United States Navy sailors sacrifice months or even years away from family and friends to serve this country and protect our freedoms. Their time aboard a ship at sea can often be lonely and stressful. They eat, sleep, work and train both in extremely close quarters with one another and simultaneously thousands of miles away from everything else. That unique environment can put a toll on just about anyone, and it is important for those men and women to find any time they can to let loose and relax.
A 2012 video posted to YouTube shows a few instances where a Navy deployment might lead to some fun activities. Check out this montage of one individual’s six-month deployment:
One activity that sailors always look forward to is “swim call” – an opportunity to jump into the ocean from the deck of the ship and have a little fun in the water.
Swim call is a military tradition in which sailors are allowed the opportunity to swim in the ocean during their downtime. In addition, they also can choose to jump from high up on the deck as a sort of makeshift diving platform.
Navy Officer Ben Forman vlogs his time aboard a vessel while deployed in the Southern Pacific. (Ben Forman/YouTube)
Coupled with swim call, the afternoon can also include a cookout on the ship and some much-needed relaxation time in the sun. After all, many of the ships in the Navy’s fleet are stationed in some of the most beautiful waters in the world, and having the chance to enjoy the scenery is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Navy Officer Ben Forman vlogs his time aboard a vessel while deployed in the Southern Pacific. (Ben Forman/YouTube)
In addition to their time on the ship, Navy service members sometimes have the chance to visit interesting places while deployed. The video clip features the officer seemingly enjoying himself on the outskirts of a forest where he leaps into a nearby body of water.
Navy Officer Ben Forman vlogs his time aboard a vessel while deployed in the Southern Pacific. (Ben Forman/YouTube)
Of course, much of a Navy officer’s time is spent aboard the ship in close quarters with the rest of the crew. And while living and working so closely with one another can often be a difficult situation, it certainly seems like they made the most of it. The video montage is an interesting look aboard a Navy vessel most civilians likely won’t ever get to see.
