Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 53 & 54 (Surabaya)

23 Oct 1997 Flashback:

Woke up 5am and close up SSD at around 5.50am. Reach Surabaya at around 9am. Finish all preparation of cocktail and went for shore leave at 12.15pm. We shop around the place, the shopping centre was really beautiful and modern, the girls looks nice too. We stay around the place until evening. We went to red light district called Kampong Lori to look look see see. It was really messy. We were constantly harassed by a poor children. He did things like spitting, throwing cigarette box,etc to demand money from us. This port wasn't good at all. We quickly get away from the area to avoid further problem. Yes, I saw many "Wartel" phone office which I may called C. Tomorrow, there is a soccer match and I looking forward to it. Meanwhile, its a boring port and I began to consider going to Bali for my leave. Signoff, Weizhong, 1.25am

24 Oct 1997 Flashback:

Duty today but in the morning went for soccer with the Indonesian Navy. Didn't play a good game lost 6-1 and even one goal was resulted from my deflected leg. Really disappoint with the way I play, I should have play better, the team from Surabaya was good. They know how to switch the balls, pass back and packed powerful shots.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 49

19 Oct 1997 Flashback

Sunday routine, kept 4 - 8am watch last night and after mustering, try to sleep but couldn't get to sleep. Today cooking, lunch was ok but dinner Thai food was a disappointment. Play deck soccer in the evening, night time closed up 1st watch. Chit chat with Buffer, Wee and Wong on ghost stories, it was quite frightening at times. We also talked about religions and for the 1st time in a long while, I feel quite fearful of life after death. I also feel my present problems with *private info* is nothing compared to this more important issue of life. Maybe I should be grateful for I'm still healthy and everything is pretty smooth at the moment. *Private thoughts*. Well, just a night of these talk and I believe all these are just passing clouds of emotion which were all be forgotten in days to come. Signoff, Weizhong. 1.00am.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 48

18 Oct 1997 Flashback

Today morning, do some easy painting jobs. Kept afternoon watch. Tonight going to keep morning watch. Today cooking competition, WardRm cook the lunch, pork chop & salad. JRM prepare the dinner, KCP being the main cook, cooking chicken rice. The food was okay and better than normal day food. KCP complain I never help out in the preparation. I was tired and sleep after watch. *Private thoughts*. Signoff, Weizhong 9.50pm

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On the shipcrew mention, KCP stands for Koh Chew Peng, the ship NSF ME. He also has an English name called Jason. We preferred to call him Koh Chew Peng. I know KCP since our first day in the navy, undergoing basic seamanship course at SNT @ endurance block. I stay in the same room with KCP and I still remember early days, he started to put amulets around his bed. Think he encounter some strange experience back then. Actually, we do heard of many stories at endurance block during that time though we find KCP to be quite funny during that time. I got reunited with KCP when he was posted to L202. His kakis SK Tan is also here, much earlier. I do not know why KCP was posted much later to the ship. KCP like to complain, even the smallest matter but rather than being a nuisance, actually find him quite adorable. SK Tan like to say he talk or grumble non-stop but we still like him. KCP also like to talk about girls, about getting who and who number, so forth. Often, we talk about the girls that we chatted during our guard duties. Pretty bo liao but it was fun. There are too many things I can write about KCP that even this page can't filled. He stay in Yishun, same as me. Last I know, he work for ST Marine and complain that my salary @ Sony is too little. Haha....typical KCP.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 47

17 Oct 1997 Flashback

Kept middle watch yesterday and wake up at 10.15am. Attend the Helo "OPS' lecture given by OPS 'O'. A lot of gunners taking leave during december and that's a worrying factor. OPS 'O' said all are to submit their leave before returning to S'pore. Dec 3 & 4 is Golden Sands, looks like got to go through 1 'siong' exercise before ORD. Dec 13 & 14 is open house, I try to look at calendar and forecast how to take my leave. Probably I might not kanna open house. The driving test also have some dates to take into consideration. I really hope nothing crop up during my leave period and driving test. Kept first watch at night. Yap, I already told OPS 'O' that I'll submit my leave after I check with squadron chief clerk. At night, raise my voice against C.Cook as he yell at me again, I'll not keep a quiet attitude again. Signoff, Weizhong

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 40 (Cairns)

10 Oct 1997 Flashback

Today my duty in Cairns and my 1st time kanna cocktail duty. As usual, lower the truck ramp in the morning, my QM detail is 2nd detail. Do a lot of work in the morning and rest only a while before closing up as QM. Manage to rest after the 1st watch. The cocktail party start at 7.30pm and there wasn't many pretty girls. The food was nice though I accidentally eat some beef. Tomorrow wonder where to go, Compass reef, Green island or just walk around town. CNSA ask me to follow them to compass reef, a lot of them going, i might go but i got to get some money first. Also, how I'm going to post the postcards. The post office opens from 9am to 12.30pm. I've already written for C and V. Many of them didn't buy much things here, maybe I'll draw $150 bucks instead of $200. Right now, I'm on watch QM duty, earlier "somebody" just brought a 21 year old Japanese girl to the ship, OOD said cannot let her step onboard. *Private thoughts*. Signoff, Weizhong 12.16am

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On the shipcrew mention, CNSA is a friendly chief in charge of the ship logistics stuffs. He is also a very responsible shipcrew. Remember during sailing, "somebody" suggested him to take it easy (not so on) with his rounds during odd hours but he say the lives of everyone onboard depends on him, no shortcut. I was impressed and suddenly realized the importance the role that each one of us play during watch-keeping. He's also a good friend of a senior L202 gunner that I respect a lot.

Sgt See Han Hui was one of the two most senior gunner when I first joined L202. He always stay in onboard L202 eventhough he has no duties and is free to go home. He likes fishing. I'm not a fan of fishing but get to know him better during my frequent guard duties. Remember he taught me how to clean the heads (toilets) in tip-top manner. As a junior gunner, I was assigned to take care of cleaning the toilet during pre-inspection or duty. My partner was a ME OJT, who rather not so keen on cleaning toilet and "chute pattern". Sgt See knew I was being taken advantage of and discreetly make sure the other party done his due diligence. I didn't get to go for many sailing with Sgt See as he was due to ORD not long after. But he earned my respect during the time that we were fellow gunners. No senior gunner air to a junior like me. In fact, the early day gunner team all treat me very well.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 37

7th Oct 1997 Flashback

Kept middle watch last night and woke up at 10.15am. Today was the MSTD Jogalthon where each person will have to complete 202 runs around the ship. I didn't run and went back to sleep after the 10.15am mustering. Kept 4-6pm watch and the place we're in now is part of the Great Barrier Reef, sea state was very calm. The scenery of the mountains of the coast was magnificent. Took some photos. One midshipman told me that the flash of my camera in a certain way must always be on, in that case my photos in Brisbane may not be as nice as it could be, let's hope everything can be ok. Yap, Cook Tan won the fancy dress contest today. Phone back mum today at 7pm (Singapore time should be 5pm) using Cook Chan handphone. Glad to know haze in Singapore is improving, grandma will be back in Singapore this coming Saturday. Tonight going to keep morning watch.

Signoff, Weizhong

7/10/1997

9.50pm

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On the shipcrew mention, Cook Chan is my good friend onboard L202. The ship crew like to call him "Siam kia" , meaning he look like Thai man. He's a bit eccentric personality but got along well with the ship crews. I got along pretty well with him as he is also a football fan. He treat me very well during my time onboard and we even kept in touch for a while after ORD. He stay in Yishun but its been years since I last seen him.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip Day 32 (Brisbane) to Day 36

2nd Oct to 6th Oct 1997 Flashback

Didn't write diary for 4 days as the brisbane port was a tiring and busy one. I was on duty on the 2/10/97. 3/10/97, I went to movie world where I spend a lot of money. I spent around $200 AD on that day, buying 4 shirts, some keychains, etc. Took photos with Batman & Robin, Wonderwoman, Superman & one female character. Miss the opportunity to take photo with Batgirl, that was the miss of the day. Movieworld is quite fun and I enjoy my stay there. Also post letters to C & J & Weifang on 3/10/97, LSWT helping me to post the letters. Actually, on that day, there is open house which XO want 2 watches to stay back, which includes my watch. I was unhappy, so do the others, in the end. Wong & Tan stand in for me and Ang, nobody standing in for Wee and LKY insists 1 RP stay back. In the end, RP Chua stand in for Wee. Feel "qian ta men yi ge ren qing" because they have 2 duties here and shouldn't stay back, it should be us. Nevertheless, still go for shore leave and did have a busy day at movie world, later return to Brisbane City to South Banks to see the night market. It was quite fun. On the last day, went to Surfers Paradise, took some great photos in the beach where the great waves came in. Hope the photos are okay. The water was very cold so do the wind, I got up from the water after only less than 5 mins in it. Shop around the area but didn't buy anything as I want to scan through the area before making a decision. Later, decide to went to some of the shops alone as the rest of them are going to their shops. I didn't want to commit buying. Soon lost Yong & company, met EM Goh & company, went with them until evening where they suggests going back to Brisbane. I didn't want to go so soon I lost them. Pretty complicated right, met Yong & company, they just finished their dinner. They intend to go back brisbane, I haven't got my stuffs. So I went back to Hard Rock Cafe to get 2 T-shirts for sister and 1 for myself. I choose the one with the surfboard in hurry manner. Later, went alone and spent a long time choosing some Surfers Paradise clothes for myself and Dad and sister. I walk alone till 10pm where shore leave expire and I didn't eat dinner cause I feel "yi ge ren chi mei yi si". I spent all my money until I left only $10. I also lost 1 Koala Bear shirt I intend to buy for Jingyi nd I was saddened by the loss of it. I went back to ship with quite a few bags. Ship left Brisbane at 9am in the morning, there was a 5 hr SSD. Brisbane has been good, the best port I ever went. Gold Coast was brilliant too. However, did spent lots of money there and Planet Hollywood T-shirt didn't buy left me with a bit of "yi han". Perhaps I might come back to this part of the world in my later life with my girlfriend or good buddies. For now, its bye Brisbane & Gold Coast, we are heading for "Port 4". Ship left brisbane on 5/10/97. Signoff, Weizhong

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On the shipcrew mention, Yong is the ME onboard L202 who has the same ORD date as me. He's one of the most sociable guy onboard the ship.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 28

28 Sept 1997 Flashback

Kept 4am to 8am watch. Was tired after my body aches probably due to the workout at the gym last night. "Somebody" surprisingly was the OOW. I didn't speak to him and try to avoid him because of the heartbreaking remark he made yesterday. I think he knew something was wrong with me and try to talk to me. I told myself to be firm and not be soft. Sleep for the whole morning, even forgetting to muster. The "port 3" duties are not settled yet. Chua did mention that he is going to volunteer , makes me feel bad in one way or another because he is the overall I/C , yet he had to be so sacrificeable. "Somebody" tried to be nice to me but I acted as low to his friendliness as I can. I mustn't be soft-hearted, that remark was like a dagger into my heart. Its not that I'm petty, I found out at these sort of situations, I've been unfairly commented or judged. Signoff, Weizhong

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 27

27 Sept 1997 Flashback

Now its only 1.10pm. Actually I always write diary at night, but since its been declared Sunday routine today, I might as well write it now. Half a day gone, one sharp word hurts my feeling. I wake up at 10.15am in the morning as I was on middle watch last night. When I muster at cafeteria, I saw my department was doing ropework like bowlbarnelline & cargo net. I help up in the work which "somebody" make a remark that I was xxxx and another "somebody" added xxxxx.... I was hurt by it inside me though I remained composed on the outside. Whether its a joke or not, I feel they must have this sort of impression. Make me feel ...*private thoughts written half a page* .

Just half a day gone, one bad remark just spoilt the day. The other half, I'll write tonight. I'll try avoid talking to him, this is my decision which I wish I'll be able to achieve, only speak to regarding work, other things I'll try to keep my mouth shut, anyway people didn't notice what you have done.

2nd half

Went to Gym to work out. Peng made sacarstic remarks as he seemed annoyed at my attitude at working out. I knew he did that to spite me to train so I didn't take the remarks too hard. Well, that's all for the day. Signoff, Weizhong

(The below was written on same page after signoff for 27 Sept 1997)

Exactly 2 years ago, I was enlisted for NS, now 4 months to go for ORD. Still remember the trouble-ridden times in my final year in Poly, about a golden opportunity miss of the girl I like, Sxx xxx. The happy times before enlistment at Takashimaya and of course, my first days in the army.

My early Army BMT days before I join the Navy family

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 26

26 Sept 1997 Flashback

Kept afternoon watch. In the morning, was waken up by A OPS'O' at 7.45 - 8.00am to do some simple tasks that can be secured after mustering. In the morning, Buffer said we can go ahead and rest, he seem sick. Good news, "Port 3" will have 4 days of shore leave. But that could nring problem for duty. I really hope for 3 days shore leave with 1 day duty. Been pondering over how it should be planned. The solution could be those who do on "Port 3" will have only 1 duty at "another port". But of course, everyone would want to do at "another port" rather than "port 3". Another solution could be drawing lots but for myself, have always been unlucky one, rather not resort to such games. Later in the night, heard Tan and Wong volunteer to do the "port 3" one and I do think of excusing them the first few days duties back in Singapore to make up for it. Kept middle watch which I feel "somebody" is getting more lazy and a bad attitude. A tired middle watch keeping, as the wind did make me feel unwell. Signoff, Weizhong

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On the shipcrew mention, I think the A Ops O is a new officer onboard. I think we gave him a nickname during that time but will not post here.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 25 (Bye Bye Honiara)

25 Sept 1997 Flashback

Today at around 9.15am, weigh anchor and leave Honiara, Solomon Islands. I was on anchor watch at time 5.25am to 6.25am. Was tired and did hope the sea watch didn't put me on afternoon watch. Check out and was in first watch, that's mean can sleep for quite a while. Rumours has it we might anchor at "Port 3", what a disappointment if that's true. Really feel my last trip was a disappointing one. Unless I'm guaranteed of 2 full days shore leave. The sea state is pretty bad and many people are feeling sick. I'm ok but feel if I didn't sleep enough, I'll be sea sick too. Ok, really tired just off watch, the sea is rocking badly, time to rest. Signoff, Weizhong

L202 sailing towards the Rainbow bridge on that day of departing Solomon Islands

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Honiara is a place where probably I won't have a chance to visit if it is not for the MSTD trip. My memory of Solomon Islands is that the local people there are very friendly towards us. Everywhere we go, we seem to be centre of attention and greeted with smile and warmth. I vaguely remember there is one teenage girl even wave at us. We just smile back. The cost of things there however, is expensive. I bought a "Nguzu Nguzu" keychain at around S$7-S$9 but it was a special logo of Solomon Islands that I wanted so badly. The keychain was with me for almost 12 years before retiring last year. I forgotten where I kept it since. Other memories include my best meal of the MSTD trip was at the hotel at Honiara. I think its a simple chicken teriyaki meal but it taste so good. Maybe I was really tired during that phase of MSTD trip that I gave such high rating for a simple luxury. I think the Honiara FCEP duty day ranks among the busiest day of my MSTD trip. The body really feel the fatigue and I think I'm not alone. I also have the 1st time experience of swimming in an area where sharks are around. Finally, I remember the midshipman batch has an opportunity to play the Solomon Islands football team. The ship crews are not involved in this game, only the midshipmen. I think I heard Solomon Islands won 9-0 against our young navy officers to be, the midshipmen.

I do read about Solomon Islands news occasionally since that trip. I think near year 2000 or so, there is a civil war that broke out there. Near end 2003, the Oz govt under John Howard send in a peacekeeping force to Solomon Islands to maintain peace. I think the situation isn't as bad as the Ambon one but during that time, the Ozs are also involved in Iraq or Afghan operations, so maybe Solomon Islands involvement may take off some pressure to send more troops to the George Bush crappy ops in Iraq.

Sunset photo at Honiara, Solomon Islands - Photo courtesy of EM Ong

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 24 (Honiara)

24 Sept 1997 Flashback

An extremely busy day for me as I'm on duty and on anchor watch. Even right now, 10.44pm I'm feeling shacked because in another 15 mins time, I'll run the EP again.

A day of tired work, now I just return from the hoisting of EP and since 11pm till now 1.20am, been working non-stop. During the securing of EP, I was left alone by my own department on the EP, when I request for help, they pretend didn't hear my message. Was angry and with help of Kuek and Yam, lowered the straps and after squaring up the place, just walk away from the area. Was vexed up. Today afternoon, read C letter and *private thoughts*. Today LSWT help me to buy the things that I ask him to buy. He got most of the stuffs except the keychain which I wanted badly. He know the design I show him but he didn't buy , instead try to pick another for me. *Private thoughts*. Also today, CO allow us to swim in the sea, it was nice. But most of the day, very busy with EP and didn't have much of our own time. 2nd time so busy during duty. Signoff, Weizhong

Giordano - World of Strangers @ Honiara

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The above is my favourite photo of the MSTD trip. It is taken on EM Goh's camera (green shirt guy on the left most side). Remember he say our photo can be used for Giordano advertisement slogan, "World of Strangers". On EM Goh, he is the electrical guy onboard L202 and same ORD date as me. He may be small size but has a fiery temper, don't step on his toes on a bad day. Heard he work in a big IT firm (Sun) after ORD but actually not very sure because didn't stay in touch after L202 dinner in 98. Think saw someone that looks like him during last year RT @ Khatib camp but didn't talk as wasn't really sure its him and the person also "bo chap".

Back to Honiara, Solomon Islands, I remember the final duty day as a very tiring day because running many rounds of EP, to/fro the ship. Everyone was super tired, that why I got abandoned by my fellow team at night during securing of EP. Was damn pissed & tired on that night.

However, the thing that I have the strongest impression about my trip to Solomon Islands without refering to my sailing diary, also happen on this day. On that Solomon island duty day, the ship was anchored out at sea. During off duty watch period, CO allow us to swim in the sea near our ship. He also swim in it and many of us join him by jumping from the ship into the Solomon island calm sea. It was fun until after we finished the swim, our dear RO Wilfred informed us that this area is actually a SHARKS area. What the...why didn't he tell us before we jump into it. Haha, we all have a good laugh about how naive all of us were at that time, enjoying the swim, not aware of potential danger of sharks.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 23 (Honiara)

23 Sept 1997 Flashback

Wake up at 6.30am and enter harbour. Prep for the cocktail and all ends at around 10am. Yap, good news, received C and J letter. 2 from C and 1 from J. I only read J and little bit of the first letter from C. I intend to post a letter to C. I went for shore leave with Wee, Yeo, Ang and GY. Hesitate about a few things because I only have limited Soloman dollars cash. Bought a few postcards. "Somebody" didn't seem happy with my slow thinking of getting the stuffs I want. Went to have lunch at a restaurant which the food wasn't nice and costly too. Buy some souvenirs from the souvenir shops including a keychain, a banner and a T-shirt. Also went to post office to post the letters & postcards. Early today, when just went for shoreleave, did call Mum and talk a while with her. Everything ok. Went with a cab to 2 war memorials at Skyline and Auston, a great place to take photos at the village but not really nice. Took same taxi passing through Chinatown. Only few chinese can be seen. Honiara, really not much fun place. Went to a hotel and stay there throughout the evening. Have a nice Japanese teriyaki meal at a restaurant there. My money not enough and GY borrow some to me. At night, visit the casino and went back to ship soon after. Feeling tired as tomorrow got to run anchor watch and FCEP. Signoff, Weizhong

A visit to Honiara City Police station with "mata" in shorts

Scenic photo with our taxi guide and Solomon Islanders

Before there was Resort World Singapore and Marina Bay Sands, there is Honiara Casino

My 13 year old souvenirs from Honiara, Solomon Islands

A written postcards posted in Solomon Islands and to Singapore

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 22 (Honiara)

22 Sept 1997 Flashback

Map of the Solomon Islands

At this moment of writing, I'm finally arrived in Solomon Islands capital, Honiara. I'm quite tired after being a bowman for the past few hours. Our ship reach here at 4pm++, couldn't find a place to berth and therefore drop anchor. Ops 'O' ask me to be part of the EP crew. The duty will run 50% on each day. A lot of funny, frustrating stuffs today, being ticked by Ops 'O' and at the same time bothered by the duty watch system. Was an EP crew and didn't go for late night shore leave. Shore leave starts at around 8pm. Money complications also occur when I shared with Yeo to change $80 and another $20 from the one Wong claim I shared $50 from Ang. Very complex. Hope all these will be sort out tomorrow. I feel myself quite a nusiance to people at times with my outspoken manner. Maybe I should tone down a bit. Tomorrow got to wake up at 6.30am for SSD to enter harbour. Still to prep for cocktail and wait for my only day in Honiara. From people who go for shoreleave today, an expensive place. Argh.....很烦! Signoff, Weizhong

Honiara (highlight in red), the capital of Solomon Islands

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I remember that on our first day arrival in Honiara, no available berth for our ship to alongside (park), so we have to stay far out at sea and drop anchor. We lower the two attached FCEP (stands for Fast Craft for Equipment and Personnel) of our ship to the sea and use it to ferry the shipcrews to land for their late night shore leave. I became part of the FCEP crew by becoming the bowman, who primary role is to handle the ropeworks to secure the craft to the wharf or ship side & set-up ladder for embarking & disembarking of passengers. Other miscellaneous tasks include being a lookout and other manual tasks.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 21

21 Sept 1997 Flashback

Sunday routine. A lot of people getting sick. Ang & Chua are the latest. For myself, does feel weak, perhaps very lethargic after so many days at sea. Does feel a bit feverish but everything seem ok as I'm writing down. Maybe the change of climate, does feel a bit cold. XO said that he recommend 50% duty watch for each of the 2 days of shore leave at "Port 2". I think if a solution, since we're all entering the harbour late tomorrow, all QMs will close up tomorrow, then 50% on 2nd day and the other half on 3rd day. It will be quite fair if its run this way. Hope such things wouldn't happen in "another port". Slept for a while in the afternoon, kept last dog, attend port presentation, doesn't sound too good. Later watch Crimson tide. Quite a good show, tomorrow morning watch, a bit "siong" as there'll be inspection and wash down deck. Signoff, Weizhong.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 20

20 Sept 1997 Flashback

2 more days to "Port 2". Its been 99.9% confirmed that we'll reach there at night, at time around 2000 hrs. The 1st day duty watch I suppose will keep their own watch and its just to their advantage. I think it had to be in this way. The sea state getting rougher and this morning, didn't take breakfast and feel a bit unwell. Kept 12pm -4pm watch. *private thoughts*. Tonight on middle watch, tomorrow Sunday , hope can rest peacefully. 20 days has passed so far, it is now the sea getting rougher around sea state 3. Going to keep middle watch later.

Signoff, Weizhong

Singapore time 6.35pm

Present ship time 9.35pm

My L202 sketch on this day

Photo with Yam & Yeo @ Quarterdeck. Ship was rolling

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 19

19 Sept 1997 Flashback

Kept 8am - 12pm watch with "somebody" and diver. Paint the bosun store in the afternoon. Bad news again,, shore leave on "next port" will be 2 days because we can't make it on time. Likely to be one day late. Really disappointed as duty will be affected. The 1st day duty watch will be excused but they may have to pay back in "another port" . "Next port" may not be very attractive but really hope can go for visit the rare "place" which one is unlikely to visit. JRM has a happy hour at 7.30pm today and I only attend a while as I'm on watch at 8pm - 12pm. Heard tomorrow plenty of work to do, really hate it at times , hope for the best. By the way, "somebody" talk a lot with me during watch today. I think our relationship does improve a little but but I'm still keeping distance from him. Now it around 1am, watching MTV alone in JRM. Signoff, Weizhong

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 18

18 Sept 1997 Flashback

Bad day. Kept morning watch, NO seemed to be in foul mood, keep picking on Ang and me. After watch, Buffer said loads of work to be done, he say 9am start work. I was tired and ask him whether can start at 9.15am, he said ok. I went to rest, full asleep and when I opened my eyes, it was 9.25am. A pipe has already been made at 9am++, I didn't hear it. Buffer as I can see was furious as he question me why all the gunners didn't muster. I try to do a bit of work, Wong & Ang didn't come out and when Buffer went down to check, they're sleeping. Oh Gosh! He question me that is it we're taking advantage just because he give us some welfare. Later in the day, Ops 'O' also question me about the pre-sea box for the EP which I didn't prepare. I was devastated by it as everytime its me who got being asked when things goes wrong as if I'm to blame. Help GY to clean arms in the afternoon. A fast one and after that, I was tired and slept. As I woke up, heard EM Ong making remarks on I'm sleeping and my fellow gunners are all suffering on the upper deck. I found out that CO want them to secure storm ropes and a pipe was made at 4pm++. I was deep asleep and nobody wake me up and Tan and Wong were shouting , saying I'm not steady. Ang too, didn't muster as he was also asleep. Tan, then made remark "saying I was very unsteady" as if I was "chao keng". It affected me for the rest of the day. I ponder over this incident, did grumble or try to explain this to "somebody" though I didn't like the man. Kept last dog, thinking about the incident, saw active volcanoes today also. Later, when Tan took over the bridge lookout from me, he raised his voice against me. I was fed-up and raised my voice too, saying I didn't muster because I was asleep & nobody call me or anything. I didn't want to quarrel with anyone on this trip, think whether am I too high profile. Its a long trip, still a long time to work together, quarrel won't do us any good. LKY was also on the bridge when the incident took place. *private thoughts* I was low morale as normal after these sort of incidents. I know I myself is an emotional & sensitive person, just can't stop myself from explaining things that I think people have misunderstood about me. "Wo hen zhi zhuo" but I really wish I can treat all these "yan guang" as nothing, don't explain myself, just live life as it come. Do you think you can do it, Weizhong?

I'm vexed today !!! Signoff, Weizhong

At work on this problematic day. Didn't look bad but it is later part of that day.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 17

17 Sept 1997 Flashback

Didn't write this page on 17/9/97 but wrote it on the 18th. Kept 1st dog today but change with Gunner Tan for last dog because I want to play JRM vs Lion soccer match. JRM lost 2-1 although we lead 1-0 at half-time, Jeff scoring our only goal. I was responsible for the equaliser as the ball slip through my legs. Disappointed with the result, cause our chances of qualifying must be almost zero. Today, expected to see an active volcano at night, I'm on morning watch and bad news. tonight advance time, at middle watch, try to sleep early but JRM meeting in selecting new committee and new things for the mess took up some time. Signoff, Weizhong

Out at sea with volcanic region & Papua New Guinea in the background

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On the shipcrew mention, Jeff was the most junior RO (Radio operator) onboard L202. Same age as Cook Tan. I didn't rate him as a soccer player until this day where he was the best player in our team, scoring against the midshipman team. I think I remember vaguely, we didn't put in our strongest team for the 1st half but RO Jeff gave us the lead. In the 2nd half, the so-called stronger JRM team conceded 2 goals and a big loss. I underestimated the midshipman team.

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip- Day 16

16 Sept 1997 Flashback

Kept 12pm-4pm watch today. Was sleepy during the watch today. Slept immediately after off watch. On vegetarian meal today as it is 十五 and Mooncake festival. The karaoke final and mooncake festival was also held today, great to have the opportunity to eat mooncake even it is out at sea. The Karaoke competition was won by Cook Tan, second is the diver and third, surprisingly, its buffer. After karaoke, watch TV at JRM. *Private thoughts* Going to middle watch tonight, now its 11pm++. I guess I'll write to C now. Signoff, Weizhong

With L202 crews on Karaoke finals day & Karaoke champion Cook Tan

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On the shipcrew mention, Cook Tan is my good friend onboard L202. He's a young chap with a good fashion sense. He was very quiet when he first joined us onboard and was low morale during sailing due to BGR issue outside. Gave him encouragement and we become good friends. In MSTD, he showed his vocal talent by winning the ship karaoke competition on Mooncake festival day. Remember he like to sing Chen Xiao Dong "Xin You Du Zhong" song around MSTD period.