#officer of the deck

King of the world….

BLACK SEA (September 24, 2020) – LT Timothy D. Grant, USN, watches the sun set from the starboard bridge wing aboard United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyerUSSRoosevelt (DDG 80).

If you ZOOM-IN on the photo above, you’ll notice the letters “OOD” on the back of his ballcap. That mean he is the Officer of the Deck. He’s in charge of the operation of the ship for the duration of his watch (4-6 hours)….and answers directly to the Commanding Officer (the Captain).

                                        USS Roosevelt (DDG 80)

                                           *          *          *          *

During my years as a warship OOD, the sunrise and sunset bridge watches were my favorites. When operational tempo permitted, it was always a spiritual experience to step out onto the bridge wing, like LT Grant above, and take in the wonders of Mother Nature – the sea, the sky, the fresh ocean air, the Sun – for a few moments.

Made me feel, if ever so briefly, like I was “King of the world”! And it also tended to keep me centered….in the enormity of it all out there.

The mighty steel warship humming and throbbing beneath my feet, as if alive, plowing a path through the mighty ocean….under my direction and control….the universe surrounding….headed for someplace really interesting….albeit very far from back home….on the other side of the planet….

….like in the photo up at the top of this post.

                                           _____________________

>>ZOOM-IN on the photo….and enjoy the spiritual moment….

>>Top photo: Mass Communication SpecialistSeaman Austin G. Collins, USN

>>After note: Some of you may be wondering what that dolphin-like shape is next to LT Grant in the top photo. Just a piece of (or combination of) mounted bridge equipment that is best kept covered from the harsh ocean elements when not in use.

But, yeah, it adds an interesting feeling to the scene….