Yesterday Once More: A Tribute to the Footballers of RSS Excellence (L202) Season 96 & 97

Since I got involved with the game of soccer since Sec 1, my playing position during competitive games have mainly been that of a defender. I play as a defender in inter-class games, for my Yishun Soccerites team (though they put me on a striker once & I netted a hat-trick, they put me back to defence #@&!!) and my Toys R Us team.

This is fine because my favourite Singapore player is a defender named Borhan Abu Samah and I've always tried to model him in my play when it comes to tackling. As such, almost 95% of the time, I had to play as defender but at the back of my mind, I wish I could do more in an attacking sense but it was largely unfulfilled until I came aboard a Singapore Navy ship named RSS Excellence.

At RSS Excellence, the shipcrews loved football and for my first friendly game, our buffer ask me what position I wish to play. I told him any position is fine but I've earlier shared with my fellow gunner Eric Chua that I would love to try out striker if there's a chance. To my surprise, Buffer name me as Eric Chua strike partner for the game. ^_^ . We won 3-1 against MCV team (can't remember its RSS Valour or RSS Victory) and I scored two easy goals, one of which was a tap-in. Buffer boasted my confidence during the game by giving me a thumbs up after I tried an audacious loop on the goalie but went over the bar. The guys made me feel at home though I'm confident I can do well for them even before the game start. As time passes, L202 gave me the opportunity to play as a midfielder and I absolutely loved the opportunity to play in midfield though I knew it is not my best position. It was fun.

Anway, think I've written too much on myself. This page is dedicated to the L202 footballers whom I have played with in the 1996 and 1997 period. My sincere apologies if I miss out anyone because my memory is aging.

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Here's the list of notable L202 footballers that I played with:

1) Goalkeeper ME Jerry Ong : A Liverpool fan who ride a scrambler bike. Strong hands , good reflexes and good looking. Remember his instant point blank save during outside friendly game @ police academy. Possibly one of the best goalie that I ever play with.

Sail for MSTD 97: Yes

2) Defender ME CK Yam : My favourite L202 football team mate. Playing style resemble like Stuart Pearce, passionate hard tackler. Very committed player. Flip side, need to improve his reading of the game if played in central defence.

Sail for MSTD 97 : Yes

3) Defender Coxswain Fletcher: Our Coxswain is short but he's more than make up for it with his nonsense play. He has a bit of mean steak in his play. Good stamina for his age and a valuable asset to the team.

Sail for MSTD 97 : No

4) Defender Chinese Chief RO: This fellow play for the Singapore Navy rugby team and he got big strong legs and thighs. That's make him an excellent stopper for L202 football team. Ideally, he's the best defender of our team who can tackle hard, pump long balls and good stamina. He's not very popular with the shipcrews though in the later part of his time with L202. But on the football pitch, he's the rock that we need.

Sail for MSTD 97: Yes

5) Defender/Sweeper Buffer Yong: An experienced centreback who can read the game very well. Has an old injury though which hamper his movement.

Sail for MSTD 97: No, he was posted out prior to MSTD 97

6)Midfielder XO Thomas Tok : My first L202 XO like to play football and I think he support Manchester United. He carries his officer authoritative style onto the football pitch as you could always hear him shouting instructions and complaining when we didn't pass him the ball. He's good at switching play with cross ball distribution. When I first joined L202, I didn't like him as XO because he's seem to be a difficult guy to deal with but gradually, we improve our relationship via football games. Will always remember how he encouraged me on the right flank against the Indonesian Navy @ Palembang in Jan 97. We were trailing 1-0 down but we fought back bravely together with XO pulling strings in midfield to equalise through the attached officer off a pass from me. XO recognised my contribution for that goal. We went on to win 3-1 in possibly the best L202 game that I have played in. So much emotion and joy on that day.

Sail for MSTD 97: No, he was posted out prior to MSTD 97

7) Midfielder/Striker ME PO Selvakumar: The solo king player of RSS Excellence. Love to dribble, bags of tricks, strong physique and good stamina. He scored both winning goals of our memorable 3-1 victory in Palembang, Indonesia. He's also the organiser of many of our friendly games and manager of our team jersey & kits. Very good player and passionate about football.

Sail for MSTD 97: No, I don't remember him sailing for it, probably on course or something.

8) Defender RO Kandasamy : If he didn't take off his jersey, he looks pretty ok for a footballer. Once he took off his jersey, you can see he got heavy load to take care of, apart from chasing the ball. An easygoing lad even with some of us esp Eric Chua like to make fun of him. A team player.

Sail for MSTD 97: No, did not sail.

9) Striker ME Goh Min Sern : One of the younger L202 players who got good height and the fierce look with his tattoos. I remember the game when we play for squadron where I played a very good through pass to him and he took it well and smacked against the upright. It would have been a very beautiful goal if that went in.

Sail for MSTD 97: Yes

10) Striker Gunner Eric Chua: The star player of RSS Excellence and he played for the Singapore Navy first team too, though not as a striker but wingback. For L202, he's the undisputed No.1 striker for the team because of his blistering pace and goal appetite. At times, he can win games single-handedly with a quick turn of pace. He's that fast.

Sail for MSTD 97: No, on 5/5 course.

11) Striker RP Kuek : Possibly the most skinny player in the team but hey, he can play football. Play football with him since SNT and he always like to laugh when playing. Remember he scored a hat trick in one of the deck soccer game.

Sail for MSTD 97: Yes

12) Midfielder ME Yong: Actually I don't recall ME Yong playing too much in the soccer game except the MSTD game in Surabaya where he scored our consolation goal. I think ME Yong like football but is not too hype or engrossed in it. I think his overall fitness make him a decent football player.

Sail for MSTD 97: Yes

13) Midfielder/Striker Chief EM: For me, seldom talk to CEM when onboard L202 because he's always have the stern look and very quiet. Only on the football pitch do I get to interact more with him. I remember he always talk about the best thing about the Palembang trip in Jan 97 is the football game which we played against the Indonesian Navy. I can clearly remember how he steer the ball over the bar when presented with an open chance in that game. Nevertheless, he's very active in all L202 football games and loved football.

Sail for MSTD 97: Yes

14) Defender Chief NSA Lim : A committed L202 team player who play his heart out for the team when called upon.

Sail for MSTD 97: Yes

15) Defender EM Ho : A enthusiatic L202 team player who can crack funny jokes at times. Super cool guy.

Sail for MSTD 97: No, i think his wife about to give birth back then.

16) Defender Cook Chan: A Liverpool fan and thai player lookalike. Very passionate about football and always concern about our team result. I remember during the Palembang soccer game, he was warning us to get away from the pitch when the game about to end because he say all the indonesian crowd would ran onto the pitch. It really happened that way and we all had a good laugh.

Sail for MSTD 97: Yes

17) Defender Gunner/NSA Yeo: Not really interested in football but sporting enough to join L202 football team and have fun.

Sail for MSTD: Yes

18) Defender Gunner Wong: Tall player but movement on the slow side. Sporting team player.

Sail for MSTD: Yes

19) Midfielder Gunner Ang: The gunner with the boy next door look love football and supports Liverpool. However, didn't really recall much of his involvement as he joined us much later than the early football matches that we had.

Sail for MSTD: Yes

20) Midfielder/Striker RO Jeff: Similar to Gunner Ang, he joined L202 much later than the early football matches that we had. However, he did impress me during one of the deck soccer game when he scored our goal. Show good potential.

Sail for MSTD: Yes

21) Defender/Midfielder Ops O: I don't really recall Ops O playing football apart from deck soccer. He's quite fit and should be a decent football player.

Sail for MSTD: Yes

Honorary Mention:

L202 attached footballer (Sattahip 97 sailing):

Midfielder NG (Nickname: Monkey) from 195 squadron.

Remark: This midfield dynamo plays for the Singapore Navy 1st team and was attached to our ship during sattahip sailing in Mar 97. He's small size but oh boy, what a fantastic playmaker. He played an instrumental role in JRM deck soccer success during the Sattahip 97 sailing. Brillant player.

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 43 to Day 46

13 to 15 Oct 1997 Flashback

Ship close up SSD on the 13 and 14 Oct due to crossing of the Great Barrier Reef. I was in the more unlucky watch again, that is the starboard watch. The scenary at the great barrier reef was great and on 15 Oct early morning 5.20am, we have completed crossing the great barrier reef. On 15/10/97, slept in the morning due to last night SSD closeup. In the afternoon, assists the midshipmen in doing pre-firing check. The work was fairly relaxed as the midshipmen do most of the cleaning. Was unsure about 0.5 though Master Jesper was there to guide. Actually, the diary habit was almost non-existent these days because I just didn't have the will to write at night. Well now, I'm writing on the early mornings of 16 Oct 97, 6.25am, the first A Gun rounds was fired by midshipmen at 6am. Well, my turn will come later in the day. Signoff, Weizhong

16 Oct 1997 Flashback

Firing took place early in the morning at 6am. Woke up to prep for firing at 5am. Fired the 0.5 gun and the A-Gun, during my turn, they lost track of the target and we didn't fired. I also didn't fire the signal pistol. After firing, rest & sleep. Did think about my ORD leave problems as a lot of gunners or QMs are taking leave at that period. Did try to straighten my thoughts that no matter how bad the situation or leave "kanna makan", just endure to the ORD date. I feel better adopting this view. Tonight, going to keep middle watch.

Weizhong

16/10/97

9.40pm

SEA STATE 1

PRETTY
CALM !!!

VERY GOOD!

Yesterday Once More: 1997 Navy MSTD Trip - Day 41 & 42 (Cairns)

11 Oct 1997 Flashback

On 11/10/97, hand over duties and went to Arlington Reef by the Sunlover Cruises. The package actually cost $100++ as said by XO but we only pay $58 due to our large group of people. We sat inside the cruise and at 9.30am, we slip off Trinity Wharf. It was around 45min before we reached our destination. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the wonders of the world, now I'm visiting it. Oh yes, the Postcards for C, Weifang and V was posted today. I ask CC low to post for me. Back to the Barrier Reef issue, I saw a Japanese girl cruise crew and wanted to take a photo with her. Finally I managed to take a picture with her on the way back. She look nice. At Arlington Reef, I went snorkelling and I could see fishes and corals under water. It's not really that beautiful, maybe my goggle wasn't that good. Goh Min Sern even saw a stingray, wow that's dangerous. We had a buffet lunch too, I took less than my usual appetite wanted. It was a good experience here and we also saw some big fishes. We return to Trinity Wharf at around 5pm. Some of our photos was taken by the cruise crew during the journey and they're available at $10 each from the centre. *Private thoughts*

After the cruise, went back to ship. Went out to town after bathing to have dinner. Stick with Jerry, CEM , Yeo and CNSA went around the stalls and shops. Didn't buy anything, I'll leave that for tomorrow. They went to the casino later and I follow. It was quite bored as I didn't gamble. I wanted to walk around the town so that I can plan what to buy tomorrow. I try to walk alone outside but after a while, feel that is not very good. What's more this area as said by XO not advisable to walk alone. Went back to Casino and play Jackpot, lost $5. Went back to ship after that.

12 Sept 1997 Flashback

On 12/10/97, woke up early to do the truck ramp. After that, shore leave starts at 8.30am. I went out at 9am with KCP, SK Tan and Goh MS. The shopping centre at Cairns was closed in the morning. We walk around the areas and we went to a local market where vegetables and many things are sold. KCP wanted badly to take a photo with a sweet-looking seem like Chinese girl. She actually a Thai. Her English is good. She was selling vegetables and look very young. KCP was persuading me to ask her to take a picture with him. I know KCP always ask people to do these and that for him. I ask and I took a photo of KCP and her and my film finished at there. Later, when I went to develop the photos and that picture was blurred together with the one we took yesterday with the Japanese girl. Shop open at 11am++ and "somebody" bought a PB magazine and we went back to ship to put our things. Want to save money, all of us have lunch onboard the ship. After that, that's where the shopping, bought a pendant, a T-shirt , some postcards,etc. SK Tan or MS Goh went back to ship to put things. Went around Cairns Central shopping centre, Myer centre and Target with KCP before meeting SK Tan and MS Goh. At night, bought some things from night market, got a dolphin pendant (should have buy more), a T-shirt for ??? ("can't recognise my own handwriting") and etc. Private thoughts. Well, that's about all. Yap come back to grandma house at 11.30pm on the way back.

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On the last sentence about grandma house, I've no idea today on what that house meant. Do I mean L202?

On the shipcrew mention, Goh Min Sern is the ship ME, same batchboy as ME Pang. He has tattoos on his body, looks fierce becoz of it but I never found him fierce at all. He plays soccer too and remember we used to play for the squadron in one match which I threaded a good throughpass to him and he took it and smash against the crossbar. What a goal that would have been.

CEM is chief EM and is one the senior PO onboard the ship. Quiet, strict looking, no nonsense guy at that time. He like to play soccer too and I remember he like to say the best thing about the Palembang trip in Jan 1997 was the football game that we play. I remember he missed an open goal.

CC Low is my gunner batchboy from SNT (school of naval training) and he was from L206. He has earlier sailed for L206 South Africa MSTD Trip earlier that year and I think he like it a lot. That's why he decided to opt to sail for this L202 MSTD sailing. During MSTD, can find him watching video in JRM at odd hours. My SNT buddy Aik told me CC Low has the type of look that many girls like. I didn't notice it until I hear from Aik and sort of agree.

Jerry Ong is the ship regular ME. A man of few words but simply the most popular guy of L202, even till today. He has the human connection.

Once upon a time on this Cairns port visit, a tale of two L202 gamblers at Cairns Reef Hotel Casino. Case 1: Gambler A has won big money the previous day, bring his winning back to ship and put it into his locker. Next day, woke up and bring everything again to Casino in hope for more. Result: Al...l gone plus losses & never sightseeing Cairns. Case 2: Gambler B who was in debt before the trip, tried his luck with the Bingo game at casino and salted fish turnover, winning big prize. Collected his winnings and given himself & kakis a big treat & call to clear his debts. For CPL Tey, never gamble but instead went to night market and Cairns Aboriginal outdoor reef concert.

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