.
I*heart*rice: Relax. If it doesn’t apply to you, don’t worry about it. You trying to change an old stereotype of Navy wives on here is going to produce the same result as any of the shit I write on here. There’s always an exception to the rule. If you’re an exception, then feel good knowing that and laugh at the people that do fall in the stereotype. If it’s anything, you already have the other Navy wives in Yokosuka by a mile, since you read this fine publication.
—–
I find the ID checks to be a bunch of bullshit too. I like how they check our IDs about 3 times, when a Japanese SRF worker is just waved on through any checkpoints, especially on ships. Sometimes I’ll see SRF workers come up the brow and be given permission to board, while wearing a breathing mask. It doesn’t matter if their face is covered, because their ID isn’t even glanced at. Then I come on, and it’s 100% hands-on ID checks.
Another ID related problem is DBIDS. DBIDS is a system where your information is put into a database, and when your ID card is scan, pulls up pertinent information. I remember when I first got here, how big a deal they made for me to make sure I went and enrolled. Yet for the past 4 months when I come on base, the card reader buzzes, meaning my registration has expired and my information isn’t current. I wonder if they had used DBIDS as they were supposed to, if they would have caught Kenny the Cabby Killer.
Posted 13 Apr 2008 at 10:47 pm ¶This is JUST a question, I am honestly curious. Outdoor Rec does offer whitewater rafting and surfing and rock-climbing - is it the price that makes these not an option? The schedule doesn’t work with your duty days/ship’s schedule? I get it, early morning departures mean people don’t go, but is that the only reason?
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 12:27 am ¶Next question, JUST a question - did you ask FFSC about evening classes? What did they say? If not, I’ll mention it to them.
Spendthrift: Speaking for myself, rafting isn’t something I’m necessarily looking to do right now, and was more of an example. Honestly, I didn’t know the Outdoor Rec had so many different options. I thought they just rented gear.
http://www.cfay.navy.mil/mwr/outdoorrecreation.html
While I may blow a few hundred on a night out and have nothing to show for it in the morning (ballllin’), as a one time Seaman, $160 does seem a little steep considering how much younger guys make. Though I think for the amount of stuff offered, BBQ, canoing, rafting, etc., $160 isn’t bad.
I’ve never asked FFSC about night classes, although maybe I should have before just putting them on blast, eh? This is exactly why I like comments.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 12:48 am ¶Jim - Thank you for bringing up some valid points from the viewpoint of a fleet single sailor.
PARKING - It sucks on this base, always has, and probably always will. Keep bitchin’ though … maybe somebody will listen.
SECURITY - Bunch of Nazis. Having worked with many MA’s in my 20+ career, I find that most were bullies in high school and control freaks.
FFSC - Waste of taxpayer’s money - started in the early 80’s. Don’t waste your time worrying about missing their courses. Go on the internet and you’ll be better off. Whatever you say to their counselors gets reported back to your command. Don’t trust these “Save the world” sand-crabs.
MEDICAL - My view of the NAVHOSP is they do the best they can with the people and assets they have, considering a lot of doctors are being sent to Iraq or Afghanistan. Sounds like you don’t like pecker-checkers.
NOTHING TO DO - A sailor is a sailor - when you get bored, you drink and chase women. Nothing new here. MWR created the Liberty program, but it sounds like it’s not working on your side of the tracks. I would get a hobby that you can turn into a profession some day.
NEX - Roger on the over-sized strollers blocking the aisles and the Japanese Grandma Cashier who is slow as molasseses. Another Roger on the sluts they let into the NEX to buy make-up tax-free with their Navy boyfriends. That sucks and I’ve witnessed it myself many times.
NAVY SPOUSES - No comment, other than they obviously piss you off, but once you’re married and have one, you might not understand what they go through.
Keep the faith and this blog going Jim … as moderator you have the right to express your viewpoints, whether people like them or not.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 1:14 am ¶SPENDTHRIFT: Is it the price that makes these not an option? $160 for a one day whitewater rafting trip is not going to break me, however, I do compare it to my time in Europe where the Single Sailor program offered a THREE day rafting trip for virtually the same price. That was four years ago so things have changed. I didn’t see a rafting trip listed now for comparison but I did notice that overnight trips were starting out at 160 Euro. (And those weren’t even the subsidised Single Sailor Liberty trips.)
So no, $160 does not break me but for the same money I can get quite a ways across Japan and I don’t have to wait for a bus that is leaving at 0200. I can crash in a hostel, make a few days of it and, I can do things on my schedule and not be tied to that of another.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 1:48 am ¶Are you guys that ignorant that you actually think people come onbase to buy make up? I mean if the chicks are trying to save a few bucks I find that interesting, my wife is Japanese and wouldn’t shop onbase for make up to save money. Plus if you look at the japanese women vice the fat white navy cow wifes, thier make up is much better (japanese), even for the ones that have never shopped onbase to get make up “tax-free” and maybe save 2 bucks. (except maybe those crazy Harajuku girls with the crazy white make up that they put on their eyes) They might just be here since we are in their country and they just want to see what its like in an area in thier country that they aren’t allowed to access. Ever think about that, put a Japanese, German or Chinese base in the US and all you guys would be up in arms as to why you can’t get on the base, just a thought.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 2:00 am ¶Here, compare for yourself:
Day trips in Naples (17, actually more but they were repeats):
http://nsanaples.mwritt.org/Tours.asp?TdT=D&M=4&Y=2008
Their extended trips (April only had one so I am listing May):
http://nsanaples.mwritt.org/Tours.asp?TdT=E&M=5&Y=2008
Our trips (all 8):
http://www.cfay.navy.mil/mwr/outdoorrecreation.html
And check out the pick up/drop off times, their earliest is 0515… ours is 0045.
And now that I’m looking, $40 to climb a wall for an hour!!! Does the wall use gas or electricity or something??? That seems a bit high. My last command was big into fishing. You can easily charter a boat for around $700 for a day and take who you want. If you jumped on a “party boat” it was $45! Here they are asking $120 per person? There is also a hike. Seems like if they are only offering eight trips, that one could be free
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 2:08 am ¶Oh my goodness~ this cracks me up! Is the glass ALWAYS half full with you people?? You are right Jim, if it does not apply to you then we can stand tall and not worry about it applying to us, but if the navy wives were not here, then there would be no need for civilian employees. It is such a vicious cycle you know.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 2:44 am ¶You know what bugs me….when you go into any on base establishment and hear people using their own language. Now I have no problem using your own language, but when there is a traffice jam at the front desk of the exchange because of them chatting in their native tongue over who is going to cook the most, well then I get perturbed just a bit.
I understand the Yokosuka “complaints”, but come on, life is to short for bitterness, unless the bitterness is stirred to get blog comments, then it is okay.
The slut girls are buying make-up at the NEX when they should be looking at teeth whitening strips and mouthwash! I have yet to see one of them without some form of gnarled orange/green shit going on with their grills…Oh yeah, they aren’t cows, so oral hygiene is not an issue.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 4:15 am ¶Hmm i heart rice i would love to go during a lunch hour, but seeing as genearlly i only get an hour lunch break i would spend the entire time in transit from boat to nex back to the boat. I have no time to shop whatsoever it takes like 25-30 minutes to walk to the nex and thats almostat a jogging pace. However i am sorry for sterotyping, not all spouses do this it just seems like every time i go it is a majority of spouses at the store.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 5:05 am ¶Buffy, Yokosuka’s ITT offers 21 tours in May under trips & tours, inlucing sumo, and an overnight to Takayama. The overnight tour to Takayama seems high, $300, but the two-night tour in April to Hiroshima was about the same. This seems to compare with the prices in Naples, what with the Euro being so strong against the dollar these days. But what the original blog post was about was not liking these kinds of sight-seeing shopping trips. I couldn’t find the outdoor rec portion of Naples MWR, the rafting or hiking type of thing.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 1:47 pm ¶Having also been stationed in Europe, in all honesty I can say I liked it there better; easier to get around, cheaper in general (though I was there a while ago, and like I said, the Euro). Some things here in Japan are just harder - traffic, distance and cost are big obstacles to providing the kind of trip I think Jim is looking for. Japan won’t ever be able to come close to Europe, but at least in this country they pick up the trash….
Ru4real is right…
I mainly see this at the entrance to the NEX. Sometimes when I walk through and show them my ID they don’t even look. Ok, so big deal right? The point is principle in my case. They were obviously sitting there for a reason so just do the job, it’s not too hard. Oh…Ru4Real, It doesn’t matter if the cup is half full or half empty. Whatever’s inside it is evaporating either way.
No I’m not ignorant, but you’re naive for thinking they don’t. I’ve seen it plenty of times at the NEX. It’s more than just the make-up too. They want the clothes believe it or not. Maybe your wife doesn’t, but that doesn’t mean other japanese women don’t! I have friends that enjoy shopping at the NEX. Even Ako Koizumi, runner up for Miss Universe Japan has been there to shop, even brought her mom too. So please don’t say they don’t want to shop there, its simply not true.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 4:47 pm ¶I drank the stuff in the cup and now I’m chillin out.
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 7:01 pm ¶Jim - I have a beef about MWR, which actually stands for “More Wasted Resources.” Who the heck decides what entertainment they have in the clubs? I’ve been asking why don’t have anyone playing Italian music at Club Gardens. When you ask the duty managers, they say to ask the day manager, who is never there at night and punches out at 1630. When you finally get in touch with the manager, this jerk tells you that the Entertainment Office decides. When you call the Entertainment Office guy (who works in the back of the Gaming Room by Starbucks), he tells you that its up to the club manager. What the f..k, over! How do they justify having an Italian Restaurant, without Italian music with bands playing Jazz?
Posted 15 Apr 2008 at 1:14 am ¶After reading this post, I must admit that I agree with most of it. I can’t stand going to the commissary and having two cackling hens with their kids strapped into that gigantic blue double-wide two-seater shopping cart blocking the aisle and act all indignant when I politely say “excuse me” after they didn’t catch on to my non-verbal cues (mad-dog fucking bitch moooove! look) wishing to squeeze by. Some of us want to just get in and get out and get on with our lives…but there are some whose ENTIRE SOCIAL LIFE revolves around the commissary and NEX. Jesus H. Christ folks, get off the damn base and go do something! Oh, and don’t get me started on the chickens clucking all loud blocking the entrance and putting all kinds of shit on layaway to send ‘back home’.
I can’t agree with the “Nothing to do” part. We live near the LARGEST city in the world with two LARGE cities bordering it. There are always rock shows in Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Yokohama…sure the tickets are a lot more expensive here but isn’t that what COLA is for? You want excitement, go to a punk show and get in the mosh pit and get your ass kicked by a bunch of wiry Japanese guys who’ve been practicing Kendo and Karate their whole lives like I do!
I don’t rely on the base to fulfill MOST of my entertainment needs, and neither should you. There is something for everyone in Japan, you just need to go find it before your time here is up. I’ve been living here for six years and honestly dread the possibility of moving back to the States next year because I love it here so much.
Posted 15 Apr 2008 at 2:50 pm ¶1.) you’ve been a hypochondriac since i’ve known u. you’re not dying; stop it.
2.) when did you ever not drink heavily?
3.) it was you’re choice to reinlist in that shithole, u had the option to move a world away…again.
4.) so when are you getting married and starting a family? nope, screw that bitch.=P
keep ur spirits up, it won’t last forever.
Posted 16 Apr 2008 at 4:05 am ¶Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to my ex, Kacie. As if you couldn’t tell…
Posted 16 Apr 2008 at 12:34 pm ¶I’ve got a new complaint: AMERICABLE, or better known as RECORDED SHIT. Now they are, as far as we can tell, charging thirteen dollars more for the same shitty service, but now it includes a BOX! I really believe their tech guy is alone, flipping the channels all day just to see if any of the shitty rerecorded discs stopped due to being recorded on fifty times. If I am reading this wrong, and I probably am, we will have to pay more PER TELEVISION for less than we already get now, which is pretty much bad as it is. I don’t care about HD. I enjoy my Japanese channels, it’s the only place I can see something that I haven’t seen already. With it being rainy season, I’m right here, watching the one-eyed babysitter. It sucks. Here’s what they say:
meh.
Posted 16 Apr 2008 at 1:08 pm ¶Hey Jim, sounds like someone is a little bitter eh? My bet is you moved on to bigger and better things and she’s jealous/angry? If you didn’t move on, she’s still butt hurt about the break up I’m sure. Hey, it’s always nice to have a second opinion on things though right?
Posted 16 Apr 2008 at 1:50 pm ¶bitter? no. jealous? no. angry? again no. hurt? ehhh…. but honest? i think so. if u want an explanation of the break-up, i think he wrote a post about it on here somewhere, so feel free to take a look. we still communicate, it’s not one of those “were done, we’ll be forever spiteful and never speak kindly again” endings. he knows he bitches like a woman and put himself in his miserable position. he attributes some of his dislike of spouses of jealousy. he eventually wants to be in that same position which he now detests, yes james? anyway, this was a direct comment to him, whom i know quite well, unlike some comments that are left open for opinions or arguments.
Posted 16 Apr 2008 at 4:01 pm ¶Well alll riiggity riiight. See, I would rather have comments that are debatable. If there isn’t anything to argue about I wouldn’t come back here, it makes things uninteresting. I guess I see your point, but it seemed more like a flame on Jim more than anything else. Don’t really understand the logic behind the post, but hey, whatver floats your boat.
So did anyone read about the skunk that tried to rape a fart?
Posted 16 Apr 2008 at 5:34 pm ¶Don’t mind her. She’s just playing hard to get.
Posted 16 Apr 2008 at 7:30 pm ¶Rice Person - When I lived on base I felt the same way about the Americable Scam. They are illegally retransmitting recorded programs with the U.S. Government’s full knowledge. I can’t wait to see the lawsuit from the t.v. channels. How many people realize that AFN on-base is a MONO - repeat - MONO audio signal, not STEREO? I didn’t realize this until I moved off-base and got a satellite dish and purchased my own decoder. The satellite signal is clearer, free, and STEREO. When I complained to Americable on the ICE system, I got a cock & bull canned excuse which basically said, “They are doing the best they can.” What a crock!
Posted 17 Apr 2008 at 12:50 pm ¶Salty, you are one cool dude!
Posted 17 Apr 2008 at 1:24 pm ¶Rice - Thanks for the compliment. Stay tuned. I’m one of those people who stays “plugged-in” with a b.s. meter set very low, so if there’s any funny business going on in Yokosuka, you’ll be hearing from me often. Let’s keep the heat on these Americable Clowns. The pressure needs to be put on the Base CO, CMC, and whoever the “COTAR” (Contract Administrator) is. Somebody is being paid to monitor this outfit who think they are bullet-proof. Let’s prove them wrong!
Posted 17 Apr 2008 at 9:27 pm ¶I know I am jumping a little late on the bandwagon for this particular article but I could not agree with you more with all of these issues. I find myself wondering the same things on a daily basis. The biggest argument you made here (for me at least) is the NEX. It’s like a big ass cloud of pissed-ness (I know it’s not a word) just looms over me and i can’t shake it off until long after I left the place. BTW, I heart ya I*heart*rice, you give me humor!
Posted 18 Apr 2008 at 3:14 am ¶Oh yeah Salty Dog, there is some B.S. radiating about Americable’s internet packages too. I found out I was paying more for the same freakin’ internet speed. Of course I get the standard line from them about it.
Posted 18 Apr 2008 at 3:18 am ¶Yay AG! I’m here for the psycho comic relief!
I know what you mean on that Americable secret deal: almost seems like they are bending ya over and making you take it like a pooch. Not fair. Not even a reach around.
Posted 18 Apr 2008 at 5:01 am ¶My goodness Rice, not even bus fare if I smile! Something needs to be done about it, but a lowly enlisted girl like me doesn’t get heard properly unless I yell about it from the rooftops. Probably then I will get some Joe Shmoe to peek his head out of the window and tell me to shut my facehole.
Posted 18 Apr 2008 at 5:28 am ¶Playing hard to get seems to be an understatement.
Posted 18 Apr 2008 at 5:58 pm ¶Number 8 thing to hate. Why does Chili’s on base suck?
Posted 19 Apr 2008 at 4:31 am ¶Just my $0.173 cents on the parking issue: The biggest problem with parking on the waterfront is all the cockroaches that drive from THEIR FUCKING HOUSING TOWER to the waterfront. According to Google Earth, the farthest tower from Harbor Master Pier is 0.93 miles. In contrast, my house is Uraga is 4.43 miles from Harbor Master Pier. And there is no bus service from my house to the waterfront.
Posted 19 Apr 2008 at 6:26 am ¶Dave, I lived in Ume Heights and I walked or took a taxi everyday to the ship. It blows my mind that those living on base still have to drive to the piers. Get out and freaking walk!
Posted 19 Apr 2008 at 2:59 pm ¶I know, really, get on a bike or something. I can see driving if you are late, but Jesus. That many people can’t be that freaking late.
Posted 19 Apr 2008 at 5:44 pm ¶Jim,
I loved reading your original post. But I salute your restraint in limiting yourself to only seven things that piss you off. I have the same seven and a good two dozen more. I’m only halfway into a two year tour and would rather go back to Iraq than deal with the Yokosuka insanity… but I undertand — it’s more important for our leaders to get the G.W. here than it is to give a damn about the sailors (and thier mental well-being) who have to live and work here.
Posted 21 Apr 2008 at 3:38 am ¶Re Spouses: Wait till they divorce you and take 36 percent of your retirement. That will make every thing in Para 7 seem like the truth.
But I’m not bitter or anything………..
Posted 21 Apr 2008 at 4:16 am ¶Geo Bach: Let it out brotha! Go ahead and tell the world what pisses you off. I don’t care how long it is, and it believe me when I say it’ll be therapeutic.
Posted 21 Apr 2008 at 10:39 am ¶Okay, so, speaking of the NEX and the Navy Wives that are so LARGE that it bugs most people on this particular post. Let’s look at the other end of the spectrum…..those that are petite and small. Yesterday, I went to go and meander at the NEX as I had to pick up a few things, and I usually take a stroll through the whole place just to waste time if I have nothing better to do (never know if there is a good sale). Well, I saw in the ladies section of night clothes all these NEW (just put out) selections of clothes, (i.e.: little kitty towel wrap robes, nightgowns, night wear seperates) okay you get my drift; but here is the thing, on the first rack, I looked on all four sides and there was not the first SMALL in any of them, I thought, and yes, I thought negatively, but I thought, please don’t tell me, the workers have grabbed all the smalls again! But guess what, either they grabbed them all or the NEX forgot to order ANY smalls. Now, I was looking for my daughter who is 14 years old, she is about 5′ 6 and she is thin, so of course, she wears a small. But low and behold…..after 5 racks, with each rack holding 4 sides, not ONE SMALL WAS TO BE FOUND~!!!!!!!!! I mean, I don’t get it. Why does this happen? And this happens many times because I try to buy her clothes there all the time and I end up having to order online…..and then send it back because I can’t tell if it would fit her online. So, bottom line……STOP TAKING THE SMALLS AND SENDING THEM TO FAMILY BECAUSE YOU GET A DISCOUNT!!!! I am sorry to feel this way, and I don’t want to point fingers, but ummmmm….who do you think is behind this????
Posted 23 Apr 2008 at 4:40 pm ¶Ru4- We all know it’s the “mafia” that people try to say doesn’t exist here.
Posted 23 Apr 2008 at 5:46 pm ¶It’s been going on for a very long time and there’s really not much we can do about it. Speaking up about it wouldn’t be politically correct. (Imagine someone bringing that up on the Yokosuka Report? Not gonna happen.)
You know and I know what the deal is. That is why all of “their” kids are the ones on base who have the new hot toys at Christmas time when we have to shop online for gifts.
It’s all a big network of mannerless people who don’t have any consideration for anyone outside their group who send all the small size womens clothes to their legions of prostitute relatives back home.
@ Jim
What are 7 (or as many as you can come up with) things you like about Yokosuka Naval Base. We’ve heard the negatives, now it’s time to here some positives! If I have missed the list, could you be so kind as to point me in the right direction. If the list is old, could you please update it? Enjoy the seven seas my friend!
Posted 23 Apr 2008 at 7:14 pm ¶The Extreme International Racism Comment Award goes to…ImOkUrOk!!!!!!!
Posted 25 Apr 2008 at 2:18 pm ¶Here’s one thing I like about this base…LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! I love Japan.
Here’s another: Seeing Mt. Fuji on a clear day…it never fails to make me smile…even if I’m down or remember what it was like to hike it…
And another: my friends I’ve made here: I’ve got friends on different bases, here on this one and they have become like sisters to me. Love that too…
And…the shopping. The furniture at the bazaars…the interesting things in Tokyo…window shopping is an art form here. I love it.
And for pure joy, the sticky picture booths.
This is the closest thing I have found to my utopia, save for some isolated incidents of unfavorable characters and incidents.
Posted 25 Apr 2008 at 2:28 pm ¶Here’s something else to hate about Yokosuka - that jerk McCormick who is the director at Navy College. Everytime I go in there with my TA request, he has something bad to say about my choice of a distance learning program. I ask where he got his degree and the answer is Excelsior College, where they accepted all his military credits and he finished his degree in one year. Excelsior College? I guess that makes him some type of scholar to advise me. He always brings up the fact he is a retired NCCM. Whoopee! If I wanted to talk to a Master Chief or a Career Counselor, I could have stayed on the ship.
Posted 27 Apr 2008 at 2:01 pm ¶Hey…
Just read your blog. Loved it. Brought back “A LOT” of memories. I was stationed in Yokosuka for three years when Midway and the Fife was homeported there 15 years ago. Miss my friends but don’t miss the country. Spent a lot of time at the library and the theaters while saving money to help start a new life “after the Navy”.
Thanks again for the blog!
Posted 29 Apr 2008 at 3:34 pm ¶U are too funny.. I think half the people who are stationed in japan doesn’t want to be over here, so yes us Navy wives try to find a way to occupy our time once the hubby is out to sea, so yes we shop at the Navy exchange because we miss our shopping experience in the States and yes we talk about things that we probably don’t normally talk about and yes we are looking for jobs but guess what, the jobs are taken by locals so we just sit on our ass another day. But seriously, u need to focus on the important things in life instead of the things that pissed u off. Soon u will be taken medication for having high blood pressure and heart disease. No u are not sorry, because if u was, u wouldn’t had said those things…LOL>>>>
Posted 01 May 2008 at 4:01 pm ¶Wow , I’m about to go to basic , then to MA school . I requested Yokosuka . I’m getting pissed already . Boy recruiters sure are fuckin liars .
Posted 19 May 2008 at 1:09 pm ¶I forgot to mention , I’m not a glorified mall cop . I’ll do my job if it needs it .
Posted 19 May 2008 at 1:11 pm ¶Not just so I can throw my balls around .
Hi Jim,
I was running your post when I search in the web. I found it interesting and I don’t blame you if you have lots of comments and criticism about Yokosuka Naval Base. As a wife and has two children, I hate to go to Exchange just to go for window shopping. Lots of people/navy wives doing their shopping every payday and I am avoiding those days.
I am not gonna say, I have plenty of money but I will pay extra shipping to all the discounted clothes I bought online. It is easier for me to shop online and do some other stuff. Thanks to the post office for delivering my stuff to my P.O Box.
I am thinking that you are not an adventurous person and does not want to explore what is in here in Japan. Well, some sailors does not want to come here and enjoy here anyways. You might be one of them. I don’t blame you.
I am so thankful that I like to come here in Japan and found everything interesting. We live off-base- every day of my life. It is an adventure. I hope I will not find you along road drinking beers and get drunk. We live in a small space and everything is compact.
I will send you luck and happiness… Summer is coming and I think it is time to go to the beach. Check ITT if they have some stuff to do. Hope to hear from you again …saying you feel better now…
Bea
Posted 29 May 2008 at 2:28 am ¶Adam, enjoy being an MA, you’ll be hated by nature of the beast. You can thank the MA’s before you for that. Oh, and yeah, you are a glorified mall cop. =)
Posted 31 May 2008 at 6:37 pm ¶I agree with most of the things you posted but I have to point out that not all Navy wives are like that. I am a Navy wife but I was in the Navy myself too.
I don’t hang around the NEX chatting it up with other spouses. Here, I want to get in and get out, but the NEX here is like Wal-Mart, I spend more time in the check out line than shopping.
This summer I’m going home since the carrier won’t be in port again (and probably will never be in for a summer) so I’m going spend this summer chillin’ on the beaches of Hawaii with my family and friends.
Just like with any govt service, nothing makes any sense and it’s like pulling teeth to get anything changed.
The one thing I would like to see a better selection of goods at the NEX, especially in the clothing and electronics dept. I’m not going to spend $75 on a shirt and I want the latest games on the market, like Mario Kart and Age of Conan.
And NO! making suggestions don’t work. I’m still waiting to see (and hear from the NEX people) about getting iWork for Mac (going on about 3 months now).
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 11:17 pm ¶As a former sailor whose wife is obviously a former navy spouse. She will be the first to tell you that though they endure a lot of hardship while the husband is underway, it is no way near what we sailors had to deal with by being underway. I always taught my wife that active duty comes first! Now that I am a civilian supporting Yokosuka based Sailors, I gladly let those in uniform in front of me, because I know I was that guy who had a limited time to get shit done and get back to the ship. My wife understand thats and does the same. Point is each and EVERY one of us is here to support the active duty folks or to actual be that guy/gal in uniform. So for the spouse who bitches about sailors and what they say, and what they do on liberty. F*CK U! Walk a mile in their shoes then you’ll understand. No matter how bad your life is or will get IT WILL NEVER be like being underway. NO WAY. The Nex, the hospital and all the other facilities are paid for by the tax payer to support the mission. The Mission is the sailors and the ships, the rest of us come 2nd, 3rd, fourth etc…..Yes, that means the spouses too.
I was in Chili’s the other day in a booth with my wife, when a group of shipboard sailors sat behind us. I knew that because the way they talked. Then across from us sat an officer and his wife and too kids. The kids were wailing, and throwing shit everywhere. Absolutely no control. The sailors were in high spirits ignoring this and kept up the their banter some of it was not family oriented language. But then only I could hear it beneath the constant barrage of crap coming out of the officer brats. Soon, the officer got wind of the a few bad words that the sailors said. he then jumped up and proceeded to harangue the sailors for their bad language. So I am think you know this guy sits their and lets his kids disrupt our dinner and then has the gall to get on someone else by pulling rank. So I told him, ” I can’t see how your kids are affected by their language given that you let your kids scream to high heaven until YES my wife got a migrane from it. These sailors probably live aboard the ship so let blow off some steam, meanwhile try managing your kids, because they are offending the rest of us more than a few bad words. Well not used to being talk to that way he did the full court who are you to talk to me that way .. I am a officer. So i told him to sit down and shut, because I am about 4 paygrades higher than he was.
Fact is many on base forget why we are here. Including some officers, who don’t live on the ship and Never paid those dues. And generally that include spouses too.
..finally, anybody remember westpac widows? Spouses who throw their legs open at the base club (ref: San Diego) as soon as the ships are gone with their husbands aboard? Well Navy Spouses have a far worse rep to deal with than any Female sailor.
Posted 02 Jun 2008 at 1:59 pm ¶The way I see it, Navy spouses who bitch about Sailors are incoherently bitching about their husbands/wives. I don’t have a problem with the spouses bitching, but it’s not gonna solve a darn thing. Be more open and just let the stuff you can’t handle go out the window. If you don’t like it…get the fuck out.
Posted 02 Jun 2008 at 7:48 pm ¶That’s not true, I’ve come across many moron sailors (and wives, and every other stereotypical group) who throw their ass right up on their shoulders like professionals and they are nothing like my guy or the guys I know that are sailors. I typically don’t know any women in the navy because they just hang by themselves. But again, not everyone is as open to new things or new people…especially around here…
Right on Voxman, I hate it when kids run fool. My kids sit right where I tell them and don’t stare at people or cry and freak out. I mean WTF, take that kid home and get a fucking babysitter OR teach them some damn social skills. No one should have to be subjected to screaming out of control kids. That’s exactly why I wear my ipod on full blast in the Commissary. I’m not talking to anybody, and I’m not going to hear your kid who is going mach 10 bitch in that cart.
Posted 03 Jun 2008 at 3:40 am ¶To Voxman:
Good for you for telling off that officer! If I was a civilian living over there, I would’ve told him the same thing. I know “exactly” what you’re talking about! He was obviously “drunk” with power and wanted to show off his wife and kids on what he could do. Those type of people just “piss me off” and are just plain “rude”.
You’ll never earn respect with that type of bureaucratic/autocratic mentality. If he would’ve approached them in a “non-aggressive” way, he would’ve gotten better results…
Its all in how you approach people with a particular problem.
Posted 03 Jun 2008 at 2:23 pm ¶I cannot agree more about the “MAFIA” here in Yokosuka. I am Filipino but defenitely not part of the “MAFIA” and never want to be part of it. It’s like being in California or even Philippines… everywhere I go, I hear this Tagalog or other Filipino dialect conversation. Not that I’m not proud to be Pinay, but GOODNESS!!!…most of them are not even military dependents. I heard from these people (mostly NEX & Commissary employess) that they are either Japanese citizen (former JAPAYUKIs= entainterners) or have papers to work here in Japan, and happened to know some managers or HRO empoyees who are Filipino also. They get all the jobs and never leave (since they are reisdents in this country) and once they got a possion they will reffer another Filipino… and guess what happen… less good job opportunities for military spouses. Please don’t post your comment if you wil tell me that there is a lot of job opennings… because I say YES… but they are mostly poopie jobs…jobbs that has huge turn-overs because they SUCK… excellent example is Program Assitant @ CDC.
About that stocks shortage… I know for sure, since there is a great number of Filipinos that are working at the NEX, it is not the only reason but ONE of the reasons why there are few good items that you might notice either not there on the shelves or smaller size is gone. Just last week, a Pinay proudly told me that she ALWAYS gets great deals with the jewelries. Her friend that works the jewelry department shows her the “new arrival” items and she will pick the ones that she like, then that Filipina NEX associate will set a side in the cabinet (not in the showcase) the item/s until the NEX will have a promotion of 30-50% off on jewelries… yes!!! she will keep/hide it for her customer/friend even for months. I don’t even know why she told me that. I HATE those kind of people and those people that bring the local nationals to shop at the NEX and Commissary. Same problem in Italy… bunch of Italian shoppers.
When we just got here, I thought my husband quit U.S. Navy and joined the PHILIPPINE Navy.
I thought being stationed in Naples was bad so I was excited to come here in Japan… I said “not far from home… I will finally be able to go back to Philippines”… but now I’m here… I wish I can fast forward the 2 & half years more that we have to stay here in Yokosuka and go back to U.S.
So far the ONLY things that I like here in Japan are the very LIMITED numbers of Japanese FOOD and FRIENDLY Japanese people.
JIM… I admire you… you are honest and realistic…about ALL, especially the “MAFIA” and “NAVY WIVES (not all but most of them)”
To all Filipinos: I am not sorry for posting these. I’m just revealing some truth and just being honest. If your are not guity, then you should understand me and respect my comments/info.
Posted 06 Jun 2008 at 10:12 am ¶Sorry for the TYPO
Posted 06 Jun 2008 at 10:19 am ¶Pinay: Now I know it’s a conspiracy. Thanks. And I know the feeling of trying to get away from some things from your last duty station. I came from Virginia thinking that Japan would be a better place. It’s partial true. I enjoy being in Japan. I don’t enjoy living on base.
Housing on base is horrible. I live in one of the 2 bedroom towers and it’s small. I’ve heard that some apts don’t even have carpeting. The carpet we have, it’s like the stuff you find in an office. Insulation is non-existant and everything can be heard from my neighbors from telephone ringing, alarm clocks , vacuuming, doors closing (more like slamming), something dropping, or whatever else they do. I would take my apt in Virginia Beach with the F-14s or FA-18s flying over right now than living in these towers. I almost pity the people that live over the party rooms.
The drivers on base. Stop signs means STOP (I’ve seen people blow thru them). It’s 15 kph in front of Sullivans (during school hours) and Purdy Gym. What’s your hurry that you have to be 5 ft away from my bumper or swerving to get me to notice you? That makes me only want to take my foot off the gas and go slower.
Pedestrians are not any better either. If you were taught right, you are suppose to stop and look both ways before crossing. I’m not a mind reader, I wish I was, really! So I know who the idiots are and avoid them.
Posted 07 Jun 2008 at 4:57 am ¶I’m a Navy wife, and I really think your problem in #7 is like you said jealousy… and dude with all that bitchy complaining you’ll never get a wife. That’s what she’s for!! Second, we’re heading to Yokosuka this year, and I was really nervous about it before but thanks… if that’s all you have to complain about, it sounds like heaven next to Naval Station Norfolk.
Posted 07 Jun 2008 at 4:52 pm ¶Amanda, I am not trying to be smart as* or anything but just don’t put up your hopes too much. You might get too disappointed when you started living here in Yokosuka. Most of the time I am very positive person & always count my blessing (even small things) but there is something here in Japan that gives me a negative vive or unsatisfied feels that I cannot actually point out or see why or what it is. Just put your expectations in neutral so if you ended up liking it here, then you will feel happier… or if you ended up not liking being stationed here, like me and i~heart~Hawaii, you wouldn’t be disappointed. Good luck to you and your whole family.
….don’t forget to get the maximum days of reservation that you are entitle with at the Navy Lodge, although you might ended up rushing yourself to get a permanent place anyway because Navy Lodge is the worst Navy Lodge I ever been too.
Posted 08 Jun 2008 at 8:30 am ¶Thanks Pinay. Yea, when I married my dear sailor I thought life would be full of adventure, and I could finally leave the Bible belt in the South and learn more new exciting things. But our first place was Norfolk, VA and I absolutely hated living there. While he’s in training, I’m back at home and thanking God I’m back! It wasn’t my decision to go to Yokosuka, it was just one of those things where your husband comes home and announces he signed something without confirming with you if it’s ok. And then he expects me to just hop on a plane (which I’ve never been on one before) and fly to another country (which like I said, I didn’t hardly leave the South to go to other states, let alone been in another country) and we just learnt his new ship’s going underway as soon as he gets there. HA! I’m already not having good expectations… but every complaint listed on here is the same as every base you’ll go to. It’s the Navy… duh!
Posted 08 Jun 2008 at 9:54 pm ¶Oh and P.S. any advice that anyone wants to give me as far as a Navy wife, first time in a foreign country, in Yokosuka while her husband deploys the day of landing….. feel free to give… please!
Posted 08 Jun 2008 at 10:10 pm ¶Amanda, just a quick note for you and anyone planning to come here soon:
When you come here, don’t be hesitant to hang out with other Navy spouses you otherwise wouldn’t normally hang out with.
Posted 08 Jun 2008 at 10:29 pm ¶I’ve been here for a long time and I can tell you that the friendships I’ve made here have been just as rewarding, if not stronger than frienships I’ve made with other Navy spouses Stateside. All of which are with people I normally wouldn’t have befriended. Get to know people who also have spouses on your husband’s ship, because all of you will be “in the same boat” together here.
Chances are pretty good that you will meet other spouses in your same situation once you arrive at the Navy Lodge. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations and make friends, going through you AOB ICR class.
At first, living over here can be an adventure and not without challenges. It’s a lot easier (and more fun) if you have a co-pilot or two navigating the train system and highways all the while experiencing what this great country has to offer.
Don’t wait around for your husband to get back from deployment to go off base and explore. Despite the many negative things alluded to on this blog, there are fun things to do that don’t involve over-drinking and other antics.
Thanks Luna!
Posted 09 Jun 2008 at 8:17 pm ¶Amanda, not all navy bases are the same.
I was stationed in San Diego and I can say the only problem that I had was parking. If you could find parking while the fleet was in, you were lucky.
If you find a small group of people, no doubt life will be easier but most of the things Jim has described is true ( I can’t say anything about security yet, never really dealt with them outside of going thru the gates).
Japan is a great country if you get out and see it. The base services are just something else to be desired.
Posted 10 Jun 2008 at 4:17 am ¶Jim,
I have to admit that I Iove this blog because MOST but not all are true. About the NAVY SPOUSES, you said… “you get benefits you haven’t earned.” I am sure you will feel bad in the future that you said this… in the future, when you have your own so called “NAVY WIFE” (and hopefully not because you were just too drunk and hooked up with a woman in a bar or club).
Jim, may be this will enlighten you even just a little bit…
… and to all military spouses, this is for us…
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZEb5Ohry1Q
Posted 10 Jun 2008 at 6:33 am ¶here is another one Jim…
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ONwYaKDO180&feature=related
Posted 10 Jun 2008 at 6:36 am ¶I Googled “living off base Yokosuka” and found this blog. This is beyond hilarious. My husband and I are moving to Yokosuka on Monday. We aren’t military, but he is a DoD engineer and we will be doing many things on the base like everyone else. I live in a Navy town now and your description of the spouses was spot on. I used to work in a plus size clothing store in the mall and 75% of our customers were overweight Navy wives with screaming kids and nothing else to do but spend their husband’s money.
Posted 01 Jul 2008 at 12:22 pm ¶Somethings never change. It’s deja vu all over again. Living and working at Yokosuka Naval Base seems about as apealing now as it was in 1973 when I arrived there. I soon found out that the best times are to be had as far away from CFAY as you can get. When the local Japanese mistake you for a tourist, you’ve gone far enough.
Posted 04 Jul 2008 at 4:44 pm ¶A lot of it is true and real dam funny, but a lot of what you wrote also seems like you had a bad day that piled up…..
LOL true: no parking !!
LOL true: the kindest sweetest old japanese lady but soooo slow
Good stuff, but its a grudge, for me i love japan especially on liberty i pretend im not a sailor anymore but i know my limits i dont go killing TAXI DRIVERS or get DUI’s
Posted 08 Jul 2008 at 3:58 pm ¶I think everyones so concerned about other people’s business thats how Navy life seems to me. If everyone minded their own business while walking around the NEX, the Food Court, Base, and stop frickiN looking for every bit thing wrong with your clothing your attitude then it would be fine,
I DIDNT FEEL THAT WAY WALKING IN THE MALL, WALMART, TARGET in the states…..
over here it feels like everything u do gets you in trouble
Posted 08 Jul 2008 at 4:01 pm ¶About the Pinay Mafia hating thing, dam thats sad how you bag on your own race. Anyways dont tell me A white person, or black person, or chinese person would not do the same thing? The whole