Camp Lemonnier Update

This place changes so often I should give a quick update.  I was told when I got here that the camp was one big never ending construction project.  Since then, we've got a new wastewater treatment facility, which you don't care about except that there are no more threats to shut down the self serve laundry sites.  We've got a new electric grid with bigger generators, which you don't care about except that the power doesn't mysteriously shut off for no particular reason anymore.  I think I mentioned commercial internet in all the CLUs is now available and it's pretty good but not what anyone would call cheap.  30 to 45 bucks a month depending on the bandwidth you want.  The most interesting improvement that will save you time and effort (which is a big bonus in the upcoming hot months) is the new barber shop and expanded PX mini-mart down in CLUville.  The gaggle of people in my way when I go to get a haircut now should be reduced.  That's a very good thing.

You Just Gotta Love Blowing Stuff Up

This is what two Chevy Tahoes look like after EOD gets through with them.  Just in case you ever wanted to know.

Ninety Degrees

Let the record show that Wednesday, March 23rd, was the first day of the year that the thermometer hit 90°F.  My interpreter tells me this is actually a little late.

CJTF-HOA

Since before I got here there was something that was really bugging me and I was shocked that no one was fixing it.  CJTF-HOA's Wiki page was all jacked up by someone who clearly was sabotaging the information there.  Well, I finally took it upon myself to fix the mistakes and reorganize the first few paragraphs.  Gone are the references to promoting tourism.  Gone is the joke about the J-9's huge sign being the most impressive and valuable structure aboard Camp Lemonnier.  (Although I have to say, the thing is godawful ostentatious.)

So, although I am not much of a Wikipedia maestro, the refurbished page can be found here.

Lorraine American Cemetary, Saint-Avold, France

If you ever find yourself over here with some time available, you should go.

West End CLU

Although they're beginning to look a bit dumpy on the outside, the West End CLUs are a much better deal than the double occupancy dry CLUs at the other end of camp.  Field grade officers rate their own room with personal latrine.  They're about 9 feet across and twenty long with bed, desk and wardrobe.  Mine also has a base phone and a small TV but only a couple of AFN channels come through.  Commercial internet is wired directly in.  The previous occupant left a couple of those white plastic storage systems but I'm not sure I'll ever accumulate enough stuff to fill them.  (I came with four bags and I'm leaving with four bags.)  The bathroom is small and functional with some space next to the shower to cram a seabag full of field gear.  The A/C seems a touch on the small side and I've yet to see how it handles 110 degree weather.  Added bonus: The laundry and chow hall are right across the road and the movie house, gym, and PX are about a hundred yards away.  I've heard tell of some officers staying on the waiting list for four months before moving in here. My wait time was about two and a half months.

(Oh, and the blanket is provided by the base, I didn't pick that dreadful thing out.)

As the Deployment Progresses

There's an interesting thing that happens over here at about the two to three month mark.  People start coming up to you and asking for help on certain projects or advice on a certain idea.  It's a puzzling phenomenon because I still feel like I'm trying to figure out my job and I'm being asked to assist on others.  The constant churn of personnel means that it doesn't take long for you to be The Guy Who Knows the Most About Something.  Odd, but that's life on the tip of the spear.