Teaching on a Navy ship: Please HELP me with packing situation

I'm a big fan of my eBags Weekender convertible bag - holds a bit more than the comparable Rick Steves bag, was a lot cheaper. Tons of space, expansion if needed, and chest and waist straps to hold it in place while walking. It also fits carry on size restrictions. Sounds like a lot of medium nice pants and blouses that don't reveal anything. I'd be careful with Mary Janes in making sure that they stay put when climbing up and down... What an interesting packing challenge!

Hi JumpinBug, Thanks for the suggestion regarding the ebag weekender. It looks like something that I may need to consider under the circumstances! Any "rubber-soled" shoes that you might be able to recommend ( I was thinking Mary Jane type of shoes as they can be dressed up or down)? Thanks again for your tip on the ebag! Patricia

Hi Nancy, Thank you for the advice. I will check out Ralph's grocery store if Lowe's or Home Depot doesn't carry them. Patricia

10-to-1 odds as a new female face on a Navy ship, you won't have to carry any of your own stuff. ;) (only half kidding). I imagine for dress, they are mainly looking for clothes that fit in with any 'industrial' type job - no open toe shoes, heels, good ankle support, no fabric that can get caught in something (ie dresses/skirts, etc). Sounds like a really cool adventure! Have you tried looking up any military forums or navy forums? Have fun! Chris

You understand that sailors talk funny and that a ladder is really a set of stairs, right? They might be a bit steep, but you can actually walk them without grabbing the hand rails - - if you're careful. It's not like the ladder you use to get up of your roof or even as steep as a stepladder. Anything that you can hold with one hand for a minute or so will be fine. Doors along some of the passageways will have sills eight inches high so you'll have to be able to jump it over them without banging your shins. You'll need to wear britches and not shorts. Ratty looking jeans would probably get frowns in the wardroom as oppossed to the general mess. Sneakers will be fine. Air conditioning can make the temp vary ten degrees in twenty feet - - a very light jacket (like a thin, zippered sweatshirt) would be handy. Go easy (skip?) the perfume - - you'll have people gagging in the confined spaces. People won't fawn over you because you're a broad, but they will help you up if you fall down. Everbody carries their own weight. Figure on laundry service once a week, but no dry cleaning. You'll need a laundry bag with your name on it somehow.

Take your clothing cues from the everyday uniforms of Navy officers. For pants, something similar to a mens Dockers type pants, in nuetral colors (blue, Khaki, Black) Shoes, figure a solid color Oxford or sturdy walking shoe. For shirts, as non military, you could have a little color/prints, but I would have a mix of short and long sleeve blouses, pull overs or polos would work as well. I would also pack some sweats and t-shirts for time in your berthing area, even if you have a private berth, few areas on a ship are really private, plus you may want to participate in daily physical training or work out.

If I were you I would choose my luggage not for ease of carrying, but for ease of stowing in a smallish locker. A suitcase or backpack/convertible bag intended for long carrying will fill up the locker (or worse: not fit into the locker and fill up the stateroom).
Simple duffel bags are the classical choice. Think about it: you'll use it twice in the six weeks on board: once to carry your gear from the parking lot to your stateroom and once to carry it back to the parking lot. And nobody will grumble if you're slow these two times because your bag is a bit awkward to carry. But for every hour and every second of these six weeks your bag will take up some of that precious little bit of space on board that is "yours."

For shoes, I would recommend Clarks-rubber soles and nice looking tie shoes and Mary Jane types. They are my usual travel shoes and I think would work for what you are seeking for the ship also.

Patricia, other posters have already given great advice, but I second the suggestions for flat, rubber-sole (with good grip) shoes. I like Arcopedico shoes.....lots of very sensible styles (including MJs), good arch support, durable, and easy to find on on-line sites (as well as some retail locations). But, key thing is to have shoes that are well-broken in, so you don't get blisters, etc. Agree with the poster re: soft luggage in this circumstance...duffel you can swing over your shoulder, while carrying another. I'm an equal opportunity person, big time; but surely as a "guest" on the ship, someone will offer to help (or be assigned) you with your luggage when you are shown you space, just as they would with any other official visitor???? What a fun adventure!! May we ask what you will be teaching (but maybe that's classified....LOL) ?

You've gotten some great advice already! Another shoe to consider is Keen Presidio - you can find them at www.zappos.com as they'll be shipped practically overnight. There are other Keen styles that might work as well. Enjoy the adventure!

Having been in the Navy, I can assure you that much of the advice to have received is right on. I can only urge you to pack even lighter than you're thinking. I assume they have told you they do laundry onboard and you can use that service? You should need no more than a few pairs of black or blue pants (Dockers style is fine), and blouses neither frilly nor revealing. Stick to blue and black pants and you will only need a couple of pairs of shoes. Yes, stick to rubber soles - I like ECCO's. You will definitely learn a new appreciation for how sailors live!

Good Morning All! A HUGE thank you to all of you who replied with such great advice -- I really appreciate your assistance as this is definitely going to be an experience that is truly out of my comfort zone. Ah, before I forget, to the one who asked what I will be teaching -- four sections of Public Speaking. So, now that I have these great suggestions, I'm going to be searching for a smallish, soft, convertible type suitcase-duffle bag and shoes. I understand that our feet are unique, but for those women who swear by Keen Presido or Keen Mary Jane's, Clark's or any other brand - how easy was it to break these in? As far as packing all my "gear", I think I'm going to use the larger freezer bags ( haven't seen these as of late at Target ...... if I don't find them, I guess I can always purchase Rick's or use the Eagle Creek bags). Again, thank you all very much for assisting me in my upcoming journey ( I may very well be back here asking more questions!). I welcome any and all of your wonderful comments. Enjoy your Sunday. Patricia

Check Walmart and Lowes Hardware/home improvment store for the large ziploc type bags.

Thanks Toni ! There is a Lowe's a few miles from my place so I will check today ( Wal-Mart is at the other end of the earth!). Patricia

I have also found the larger size (2 gal) Ziploc bags at my neighborhood grocery store.

Hi Patricia, I found the Keen Presidio shoes easy to break in. You could order them from Zappos and if they don't feel right, return them. The shipping is free!

Thank you Sharon. I will certainly check these out. I appreciate your input! Patricia

As another former US Navy sailor all the information you've received is spot on, when I served I took a couple of onboard classes, it was a rare opportunity for both the sailors to get some classes done while underway and a very unique opportunity for the professors to teach in a one of a kind environment. I want to add as far as personal items such as toiltries you can buy them onboard in the ships store, however as you can guess the variety is limited, so if you have a need for specific items do bring them. As far as your berthing (sleeping area) depending on the type of ship you're on sharing with another person is a big possibility, especially if the ship is a destroyer, frigate or similar sized ship. Shipboard life is a 24 hour 7 day workweek for most of the ships company, your students will be fitting the classes into their very full schedule, most downtime is spent just resting for the next watch, personally during my time I worked what was called a port and starboard schedule, that is, we worked from mealtime to mealtime on for 5 or 7 hours, off for 5 or 7, everyday, so don't be surprised if your students are a bit tired at times. BTW, and this will come in handy, port is left, starboard is right, simple way to remember is port 4 letters, left four letters. As far as wardroom protocol (officers country) I can't give any input to that since I was enlisted, but don't spend all your free time there, have some of your meals on the messdecks or the chiefs mess! One thing you'll find interesting is how young the crew is, for the most part probably under 23 y/old and carrying out dangerous work in a small cramped world, young women and men from all parts of the United States, so take care of them, they will definitely take care of you! Unless used been told not to, do bring a camera, some things you won't be able to photogragh, but there will be plenty of photo ops!

I would certainly defer to all the other sailors and former sailors, but I haven't seen any one say that you should have two pair of shoes. I would think that you would want an alternate pair. As someone mentioned that there may be opportunities to work out you would want to bring shoes that are appropriate for that activity. Curious, are you bringing a computer with you? I would think you would need it for work. I think I would also bring a Kindle, Nook or Ipad with books. But that would be me. ; ) Pam

Pamela has some interesting ideas, but: You can have a computer, but you can't plug it into the navy system, so you won't have internet access. Ship's computers are infrequently available, generally have a text-only capability for emails, you can't surf, sometimes (depending on what's going on) emails might sit on the server for seven evers. You might be able to use wifi in port. Ships have large libraries. Everthing you bring takes weight and storage space.

Patricia These Mary Jane shoes may work for you. They are very lightweight, extremely packable and have grippy soles. http://www.zappos.com/merrell-pure-glove
Best wishes with your new job!

Linda: Thank you for the suggestion re: Merrell shoes. Pamela: Yes, an alternate pair of shoes will certainly be useful ( and I'm planning on doing so). Unfortunately, I will not have my own computer on board -- As Ed suggested, it's extra weight ( I don't want to schelp extras right now) and I'm not allowed to anyhow. Yes, a Kindle would be a great extra to have ............ definitely something to consider. Ed: Yes, you're right. I do not need the extra weight. P.

Just curious. How do you possibly teach a course without access to internet? Do they supply you with a computer? I can't imagine anyone teaching anything these days without the internet. Pam

I think I would bring a pair or 2 of earplugs! Also, an Ipod with earplugs. What an exciting adventure!

Hi Elaine, Yes, earplugs are on my list as is my ipod! Thanks for the suggestions. Patricia

Hi Patricia, I don't have any advice, just wanted to wish you all the best! You'll be giving back to our servicemen and women, and having a quite an adventure; awesome!

Thank you for the kind words Penny .......... I definitely appreciate them. Patricia

What a great adventure, please check in once you are back and let us know how things go. Bonne voyage!

Thank you Marilyn ............ I definitely will do so when I return! Patricia

Don't forget Draminine (sea sickness pills) If it is a carrrier it will be a smooth ride but any of the smaller ships can get rough.

Already have it in my stuff to be packed - Thanks! Patricia

Patricia, you asked about how long it takes to 'break in' various types of shoes. One of the reasons I like Clarks is they are almost instantly comfortable with little or no break-in period. Have a terrific adventure.

Hi Laurie! Thank you for your post. I just bought the Dansko "Kitty" from Zappos ( fabulous service!) and so far so good. Thanks again! Patricia

What fun!!! You're doing what Congress wouldn't allow females of my era to do.
I'm dying to know what ship are you going on??? Deploying from where to where?......or is it "secret".

Hi Elaine, Feel free to send me an email and I can tell you some. I just heard this morning ......... I'm departing a earlier than planned! Thanks to everyone who gave emailed with encouraging words of advice and great suggestions. I promise to let you all know how it goes. Best, Patricia

One thought to keep in mind if you are stressing on variety of outfits, keeping your look fresh, etc.... Unlike your friends back at home the folks you will be with consider it normal to see someone wearing the exact same outfit two (or even two hundred) days in a row.

Hi Carol, Thank you for your suggestions. I'm leaving tomorrow for San Diego for a few days of training and than I'm off for an experience I'm sure I will never forget. I understand that a US Navy ship is cramped and I will have to climb "ladders" that are very steep. I will do my best NOT to get into anyone's way. I have a day pack ( small back pack that I carry on the plane ) and my RS 21" roller that I've packed ........... if I do says so myself ............... quite well ( used the ziplock bags -- everything is FLAT as a pancake!). To date, my bag weighs under 20 pounds. I am not a huge make up person ( and if I wear it for ME and no one else), so the contents are quite small. I have not packed my favorite perfumes / cremes as I figured that this would probably not be appreciated. I did find out that I will have internet as I need to communicate with my faculty coordinator in San Diego - Yay! Hi Ed, Thanks for your tips. I guess I will fit right in as I am by no means what one might define as "fashionista". As long as my clothes are clean I don't care how many times I wear the same outfit on the ship. Again, thank you all for your suggestions and I will give everyone a full report when I return home. Best, Patricia

Hi Carol,
I see you live in Annapolis, home of the Navel Academy, do you have any affiliation with the school? With all due respect to our dear friend Patricia she will not be the only female onboard, women having been proudly serving on combatants for 20 years now, In just about every capacity from naval aviators to deck hands. In fact, there have recently been women assigned as commanding officers of destroyers and cruisers! When I entered the Navy in 1973 women were strictly assigned to shore positions, around 1979 were allowed to serve on auxillary vessels, tenders that rarely if ever went to sea. When you say ships "lilt", I believe you mean ships "lists" and the passageway "portholes" are called "hatchcombs", you can take the sailor off the ship but not the nomenclature that is ingrained into his brain.