Photo By LaShawn Sykes | 210727-N-AC165-0002 (July 27, 2021) – Able-bodied Seaman Nadia Macasaet works in the...... read more read more
What is your name and title, and what ship are you on?
My name is Nadia Macasaet, and I’m an able-bodied seaman aboard USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193).
When did you join Military Sealift Command, and what is unique about your career with MSC?
In 2012, I joined MSC and began working in the ship’s deck department, where I have been responsible for the underway replenishment rigs, dry and liquid cargo handling, forklift operations, and helicopter flight deck operations. I also stand watch while at port and at sea, and perform routine deck maintenance: cleaning, painting, chipping, and preserving the ship.
What’s most unique about my career with MSC is figuring out how to describe my job to family members and friends. The differing scope of operations from one class of ship to another is always hard to explain. My global travel is always different because each country often has different entry requirements. In addition, trying to describe each country’s unique cultures and customs makes my job appear to be almost exotic.
What is your job with MSC?
As an abled-bodied seaman, I am tasked to not only safely navigate the seas but also to operate safely and efficiently under sometimes difficult weather conditions during fueling and cargo operations. As a member of the deck department, duties can range from preservation of the ship itself to the handling of lines during arrival and departure operations, as well as operating large and small machinery from fork trucks to lifeboats.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Wake up. Get dressed. Eat Breakfast. Muster at 0800. Once I receive the day’s work instructions from the ship’s boatswain, the nine-hour workday commences, with breaks provided throughout the day. During the summer season, it is important that I remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. I break for lunch at noon and start the second half of my workday at 1300. The workday typically ends at 1700 but if we are lucky, overtime will begin at 1730.
What is the best thing about being a CIVMAR aboard USNS Walter S. Diehl? Personally, it doesn’t matter whether the vessel is in pristine condition or looking incredibly tired, nothing will get done well if you don’t enjoy being a part of the crew, and I very much enjoy being a part of the crew of USNS Walter S. Diehl, from the officers to the unlicensed crewmembers.
What is the most challenging part of your work aboard USNS Waters S. Diehl? The most challenging part of the work aboard USNS Walter S. Diehl is getting the ship back to shape, and to do so compels me to exercise my knowledge and experience over the last nine years to help the crew get it done. During the summer months, the heat and humidity only increases the difficulty.
What is your most favorite memory at sea?
I have two favorite memories. The first is playing video games with my fellow mariners in the lounge to decompress after a long day at work, and the second is the first time I was left alone in a winch booth during an underway replenishment.
What would you tell someone who is interested in joining MSC?
Read carefully the fine print of the position you are applying for; so that, you are clear of all that the job entails. Nothing is worse than running into a fellow mariner who is surprised the ship is going to sea.
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2021 12:17 |
| Story ID: | 408022 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 250 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, We are MSC: Able-bodied Seaman Nadia Macasaet, by LaShawn Sykes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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