This is unfortunately already the last part of my diary as a recruit, but of course I will report everything in detail.
It is Sunday as usual, so slowly I feel like in: and every day the marmot greets me.
Unfortunately it is also the last day of my vacation and I enjoyed it again. PO3 Suna and I had done a very relaxed patrol and I had relaxed a little bit and until one exercise I had been busy with other things than with the Coast Guard. Yes I know how bad of me, but it had to be done.
Towards the evening of my time, an Outreach: SLR-SAR took place. I know, there is an extra report about it, so I don’t want to anticipate anything. It was very interesting, even if I was only allowed to watch. But you could see the interaction of different units and of course also the interaction within the Coast Guard. This exercise took 4 hours, so I was glad that I had some time for myself before. Unfortunately I had to go to bed earlier, so I didn’t get the message about the rotation. So I got up early on Monday morning and could make up for it there. It was the station Kania. I myself like the area around Kanina very much, because it is something completely different and patrolling between ice floes and snow has something relaxing about it.
What I liked was that Ens Nick Munsch, the CO of the station, and CPO Bo Juisser, the XO of the station, had already contacted me. I already knew both of them from some events and from a visit to Kania.
Unfortunately I also knew that I didn’t have much time in Kania, because I had to catch up on too much work for RL and also had to prepare a private event in SL. First of all, no I did not manage my 60 patrols, but I got to know 2 very special people better, which I think is more important.
But back to Monday. I had met with CPO Juisser in Kania and we had a nice conversation and I felt almost at home. Since my promotion was imminent, I was starting to get a little nervous, but CPO Juisser kept telling me if anything was wrong, I should get in touch and she would help me immediately.
I had then also received my secret missions and successfully completed them on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday I had met with Lieutenant Letizia Faulkes of the RTC and SR Nance Castanea. Ma’am Faulkes asked us about the ranks and explained the ceremony. Since the invitation for this round was very short notice, I didn’t have much time to think about it, I think my nervousness would have been even more intense.
I was very satisfied at the meeting and felt well prepared, but I still had to write a speech. It was about a special moment during the recruit time and I didn’t know what to write. So I was annoyed again….., no this time not my sister, but LT Tersimus. He gave me a good advice, so that it was easy for me.
Thursday was a special day for me, because what nobody but me knew, it was my last day as a recruit. On Friday and Saturday before the promotion I had no time to do anything for the Coast Guard.
I had arranged a patrol with Ens Musch and CPO Juisser, which I enjoyed despite some difficulties. Of course I had already prepared my farewell present and this time I gave it to both of them.
When I had handed in my report, I was a little sorry that I had spent so little time at the station, but I would like to thank you both once again. You took away a big part of my nervousness without me noticing.
And then the big day arrived. It was Saturday and the nervousness was growing. For a special occasion we were all called together by Admiral Blackwell 3 hours before. Rear Admiral Sniper Schridde was promoted to Vice Admiral. Since he lives in Australia and the normal promotions are simply too late for him, this was brought forward.
But my time was getting closer and closer and finally it was time. One hour before the official promotion began. Nance and I got there early and had a little chat. Little by little, everyone showed up and then it started. I’m honest I forgot to take pictures and my ass was so fucked up.
I was the first one of the recruits who was allowed to go to the front. After Ma’am Faulkes said a few words to me, it was my turn for my special moment.
My words were:
I thought for a long time which was my most unforgettable experience and I don’t want to highlight any particular experience as it was all a very great experience. Therefore I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. Thanks to everyone who has supported me up to this point and who have given me advice and assistance.
Special thanks to my sister PO3 Suna Sunato, PO1 Asa Darkbyrd, I work great with for SLCG magazine, LT Tersimus, who gave me tips even before he was my mentor and to SCPO Celine with whom I do funny patrols.
When I had taken my vow I was no longer an SR but a Petty Offizer 3ter class. I went back to my seat and suddenly I didn’t know what happened to me. I’m used to having lots of Im’s, but this surpassed everything I had experienced so far. Many people I knew congratulated me. When we were all up front, the personal identification numbers were announced and the stations we would be at in the future. I was given Byron Bay. Unfortunately I did not know the station before, but I knew some of its crew.
And then it was time for the honorary award and it was probably the closest I’ve been in a long time. I know from some of the stories that it quickly becomes apparent who gets it. But this was not the case this time. Lieutenant Faulkes said that the decision was not easy much. But when the name came up I was leaning, because I was the one who got it and I didn’t expect it at all, because I didn’t think it was anything special I had done, but during the rotation I did 51 patrols, 35 of them alone, found 25 objects, participated in 4 Race Security’s and 4 SAR’s and did almost 24 hours of work with others.
After I digested this I had to answer many im’s again, so I didn’t notice much of the actual promotion. I only noticed that my sister was promoted and is now Petty Officer 2 class.
When the ceremony was over, I had to go to the water baptism, which I had somehow completely forgotten. I wanted to go to my new station first. There I had also met my XO LTJG Deej Kasshiki. He showed me around the station and then I celebrated my promotion until late at night.
I hope you enjoyed the little stories of me. I think you will hear more great reports and stories from me, but unfortunately the diary is finished for now.
Your PO3 MaikeMia Sunato
Edited by: LT Coralie Foggarty