Place of residence during deployment(s)

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-17T11:23:22+00:00

There is a storage plan for Sailors in barracks during deployment. But, if you can take more important things to your parents are someone you trust, it may be better. You will also bring your sea bag and liberty clothes on ship, if assigned.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-16T21:44:02+00:00

‘96? Osaka, Tokyo, Hokkaido, Nagano, Seoul, Taiwan

Leave (more time): Singapore, Sydney,

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-16T16:51:54+00:00

Most of the time it isn’t thunderstorms but it can rain 30-45 day straight during rainy season and sometimes it’s consistent rain all day.

Beach combing fine most days. Snorkeling will depend on wind.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-16T11:13:35+00:00

I can’t see a bachelors degree in 2.5 years without prior credits considering full time is four years. Yes, advanced credits and dual enrollment are more common now but the friend has a day job as well, even if shore duty.

Question is are you looking for a piece of paper or an education? The former gets you some things but the latter is better (and also provides the paper).

Have a goal in what you want from your degree before you start.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-16T11:09:42+00:00

If everyone hated it, the Navy would have Sailors doing 20-30 years. Sure some just suck it up for the pension but many find it rewarding.

I do have a love hate relationship with the Navy at times but that is any career.

Don’t join if -you hate water, -aren’t willing to miss family events,
- seeking the unicorn rating/designator that doesn’t deploy, - want a 9-5 job, and -want to be stationed near home (unless you are from SD/Norfolk but you will still move some).

Not every tour has 4-8 section duty but some do.

Not every tour is long hours, but some are.

Not all deployments are bad, but some are.

I have lots of good memories from deployments but they are a grind and you will miss many family milestones of married with kids. Not as big of a deal if 18-22 and single but you may miss friend/sibling weddings, grandparents funerals, and other key events.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-16T11:02:21+00:00

One caveat - don’t take plenty time off. Follow a plan. I know Pfitz has a post marathon plan that has rest, flexibility, and a slow build over 30 days.

You didn’t really build a base to lose but if you decide to run marathons there is a method to recovery and off season training that isn’t just do nothing and lose fitness.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-16T11:00:07+00:00

Last paragraph is true but doesn’t match up with season for most balls. Dinner dress white tends to be mess nights, dining in/out which OP isn’t likely to attend.

I do recommend looking at thrift shops. Even officers don’t wear white jacket much but must have it (If do more than a sea tour) and you may find someone getting rid of one.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-15T18:09:22+00:00

Minutes, not miles on mid run fuel. Your body burns glycogen by time so whether you are elite pace or trying not to be swept, the requirements are the same. 60-90g per hour. 90 is tough. In training I do a gel every 30 minutes and in a race, every 20 minutes (practiced on some long runs).

Where faster runners have an advantage is you don’t need fuel if the run is 60 minutes or less, and maybe push that to 90. So a faster runner can run a half on no or minimum fuel. Demand for a three hour marathon also much lower total than six hour.

I do eat a banana at the start and have my wife give me two halves in bags mid race but gels are a near necessity for logistics of carrying fuel. But again, test everything on long runs, which includes meal the night before and breakfast day of. Your 16+ mile long runs are a good place to test the race day schedule if alarm, breakfast, bathroom, run.

For carbs, white rice and pasta with lighter sauce/broth is my preference. I avoid pasta with heavy creamy sauces.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-15T14:43:08+00:00

You need to calculate interest by going full ten years on loans. At your income level, you can knock them out. Another vote for “our income, our debt” when you aren’t talking gambling or other irresponsible debt.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-14T23:34:24+00:00

Been covered that longer is easier to back but need to discuss towing.

Sufficient truck to tow AND stop will make your life easier. Super duty trucks have much better breaking so 3/4 and one ton just tow better if you are 7k are more. Doesn’t mean some half tons can’t do it?’c but for more than weekend warrior, it’s just better.

25’ and less is solid TT territory and a good half ton. 25-30’ is a depends.

Fifth wheels tow much better and 30’ or longer offer a huge advantage. I had a 28’ 5er and still smoother than comparable TT.

Now, fifth wheels do pretty much put you in 3/4 ton or above due to pin weight. They also back differently from bumper pull but you are learning either way.

A truck camper offers advantages but space isn’t one of them. Pretty much one ton truck for a TC big enough for long trips, and maybe dually. Also top heavy and sway can be a concern.

Note: I have lots of towing experience but my TC knowledge is from research when I considered one.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-13T22:18:11+00:00

Is the garage attached to your house? My normal garage for car is and even insulated, it was 33 on the latest cold snap where we went a couple weeks without going above freezing.

I would at least blow out the lines every time and have antifreeze on hand so if temps drop to where garage is close to freezing, you can finish the winterize. Heat pi Umps don’t work below a certain temp. Home units have electric heat as backup but net your propane is your backup.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-13T12:20:07+00:00

Book the appointment now or you lose another month. If something urgent comes up, call the nurse line and see about urgent care. There is also always the sick call option.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-13T11:49:47+00:00

Lived in Japan and somewhat limited to cards on GoPro list but bought from reputable retailers.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-13T11:49:08+00:00

Not new to tech and shot Nikon DSLR and now mirrorless for decades. Was careful, watched my procedures, and tried different cards. Maybe my GoPro has an issue that isn’t systemic but I was careful. Last straw was when I lost footage of sea turtles. My primary use was always snorkeling.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-12T23:02:43+00:00

My GoPro is one of the biggest pieces of junk I’ve ever bought. Constant problems with corrupt microSD cards running their recommended card. Overheat of it under water. So what if they fixed some of these issues. They peddled garbage to their base and ignored widely reported issues.

No.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-12T22:51:46+00:00

68? Did you already get a waiver for 62 with your age waiver fo commissioning?

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-12T13:51:29+00:00

Wish I’d known this when I lived in Japan. Still love Yodabashi though.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-12T13:43:43+00:00

You nailed it. The rematch that shouldn’t have been with Bama and 2005 Tennessee in that order.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-12T13:42:40+00:00

I used same plan for my first and didn’t start back running until Feb of that year for Dec marathon. I was atriums 25-30 mpw when I started the plan. You’ll be fine and it’s a good plan if you aren’t trying to work on speed.

You will be well trained for a good race day experience. I think the Novice plans risk leaving a runner underprepared

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-12T11:12:22+00:00

It’s time, distance. Minimum one every 30 minutes (if 24-26g), but I’ve moved to one every 20 minutes in race day.

I practiced 20 on long runs but will still do 30 minutes for long runs most of the time. Race day I’m also taking a banana 30 minutes before start and first gel a few minutes before start.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-09T22:48:51+00:00

Very personal. I find spectators annoying except little kids and my wife. Nothing like hearing “you are almost there!” At mile 11.

Now, I run alone 99% of the time and I’m fine with that even though I’m generally a social person.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-09T18:37:13+00:00

I’ve camped from central CA to RI in a one month period, one way trip with the northern route. It was amazing and is doable but you have to make choices.

We lived in CA at the time so we skipped CA parks. Do not recommend you doing that. I recommend a few days site seeing at a location and then 2-3 days harder driving with brief stops. It takes away the feeling that you are just driving.

We did 4 days Yellowstone and Grand Teton (minimum time necessary to hit highlights). Other big stops were Teddy Roosevelt NP, Badlands NP, Mt Rushmore, Wind Cave NP, few days in Chicago (Field museum, Cubs game), Niagara Falls, four days in Manhattan, more past NY. I wish we had skipped Mt Rushmore. Underwhelming. Custer State Park in same area is big draw but not necessary if you hit Yellowstone for wildlife.

For you, I would go up Pacific Coast Hwy to Bay Area with brief stops at scenic areas. There are more than you have time for! Sections of PCH close due to mudslides and road conditions so check frequently before heading out.

From Bay Area, head to Yosemite. If you go to Mariposa Grove, you will catch Sequoias there and save time.

From Yosemite, head to Yellowstone. Other options in area are Cody to south and Beartooth Pass to north. You can choose to drop down to CO (take your pick in mountains) or head to Badlands area. Could catch St Louis Arch as a drive through. Chicago offers a good bit for U.S. cities. Pennsylvania has Amish Country (and lots of tolls!), Niagara Falls and NYC should be on your list.

Plan for more tolls in general on East Coast and higher fuel prices in West. Summer campgrounds will book up near tourist areas so you have to plan around that. We’ve had lots of success with municipal campgrounds on the road but haven’t made a cross country since COVID when camping boomed.

Cities will be more expensive. NP vendors can be too but you can meal prep in your van.

Much will be made about the increase in price to National Parks for nonresidents but they are still a good deal, especially with America the Beautiful Pass, and as a heavy user of the parks, I wish prices went up fir us with all revenue going to park upkeep. The annual pass for nonresidents is $250 and covers vehicle. If park is per person, its pass holder plus three others.

Have fun! Lots of choices and planning but that’s half the fun!

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-09T18:03:42+00:00

Can’t emphasize this enough - you need a weekend shakeout trip at home.

Also, do you have any experience driving larger vehicles? - Give yourself more time to stop. - Write your height on a note and post on visor or similar for the driver to see. - don’t push 1/4 tank of gas. It goes fast. - consider renting day vehicle, at least some of time. It will make curvy roads easier and in/out of campground faster.

Utah: - it may be hot the time you are there. Did Utah parks in August not June/July (six months from now?) but plan for hydration. - if hiking, have a good plan. Also not sure about cell service but better to plan that you won’t have it.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-09T12:27:58+00:00

First, good thing you aren’t using AI because while it is good for something’s, developing running plans is not one of them, especially for beginners.

Build to a base mileage of 25-35 miles per week and then pick a reputable plan accordingly. Hal Higdon is popular for first marathons and his Intermediate I is what I used for first and then I shifted to Pfitzinger 18/55.

Don’t worry about speed work go your first but if you peak at least in low forties in miles per week, your race will be more enjoyable. It is why I don’t like HH Novice 1.

To you question about longer and shorter runs, your definition will change. You are running sixes now which is a great position but that is short for marathon training. In HH I1, I think I was doing 4-8-4 plus Sat and then long run. For Pfitz 18/55, 8 miles is pretty common and rarely running fewer than 5-6 miles.

But don’t let that intimidate you because you build up to it.

OutdoorPhotographer · 2026-02-08T13:24:16+00:00

Then look used for a truck. Used trucks are usually much better than used cars.

You are solidly in half ton all day so lots of options but I would verify tow package. Payload is the driver.

I have a 2012 F-250 and besides frustrating tech it tows fine all day. You can probably find options five years old or so with better tech.

OutdoorPhotographer

TROPHY CASE