Monday, May 21, 2012

UNITAS Ship-rider Exchange


            My name is Jose Carrion-Rodriguez. I am a yeoman 2nd class and have been in the Navy for about 5 years.  I have been to many places and have seen many things, but I have never been on a foreign ship until this deployment. I went to a Peruvian ship and a Mexican ship during a ship-rider exchange during UNITAS. It is an interesting experience to see how other navies operate and it was good to interact with the other crews. I was nervous at first because I didn’t know what to expect and how I was going to be treated.
            I was relieved when the crews from both ships welcomed me with open arms. I speak Spanish so it was easy for me to find common ground with the other sailors on these ships. The sailors on the other ships were friendly and kind to me and were eager to learn about the U.S. Navy and how we do things, such as our job titles and ranks.  They were also eager to learn about me personally.  They asked me where I was from and about my family and friends.  I engaged in friendly conversation with everyone that I met, including officers. It was an excellent experience.
            I think that it is important to understand another culture and in order to do that you must get involved with them and immerse yourself in the culture.  I definitely made some new friends.
          
Very Respectfully,
YN2 Carrion
           

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