Life and Operations Aboard a Naval Frigate

Meet Your Naval Operations Officer

Good morning, everyone. My name is Jose Péculo; I’m an OR-7 posted on board the F101, and I am your guide today.

I have been serving in the Navy for four years. My specialty is Operations and Systems, and I work in the CIC, where I’m responsible for the operation and maintenance of radar, navigation, and communications equipment. I’m responsible for Warfare Operations.

Daily Routine and Responsibilities at Sea

In addition, when I am deployed, my daily routine starts at 06:00. I work four-hour shifts, so I have time to train on the flight deck, study, and rest in the berthing area. I sleep in my rack and eat in the mess hall with my crew.

Finally, life at sea is demanding, but I love the challenge and the strong bond we build together on board.

Understanding Ship Anatomy and Structure

I can see the hull; this is the body of the ship that is in the water. The waterline marks where it meets the sea, and below it is the freeboard. At the front is the bow with the forecastle, and at the back is the stern.

You can go up the gangway onto the flight deck; it is located on the main deck. Above the main deck is the superstructure. Inside the superstructure is the CIC, and above that is the bridge where officers navigate.

Interior Layout and Crew Quarters

Moreover, inside the ship, you go down a ladder through a hatch to the lower deck, where the mess hall and galley are. One deck below is the berthing area, where the crew sleeps in their racks. The corridors inside are called passageways, and the interior walls are bulkheads.

Essential Health and Wellness Advice

Hi there, I hope you’re doing well. I want to give you some useful advice to help you feel healthier.

• Exercise and Habits: First, you have to stop smoking, and you should go running four times a week. I know it is hard, but even cutting down little by little would be a great start. There are apps and support groups that can help you stay motivated.
• Nutrition: You should eat more vegetables with your meals. For example, you could cook a hamburger with good meat, egg, and vegetables on brown bread. You don’t have to skip your breakfast. I like a breakfast omelette with avocado and a bowl of Greek yogurt with strawberry and banana.
• Rest: You should sleep seven or eight hours every day.

I know it is not easy to change everything at once, but you don't have to do it all at the same time. Start with one small step and you will soon notice the difference. I am sure you can do it!

Best wishes!

Personal Reflections on a Maritime Career

I have always liked being at sea. I have been on many drills and navigations with the Ministry of Fisheries. There are good things about it: I enjoy the challenge, the daily routine, and the time I spend on deck. Also, after many months together, you become very close to your crew.

But there are bad things too. When there are storms, I feel sick. Now I take medicine to feel better during my work shifts. It is also hard to be far from your family and friends. But today, this job is a big part of who I am. It has good sides and bad sides, but I would not change it.

Living and Working on a Modern Frigate

Hey everyone! Today I want to show you what a military ship looks like and how we live when we are sailing.

When we come on board, we reach the flight deck. As a frigate, we carry a helicopter with us to watch the sky. When we have free time, we can come here to run or exercise.

On the deck below this one is where we live. There you can find the galley and the mess hall, as well as our berthing area. Each person has their own rack. When we are at sea, we work in four-hour shifts. In our free time, we can sleep, train, or study.

On the first deck is the CIC, where I work. Above that is the bridge. I love coming here at sunrise or sunset because the views are amazing.