OPSAIL 2000: the Journal

 We arrived at the Embassy Suites to find that Ms. Wilkinson had made the reservations and had faxed us copies of our orders.

We had a very nice suite on the fifth floor, which included a 2-hour free bar and a nice breakfast.  We tried to contact other Coasties to find out about Air Station Miami, but noone called us back until the following day.  We asked at the desk and found out how to go to Opa Locka.  We put on our bathing suits, went downstairs and then on to the pool, where we met a pleasant 17-yr-old Cuban girl and her parents with whom we spoke at length about her career plans, etc.   Afterwards, we went to our room and to bed early.

15 May

 We didn’t sleep well, as we were concerned about traffic, location of the Miami Air Station and other unknowns.  At the breakfast bar we met some Reservists who told us we were to travel out of uniform.  We decided to keep ours on, as our instructions ordered it.  Later on, at the Air Station, we were told to change, and we put on civilian garb.  At the motel we met a nice chief who was also an Auxiliarist, and he invited us to follow his cab.  The driver either didn’t know how to get there or was running the meter some extra, as he even did a U-turn.  But I stuck right behind him, and we finally went to the right gate.   Inside, we were given a preliminary briefing about terrorism and the Vieques situation, the reason for traveling in civilian clothes.
Finally, after 4 hours of shopping at the PX, briefings, etc., we boarded a C-130H and took off. The flight was an interesting experience.  At first, we thought we were dying of heat stroke; then, the A/C  mercifully came on and then we nearly froze.  Even the crew members wore heavy clothes and gloves.  The Coasties were like ants, walking all over to keep warm, some going into the cockpit area.  I was able  to go in, and took great pictures and video of my stay at the cockpit.

Soon after we landed in San Juan, an escort vehicle came with a bus and vans, and we loaded our suitcases and boarded the bus, which sported US Navy license plates.  We were driven to the Condado Plaza, where again we underwent a briefing about security and other pertinent information.  We were placed in three different motels, and we had the farthest one out--Excelsior.

I invited Chief Reisa and two others to go out to a nearby restaurant, and they accepted.  The doorman had recommended La pradera, a nice eatery that served Puerto Rican food, and we loved it.  It was a good way to start the trip.  We bought some groceries afterwards--pop, cookies, etc.--went back to our room and called it a day.  Our room is on the ninth floor and has a nice side view of the ocean, a color TV and a refrigerator.

16 May

 We awoke early and were considering going for breakfast when Bill called to say our van was there.  Fortunately, we were ready.  Instead of leaving by 1030, we were en route by 1000.  Our extensive briefing took place in Ft. Buchanan, on the outskirts of San Juan, but we had over an hour and a half to go to the PX, look around and eat a nice Puerto Rican brunch.  We were back a bit before noon, and the room was nearly full.  Penny went to the bathroom while I found us a good seat.  A number of speakers took turns giving us information about Puerto Rico’s history,  the current political situation, security, terrorism and our individual assignments.  However, when we got in line, our names could not be located, presumably because we were Auxiliarists.  We were then asked to speak with the local DCP, Victoria Aponte, who asked us for our qualifications and other information we had sent earlier.  When the Captain of the Port entered the room, we all stood at attention and he seemed impressed by the sheer size of the task force.

At 1630 we were dismissed, and we returned to our room.  Ten minutes later, Bill, Penny and I went out for a long walk.  He was looking for lighter fluid.  We bought a PR pin for my international hat and a necklace for Bill’s wife, and then went out to dinner at La pradera again, where the food is excellent.  Back at the hotel, there was a police car, as an Auxiliarist received a death threat by a passerby.  Bill called CDR Maes to inform him, but later on it was determined that it had been a joke by a fellow Auxiliarist.  I believe the fellow was disciplined for being in uniform and in the street after hours.

17 May

 We went down and the Navy bus picked us up at 0715.  When we got to the base we couldn’t find anyone who could tell us where we belonged, as our names were not on the list again.  We were approached by a BM1 who was looking for a Coxswain, and a Senior Chief (Louis Myers) told us we could work with him.  He really meant it, so we went out with him on a Port Security Unit with two Coasties.

We went out to San Juan Bay and saw El Morro, but there was something wrong with the carburetor and the starboard engine quit when it reached 2,000 rpm, so we returned to the dock.  An hour later, the Auxiliarists went out on the 41 footer for a ride to Club Nautico, where the taxi boat will stop during high traffic times.  A boat owner asked about anchorage, and then we returned to the base.  Penny and I changed into civilian clothes and went for lunch.  Since the restaurant people recommended was full, we walked to another, pricier one, and then went shopping for tee-shirts.  We also visited the Cathedral and saw the burial place of Ponce de Leon.  Later on, at 1800, we reported back to go on an night familiarization cruise on the bay.  We left at 1900 and  went back out on the 41 footer.  We saw a range, the Morro lighthouse and the lighted buoys, and the Coxswain in charge, Mr. Recio, was really nice to me, allowing me to snap pictures, although another fellow reprimanded me for ruining his night vision. I was glad I had asked the Coxswain, and let the matter drop.  At 2030 we returned to the hotel and spoke to Chief Reisa.  We had bought some station caps for him at the PX.

18 May

 The van was late picking us up, but we made it in time to attend the first briefing.  We were told that we didn’t have to stay, but we chose to, rather than standing around idly with the Auxiliarists.  Anyway, it was interesting to hear how the AOR was divided for the various groups, etc., mostly on PSUs.  Arranging so many crews and shifts was not easy, and there were several Costies who had to re-qualify.  After our first break, our Senior Chief was assigned to the 41’ CG Taxi boat, and he again told us he would gladly take us.  We checked with the Officer in Charge , and he authorized it.  Later on, we informed the DCP of the assignment.  Penny took ownership of the number 4 line, and never relinquished it, becoming quite proficient at handling a one-inch line.  One low moment was when the Senior Chief in Charge cautioned the Coasties to watch their belongings, adding that there were also Auxiliarists around.  Needless to say, it sounded as if he was singling out the Auxiliarists as potential thieves.  I chose to not challenge him, but it hurt my feelings.  During one of our breaks, we ran into CDR Maes, who told us he’d heard from CDR Fox, and he told him we were not as bad as he’d said.   I bought a shirt and a belt at the PX and then went out to eat.  We found that Manolin was as good as people had said, and we made it before the lunch crowd arrived.  We walked back to the base, put on our uniform and rejoined our Senior Chief, who was to requalify.  However, first we were treated to a tour of the Pelican, an Auxiliary operational facility that had come from St. Thomas the day before.  After an hour delay, we were joined by Mr. Recio, and we went on on the 41 footer.  One by one, the requalifying Coxswains docked at the Club Nautico and then did some stern to side by side tows with the new 47 footer.  After Coxswain Driscoll missed the mark, Mr. Recio asked me if I wanted to try heaving the messenger line.  I enthusiastically agreed, and with another Coastie standing by with a second line, I shouted “I have a shot” before realizing how far the 47 footer was.  Nevertheless, I heaved the line and the same Coastie who reprimanded me last night made a great effort and caught it!  I was so proud and relieved at the same time, and Driscoll said something funny and sarcastic.  I then pulled the 47' for an alongside tow, and realized how different a one-inch line felt in my hand, especially with such a load at the

"working" end.

Mr. Recio invited me to heave the next one also, but Coxswain Ashby asked me to let him, and I more or less had to.  I told Mr. Recio why I was not throwing it, and he said “Okay.  No problem.”   Still walking on air, we returned to the hotel, bathed, watched the news and walked two miles to the Condado Plaza, where we gambled and lost $20.  We walked back, ate Chinese food and hit the sack early.

19 May

 We woke up early and the van would not come.  I called the number and they finally came.  The Senior Chief was waiting at the Condado Plaza.  We waited at the base a long time for a briefing, and then were instructed on how to check in and out daily.  We waited until 0800 to leave on our first run, and I caught the flag-raising ceremony on video.  Senior Chief Myers let Mr. Blad drive to Club Nautico and then he asked me to drive back.  Penny took some video, but found out later that she hadn’t pressed the record button.  We made several runs and finally stopped around 1130.  Senior, Penny and I--first time in uniform away from the base--went to Manolin’s.  He liked it.  Then, we went to several jewelry stores, and we served as interpreters-negotiators.  He bought his wife a nice set.  We parted company and Penny and I went to the Cathedral, took pictures of Ponce de Leon’s tomb, and walked a long way to the Morro. I had the admission money in my hand, but they saw the uniform and invited us in.  Inside, we met Chief Hullette and McCook, but there were few people at the fort.  Then, a wonderful thing happened: while we were there, the Tall Ship ROSE arrived, and it seemed like we had been transported to the XVIth century.   I took some dramatic video of the ship through the ramparts. After that, we proceeded down to the base and took the van to the hotel.
We were tired.

20 May

 We finally took the 0530 van, although I had to call first.  Then, we picked up Senior and the rest  of the crew.  At the base, we made several runs and then picked up two security officers who wanted to be driven all around the perimeter of the Bay.  It was my turn to drive, so I went for a long drive at the helm, going in and out of every peer, beach, mooring, etc.   There was a moment when I was concerned, as the wheel was turned all the way to port and the boat was not going to clear the dock, but a timely reversal of the port engine did the trick.  Two engines are sure nice.  I figured I was driving well when I saw the Coxswain outside taking pictures of the many moored ships and huge crowds.  Penny was able to drive also, and we took plenty of video footage to show everyone at home.   Today, the base provided us with Gatorade and water.  It is a bit cloudy today, however, and not so hot.  More and more people are arriving for the festivities, and many people applauded or saluted us when we approached them.  Many boats are driving inside the regulated zone, and the CG vessels are quite vulnerable.  After we finished, the DCP assigned us to an Auxiliary OPFAC to patrol in.  I did a brief VSC on it and it was missing a bunch of equipment: patrol signs, loud-hailer, boat hook, briddle, etc.  We patrolled for 5 hours, but I told them I would not go out on the vessel again.  The next day they went out nevertheless, minus the Coxswain.  Apparently, the Auxiliary is quite laxed here.   We had another wonderful meal at Manolin’s and then took the Taxi boat to the Club Nautico.  We don’t plan to do that again, as the street in front is quite busy and crossing it is harrowing. On the way to the Excelsior, the van came by and tried to pick us up, but we chose walking instead.  In all, we patrolled 11 hours today!

21 May

 Once again, I was concerned about making it to the base on time and called.  Chief Hullette waited with us and we had to talk him into waiting, as he was ready to walk to the base.  By the time we left on the taxi boat, it was 0630.  By now, Penny is in charge of the #4 line and stern fender, and I the #1 line and bow fender.  We made a round trip and brought back the Officer in Charge and his two daughters.  At 1100, after watching how Coasties did it, we cleaned the rubrail and the transom of our vessel, as it was looking sort of nasty.
We then took the taxi boat to get gas (200 gallons).  A new boat, “Capitan Miranda,” arrived, flying a huge flag of Uruguay. The tall ships look great, moored alongside each other.  We returned to the hotel, changed clothes and went back with a Coastie who knew about the public bus.  He even paid our way (25 cents a piece).  It was Sunday, so Manolin was not open, but we ate a bunch of goodies on the street and went in the Windham, where I won $25.  We walked back to the base, took the taxi boat to Club Nautico and found a way to avoid the awful crossing.  Then we walked up to the Excelsior, as the van that was supposed to be there was not.

22 May

 We went down shortly after 0500 and missed the van. Chief Hullette joined us outside and was quite upset about the uneven van schedule.  He got off at the Club Nautico and walked the rest of the way.  We went on to the Condado, picked up Master Chief Kelly and found out Senior was already at the base. En route, MC Kelly told us of an experience with a car accident and a guy who stole the wallet of the injured driver.  Five Coasties stopped him and called the police.  These guys are real heroes.   At 0630 we made our first run, with a new engineer, as Figueroa had to return to St. Thomas to be with his pregnant wife.   We picked up passengers and while we were eating breakfast, CDR Maes came by and spoke to us.  Later on, Chief Hullette invited me to join his crew for one hour in his raider boat.  I asked Senior and he said he didn’t mind.  The ride on the PSU was fun, and while we were out beyong the Bay area, we ran into the Oosterschelde.  I took great videos and pictures, as the Chief was very solicitous.  When I told him I’d love a picture of the taxi boat, he tried to call and there was no answer.  As we were patrolling, the master of the Victoria asked to talk with us.  I served as interpreter to answer his question about a woman who hurt herself in the boat the day before.   I took the loud-hailer and translated the anwer we received from the Unified Command Center.

We kept patrolling until we saw the 41 footer.  Then, as we continued our patrol, we damaged a prop, which was changed quickly.  The Officer in Charge informed the senior chief that our shift would start at 0500 tomorrow, and finish at 1100.  After checking out, we walked to Manolin, ate a delicious meal and then went out.  We were in uniform, and were allowed immediate entrance into the Rose.  Next, we went into the Capitan Miranda, but it was closed.  A young, handsome lieutenant came down and gave us a personal tour of the vessel . . . in Spanish.  It was awesome.  We were the only people foreign to the boat topside.  After a 20-minute tour, we descended the plank and returned to reality.  We ordered CDR Fox’s present, walked to the bus terminal and went by public bus to the hotel.

23 May

 We waited over an hour for our ride, not a good start to our 0500-1100 shift.  At the base, we told Chief Davidson about it.  We picked up Chief Hullette at Club Nautico for his 0600 shift, and when he found out his shift had the day off, he offered our Senior the day off.  That day we came closer to doing what we were supposed to do, leaving the docks regularly and once going to the high seas briefly.  Then on his third trip, he asked Penny to take over.  She did.  She even took it out of the slip, and handled all the controls.  When she was still at the helm, we greeted two tall ships that arrived that day.   We treated everyone to lunch--Senior, Mr. Blad and Hullette--and went shopping later.  They each bought something and I was the interpreter who bargained for the best possible price.  Afterwards, Penny and I visited Saint Francis’ church and went down to the crypt. Then, we took the van to the hotel and went to bed early.

24 May

 We were met by a waiting van at 0430, and there was another one at the Condado.  The Harriett Lane had arrived during the night, and she looked great, with red white and blue lights.  Our first run was uneventful, and we pickep up an anxious Hullette (who else?)  He’d walked to Club Nautico and was nervous by 0530, so we took him to the base.  We had breakfast and returned to the Club Nautico stall, where we added oil to the engines, napped, etc.  Then, around 1000, Hullette invited Penny to join them.  Again, I took great pictures of her driving the PSU.  They went to greet two arriving Tall Ships, and I could have joined them later, but we couldn’t find another PFD.  Anyway, Senior was waiting to go to lunch.  Then we went to another jewelry shop and he bought another gold chain.  We returned to the hotel and Penny went to the pool while I took a long nap.
The Harriett Lane, pride of the USCG fleet, arrived.

25 May

 We were picked up on time again this morning.  On our first run we picked up Chief Hullette and his crew.  He was there, but all alone.  Our second trip took us to the PanAm pier, where we picked up a lady and Chief Schoenwald, who informed us that we’d be relieved of duty so that another crew could take the press and dignitaries to the arriving Eagle, including the Governor of Puerto Rico.  It was a terrible disappointment, considering we had the best crew possible.   Anyway, while all other crews were out to greet Eagle, we had to watch from shore.  After Eagle was moored, we got our taxi boat back, and we went to the seawall to pick up the dignitaries who were still on board Eagle. It was raining, and we saw a spectacular double rainbow.

We went to lunch with the Senior Chief, and then accompanied him to buy another gold chain for his wife.   Afterwards, we walked to the Oosterschelde and went inside. 
Senior went back, but Penny and I went on to the Guayas, to which we had immediate access also.  There, I bought a wooden ship’s wheel with knots that were labeled in Spanish.  They didn’t take credit cards, so we put it on layaway.  Then, we went on to the Gloria, which we had seen earlier as she entered the bay.  Since it was raining, nobody was being allowed in, but we were assured that, because of our uniform, we’d go in when the rain stopped.  Then, a couple of cadets from Eagle joined us, and told us they carried Captain Ivan T. Luke, Jr.'s gift to the Master of the Gloria, Captain Amaury Rafael Peniche.  Since they could not speak Spanish, I served as interpreter.  We were ushered in and the most impressive ceremony took place.  The two cadets stood at attention and repeated what their Captain had said.  Then the Captain of the Gloria shook our hands, acknowledged the gifts and expressed his gratitude as well as his plan to visit Eagle.  It was so exciting.  The Captain then invited Penny and me to return anytime to visit.   Then we went to the Windham, changed some travelers checks and returned to the Guayas for the ship’s wheel.  We took the public bus again, and other passengers smiled when I showed them my purchase.

26 May

Senior Chief gave me a nice birthday card, and we started an uneventful day.  We were stopped on the way to the Club and Chief Balzac told us the boat had been shut down last night due to sparks from the generator.  Nothing was written down, however, but all looked good.  An Auxiliarist named Daphne offered to  take us to the seaside city of Ponce.  We treated her to Manolin’s, and then went to Ponce (2 hours away).  We stopped at a nice marina, had a drink, stopped at other tourist places--Guaucha, the Castle of Serrallet and the High Cross--and returned, stopping at a supermarket in San Juan.  I went to sleep watching a Cardinal baseball game.

27 May

 We ran the taxi boat and the DPC asked me to be Coxswain for another OPFAC .   This one was well equipped, and the people were nice.  The cadets from the various Tall Ships were having a kayak race, and our boat was to be the #2 buoy.  This patrol lasted for 2 hours, and I had to give directions to the cadets in Spanish.  When I rejoined the taxi boat crew, Penny told me she’d met the Quartermaster of Eagle, who’d invited her to visit the vessel.  After lunch, we headed that way, and a young cadet--seeing my insignia--asked me for my name, so she could pipe me to the Officer of the Deck.  What followed was the VIP tour of Eagle, which included a hands-on experience at the helm and a visit to the Captain’s and presidential quarters.

We were on cloud nine after that for the rest of the day.  There was also an impressive parade of cadets from the various tall ships.

28 May

 After an uneventful shift, we both went on patrol of the same OPFAC (066). We decided to patrol until the fireworks, taking time to eat at Sizzler. Just as the firework show started, a downpour began, and we all got soaked!  At 2130 we terminated the patrol at the Club Nautico, and Penny and I walked to the hotel. We were exhausted, after patrolling 16.5 hours.

29 May.

 Halfway through our shift the Commodore asked us if we were going on the Harriett Lane to see the Parade of Sail.  We saw the list of invited guests and, of course, our names weren’t there.  Later on we told him we wanted to go on board, and he suggested that we ask the DCP.  She agreed, and at 1000 we were boarding her, after asking Senior if he minded.  We were so afraid that we’d be left high and dry again.  Then Daphne joined us also. From behind red-white and blue bunting on the starboard side we watched as one by one the ships left the harbor.   The Harriett Lane left her mooring at 1030 and sailed 5 miles north of El Morro, where the talls ships gathered to drop their sails.  We were taken to the wardroom, ate a sweet roll and then went on deck.  Lunch was served later and, afterwards, we watched as the Tall Ships paraded near where we were.  Upon our return, there was a B-B-Q party, but we chose to go back to the motel and pack.

30 May

 We woke up, had breakfast in the hotel and then went downstairs.  The Navy bus came by and picked us up.  Then, we went to the Condado, to pick up the rest.  From there, we went to the airport, loaded our bags in the plane and Penny climbed in with the ship’s wheel and CDR Fox’s gift.  She had a great seat, and we could set the gifts down safely.  I thought I was going to faint from the heat, and my shirt was literally soaked with perspiration, as we sat for a long time in the oven-like C-130H while the pilot tried to start the #4 engine.  Finally, after several attempts, we were allowed out, as the mechanics tried to repair the problem.  We went inside the terminal, and found a free, open bar serving rum drinks.  Needless to say, we had a few.  Finally, after a long wait, we were told to leave the luggage on the plane, but we were headed for the Condado.  When we arrived, CDR Maes was there, along with his wife and his high command.  We were briefed and assigned rooms.  Chief Reisa, Penny and I went for a long walk and supper.  Then, I started gambling, and came out $50 ahead.

31 May

 We reassembled after breakfast, and went back to the airport.  Another C-130 was coming from Florida, and we went to Pinones to eat some local stuff and kill time until the plane landed.   After removing the luggage, finding another seat, and getting settled in the second plane, it was like deja-vu all over again.  We baked in the plane while the pilot tried to start the #1 engine.  It wouldn’t budge.
We were taken off again, asked not to drink, but by the time we were halfway to the terminal, the engine had started.  By then, half of the original group had opted for a commercial flight, so we had plenty of room.  The flight home was wonderful, and I spent at least 2 hours in the cockpit, talking and laughing with the pilots and the crew.   Ten minutes before we landed, I went back to my seat, and took the last videos of Miami Beach and the Opa Locka airport.   There, we hugged each other and said goodbye.  We drove home in the rush hour traffic, but all the way we recounted the many new friendships and incredible experiences of OPSAIL 2000.