All Ashore Going Ashore

Last week another one of my customers and I finally met! The USS GRASP may not be a frequent customer of ours, but she's low key so it's always fun to sign the documents when they pass over my desk. On field trip Friday, the entire SSU emerged from our "Ship Fixin' Cave" into the blindingly brilliant blue sky to head down to the Port of Naples. There we were greeted by the ship's crew as they moved fresh produce on board in preparation for their departure just a few days. The ship's master met us and took us around each deck talking a bunch of stuff I still don't fully understand, but I didn't care because my coworkers would "translate" for me while we walked to our next location.

This salvage ship was a lot different than the others I've seen to date....don't ask me how but just trust me. I mean, the (lack of) size alone was an indicator. All of the dive gear around the decks was an another indicator I guess. It seems like they have some pretty sweet missions. Best part? They've converted a ton of the berthing which now allows for female passengers. When I asked where to sign up, I was told that I'd need to find a roommate because they can't afford to let me have my own room. So, ladies- any takers?

As we made our way to the engine room, more introductions were made. I find it hilarious that when our port engineer introduces me, everyone always asks if I'm the Katie O. Um yes I am. I'm not sure when the PE started calling me Katie O in all of his emails but he did and now the ships we deal with know me as Katie O. Oh well, I love my name and as I continue to make a name for myself within this organization it will be fun.

After another engine room tour (not nearly as fun as the other ships) and a few more conversations we bid the crew a farewell and left them with recommendations for their shore leave. Well, that is after my picture with another customer since who knows when I would see her again.

Well, turns out that the following Tuesday I'd get permission to head back down to the pier to check the welding work done prior to credit card payment. Hey, my boss realizes that I'm swamped with work (the 100 binders around my desk and taking over my coworkers' spaces sort of give it away) and figured a little sunlight would do me good. We got a few strange looks showing up at the pier when we did, but the gangway was still on place and we got permission to board...so we did for just a few moments.

When we figured it was time to leave, the "All ashore going ashore" warning came over the PA system confirming our suspicion so we made it to shore while we still could.  And just like that my chance to head off to somewhere really fun was gone. Then again, it was still early on a Tuesday morning, I told my boss I'd be back by 11, and I was completely inappropriately dressed to go spend time at sea in my pencil skirt and wedge heels...but if I made it up the gangway there was a chance?

Yep you read that correctly. Add wedges to my list of shoes worn on working boats by Katie O.