The second edition of the Navy’s grueling Boot Camp – designed to whip the Sailor in shape for a tough season ahead – was organized under a shroud of secrecy by Lt Cmdr Streun. Scheduled for February 16, conditions were expected to be cold but dry.

The mere thought of Boot Camp strikes fear and terror in many Sailors’ minds and there were plenty of excuses for non-attendance. However, a hard core crew of ten reported for duty on the Aberdeen waterfront at 0615hrs, equipped as instructed with backpacks, dry clothes in zip loc bags and enough food and fuel to survive a nine-hour mission.

As a first measure, all Sailors were weighed-in on the Navy’s official ‘Elephant Scale’ to establish the damage done during a long off-season. Sailor Robin clocked in at 99kg, some 9kg above target! He was going to be put through his paces for sure!

At 0630hrs 812kg worth of Sailors were loaded onto a ferry for a short ride across the Lamma Channel – destination Lamma Island. We stormed ashore at Pak Kok San Tsuen at 0645hrs for a short run through the desolate landscape to the first obstacle – Shit Creek, a smelly and acidic concrete ditch leading into thick undergrowth. One by one all Sailors climbed into the ditch, through the bush and into a drainage pipe – only to get stuck in a dead-end. Eventually we found our way out and back onto a solid path that ultimately lead to Lap Sap Wan – Rubbish Beach – at 0730hrs.

Moving along the rocky shoreline we eventually reached a steep road leading straight up to Windmill Hill which, at 110m elevation, proved to be the first serious exercise of the day. Panting and wheezing we topped out at 0745hrs. This was the last we would see of a concrete road for a while as Lt Cmdr Streun led the platoon into thick bush land. The path – if it can be described as such – eventually led to a muddy water hole that needed to be crossed on foot. Able Seaman Frauenfelder led the way, only to sink into the mud up to his groin on the way across.

Further on, at 0830hrs, we reached what eventually would be known as Lake Robin. Lt Cmdr Streun put up the task to cross the lake with only the available resources – some wood, three empty plastic barrels and a few bits of string. Resourceful as ever, the Navy immediately went to work to turn these bits into a raft. Not trusting the engineering skills of his own crew, Admiral Colani decided to cross the lake on foot, only to find himself up to his ears in the freezing pond. The raft was eventually made seaworthy, and Petty Officer Vince volunteered to make the first crossing. Paddling gently with a piece of styrofoam he skillfully completed the maiden voyage. Sailor Wildi and Petty Office Graf followed, making it across reasonably dry.

Sailor Robin was next. Listening to the helpful advice of Sailor Martin – “put your weight in the front” – he leapt onto the raft and promptly overshot the target and went straight into the drink! His performance caused a minor medical emergency as the crew almost laughed itself to death. It was an unbeatable performance – only to be beaten by his second and third attempt, which had the same unfortunate result. Sailor Martin’s crossing also came to a premature end as the raft capsized and he also enjoyed a refreshing bath.

Dry and awake, we continued our journey into the unknown, only to lose Sailor Martin who had been trailing behind to dry his clothes. After a short Search and Rescue Mission we were complete again and started our climb of Mt Stenhouse, at 353m the highest point on the island. It was a slow and grueling climb, initially up a slope that looked like it was cleared by napalm. Further up, we were back in the thick vegetation, scratching sore and tired legs. We raised the Liechtenstein flag at the summit at 1030hrs, followed by a short birthday celebration (PowerBars and Fosters) for Admiral Colani. Due to the effects of the high altitude (or possibly the rapid Foster’s intake) the descent was rather treacherous with Sailor LiechenSteve in particular having difficulty maintaining balance.

The sun had now come out and as we hit Sham Wan Beach it would have seemed like a perfect place for R&R. However, this is Boot Camp and not a Picnic, so the beach was used for leap-froging, pushups, sit-ups and other forms of exercise.

Later, at Tung O Wan, Lt Cmdr Streun had lined up the final task of the mission: to jump off the pier into the freezing sea. Leading by example, Admiral Colani put on a brave face and enjoyed the stinging salt water on the many scratch wounds on his legs. There was much reluctance down the ranks and some Sailors thought they can simply refuse this last exercise. Sufficient pressure was applied to ensure each and everyone eventually took the dive.

We complete the mission with lunch at The Bay followed by a short ferry ride back to Aberdeen – some seven and a half hours after the commencement of Boot Camp.

Congratulations to all Sailors that have participated in – and survived – Boot Camp 2008!