I just currently got orders to the RELIANCE and I was wondering if any one can give me some info on the area the boat or just info on 210s in general. I have never been to a cutter before and I am not really sure what to expect. So any information would be greatly appreciated.

BM2 Sends

Underway is the only way. What area are you going to?

Prepare yourself for battle.....the battle on Running Rust.

Don

I'm originally from a little further North in Portland, ME, but familliar with the area. Here's a couple of links to get you started:

About the area:
http://www.portsmouthnh.com/
http://www.portsmouthchamber.org/

Pease Int'l Airport:
http://www.peasedev.org/pease/airport.asp

Local Newspaper:
http://www.seacoastonline.com/

Not sure where you are coming from, but Portsmouth is in a great location for someone single or with a family. Four seasons. Small coastal city. Within a few hours you can be skiing, in the White Mountains/Mt. Washington, Boston, or in Portland.

As for the 210' experience..it all depends if you are going to the Nav or Deck side. More or less Nav BMs are Quartermasters. A deck side BM2 will be in charge of deck evolutions (anchoring, towing, refueling/replenishment at sea, etc.), in charge of all deck, repairs, maintenance, etc. (inport and underway). Collateral duty is usually R&S. Regardless is you are on the Nav/Deck side, they will most likely having you as a Coxswain, BO, and U/W OOD as well.

I was on a 270' out of Boston...basically same personnel structure except we had more people. You will be on patrol for about 2 months with an import period for about 2 months and this will repeat (minus dry dock, TACT, etc.). Northern patrols...mainly LMR ops. Southern patrols: Drug and migrant ops. The crew is like family--I thought even more so than at a Station. Take advantage of and have fun in the port calls you have. Enjoy your new unit and good luck!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GRET,

quote:

Originally posted by Ben_Murphy:
I just currently got orders to the RELIANCE and I was wondering if any one can give me some info on the area the boat or just info on 210s in general. I have never been to a cutter before and I am not really sure what to expect. So any information would be greatly appreciated.

BM2 Sends

I'm not a BM but I loved my time on the REL ('01 - '03). It was my favorite unit thus far in my career. Having served on several 210's, I always thought it was the best kept secret in the 210' fleet.

Portsmouth is a great town for its size. It's close to ski areas and Boston and Portland (about an hour in each direction). I found there was always something to do in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas for all seasons. Summertime downtown barhopping and afterwards was always a blast.

Towards the end of my time, a lot of Coasties were living in Dover, NH or buying houses a little bit up the road in Maine. If you're married, I would weigh the pros and cons of Naval housing as it's a bit of a dump and everyone can get in your business (just my opinion on that). Good luck! Reliance has had some really great commands and crews over the last 10 years.

quote:

Originally posted by Ben_Murphy:
I just currently got orders to the RELIANCE and I was wondering if any one can give me some info on the area the boat or just info on 210s in general. I have never been to a cutter before and I am not really sure what to expect. So any information would be greatly appreciated.

BM2 Sends

I wasn't aware the Reliance was out of Portsmouth, NH.

I grew up in Portsmouth and live about a 1/2 hr away now. If I can help you out with some other question(s), ask away.

Don

this link to the "Moving On" section ref Portsmouth may be of some help.

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/513195122/m/3580049271001

Thanks for all of the great information. I think that i am going to be a Nav BM. I am not really sure where we are going to live yet but I am going to check into the ones that you guys have listed. Thanks again.

BM2

quote:

Originally posted by CgShipmate:

Towards the end of my time, a lot of Coasties were living in Dover, NH or buying houses a little bit up the road in Maine. .

Ben....Dover isn't bad and it's maybe a 20 min commute to the Naval Ship Yard if traffic is not a joke. The rates on an apartment will probably be a bit less than Portsmouth since Dover is not on the seacoast.

Don

quote:

Originally posted by 21yrsUSCGUSCS:
Ben....Dover...

Ha Ha! You said Bend Over! I mean Ben Dover. Sorry, just had to!

Huh huh, huh huh....Ben Dover



Don

quote:

Ben....Dover

TEE-HEE!!!!!!

You should send this to Larry The Cable Guy. "Forgive me, Lord. But, that there is funny"! Gitrdun.

Any sailor worth his salt will tell you that you MUST go to Gilley's Lunch Wagon in downtown Portsmouth. That place in an icon of Portsmouth. It ain't diet food, but you ain't going there looking to cut calories.

Oh yeah. Gilley's after a night of bar hopping is a whole other experience unto itself.

quote:

Originally posted by CgShipmate:
Oh yeah. Gilley's after a night of bar hopping is a whole other experience unto itself.

Yep, Gilleys. Was there one night last summer while visiting friends in Hampton Beach, and watched a fellow reach through the window and bust another guy in the nose. Quite a ruccus ensued when the guy inside got outside. We, being in the 'bar-hopping state' we were in, stayed out of the way. Two Portsmouth foot patrol officers strolled on over, asked questions of a few observers, and kept on going.

Visiting Portsmouth, NH - $5
Burger at Gilley's - $5
Watching a good nose busting - Priceless

Enjoy the area, I spent 3 years at Sta Portsmouth Harbor. There is a lot to see and do if you get out and do it.

--Jim
Life is good!

Ben-
Congrats on the orders! Now, get your DWO and make BM1.
Good luck, Erika

I know the FSC and the FS1 on board and they are both outstanding cooks. Our JG here at SMTC is heading to the Reliance as OPS. He is also an outstanding guy. Hope it all goes well.