![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFympxU_Y_f4PpreJOS6zpbkEg_KYVZeJUquSSQcTSDcg4-YtdM8p-Ou5QE52N1y-KJH4YKpa5kzETIDJAmoGD7K8MWpBCpe-_KnlVRik7I5hndslCHeR0tHv_d-1rtTGDUGzyD1Th_nQ/s400/7e8ac91364d6893b476e264ec0b8_grande.jpg)
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Early in the morning, people are waking up, and getting ready to have a "fine navy day".
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LL90vx2lOKDdV8qdh-1b3VbnfU7ECIUSFjP_q6vCcDs_u-PYcS_Cj7n2_bsOQlC17o9mFbq8LUY_4d-pb19g1SXcMtsCIlwmr6sxjEPbr1BMpxAEyC2HwF7e_w_TPdz9QijYR5jWLNs/s400/OldMenNavy.bmp)
I'm aware that the berthing is different from the normal berthing that I was put in, but I pay no mind. I hear the repetitive morning hustle and bustle, but I fly "under the radar".
Flat Black spray paint appears in my hand, and groggily, I put my name up on a stuccoed wall.
I write my name, horribly, lacking much needed effort. I do not intend to write good - at all.
Then I think to my self "Oh shit! Why did I do that?
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I try smearing it. I paint over it yet clearly see what was supposed to be covered up.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQYI6h12jCYVQl_PIh2miGHZjILJqXXeISMRFCm7r1-bdYj0uBlBbhOBRbslgPqdL9PUrRCn2yuXkbeeIuvEF5TgMWNhTuLsMTTHl4LZy-n1AUswI2XHPHeRUWqFfy09YyK776VQ9Omg/s400/sssmear.jpg)
I hide the paint in someone else's area, and continue on pretending to clean. I look for a sponge to smear the urban scrawl before it dries.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4txbGXveaInVp4J-2JfXLeApMuHAFpwxY7KGhIrATbzQBhq231a_PREHvM0z5MERAhvUmhuBjPmsIBC9S0fy9S_AnmVH2P0diXAJ7MZF2gDUDUnXkVR5wKHVA7alEYFRMPcQCDCK6wO0/s400/US_Navy_060413-N-0979M-012_Air_Traffic_Controller_Airman_Apprentice_Matthew_Hicks_sweeps_off_a_ladder_well_during_cleaning_stations_aboard_the_amphibious_assault_ship_USS_Peleliu_%2528LHA_5%2529.jpg)
As I find one and head back to clean it up, I see our "Berthing Petty Officer" painting over it. Accepting his sorry life, he cleans without a complaint.
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I feel bad, but carry on. ...and I'm awake again... actually getting ready for a shitty day out to sea.
FLAT BLACK!
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