| Confidential: Operation NIGHTCRAWLER II |
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Operation NIGHTCRAWLER is the Navy's toughest onshore training mission designed to separate the men from the boys. This 15 hour special operation is the ultimate test of stamina, commitment and sheer survival.
In its second installment in as many years, Operation NIGHTCRAWLER II was carefully designed to build upon the success achieved last year.
In advance of the operation, all eligible crew were provided with the confidential mission outline, which must be followed dutifully. Lt Jr Grd Rauti, who was in command of the operation, checked sailors' timely attendance at each checkpoint. Completing the entire duration of the exercise is the ultimate goal that each and every sailor in the Navy aspires to.
Crews were issued with the Navy's specifically designed black Special Ops Shirts, provided by Sailor Beat Erne (and which are available for purchase at HK$100 from the Admiralty).
Scheduled for Tuesday, 25 May 2004, Operation NIGHTCRAWLER II proceeded as follows:
1900-1930hrs One Fifth, StarCrest, 9 Star Street, Wanchai
2000hrs BBQ at secret, undisclosed location along Bowen Road
The Navy had selected a vantage point overlooking the jungles of Hong Kong for the last authorized food supply intake of the mission. The Admiralty's Chief Bratwurst Officer, Stefan Herzog, organized an excellent ad hoc BBQ with Bratwurst sausages and fresh bread rolls while the Admiralty provided three cases of Foster's fuel to the mission.
2200hrs Ivan The Kozak, LG/F 46 Cochrane Street, Central
The Navy conducted an arctic search & rescue program inside the bar's walk-in refrigerator. Filling the fridge to capacity, sailors were ordered to each consume at least two vodka shots from the bars extensive selection. Petty Officer Roger Wasser suffered minor frostbite during the operation.
2300hrs Bottoms Up, 1/F David House, 37 Lockhart Rd., Wanchai
Following in the footsteps of its special ops equivalent at MI6 - James Bond - the mission proceeded to inspect the oldest girlie bar in HK - established in 1971 - which has
just moved from TST to Wanchai. Infiltrating the somewhat aged clientele and matching hostesses, sailors enjoyed the plush environment of the establishment, which they are not generally used to onboard.
2400hrs Dusk Till Dawn, Wanchai
The Checkpoint was used for the official birthday celebration for Lt Cmdr Mei through appropriate fuel intake and heavy dancing.
0130hrs Klong Bar & Grill, Wanchai
Covert operation to practice the Charles Maneuver on the dance floor. As it turned out, Sailor Charles was doing his maneuvers on the dancing pole atop of the bar for the entire duration of the checkpoint stop. Attendance levels still strong.
0300hrs Fenwick's, Wanchai
Nightvision hand-to-hand combat training in dark and dangerous environment. Some sailors reportedly injured from falling down the stairs. Attendance levels dropping but still strong at over half of the original crew.
0430hrs Strawberry's, Wanchai
Casualty assessment and survival training. The commander-in-charge, Lt Jr Grd Rauti has reportedly damaged his ankle in an unauthorized hostage attempt, but reports cannot be independently verified due to significant substance abuse by all surviving crew.
0730hrs Beaches, Stanley
Breakfast, detox and re-fuel. Admiral Colani and Lt Cmdr Mei are initially the only attendants at the checkpoint until Petty Officer Wasser and Sailors Alex and Beat are discovered sleeping on the adjourning seawall like pieces of driftwood. Sailors Vince eventually also joins the party.
0900hrs Stanley Main Beach.
The Navy proceeded with a one-hour practice in beautiful and calm waters. Paddling technique not quite up to standards.
The Admiralty is pleased to declare Operation NIGHTCRAWLER II an all-out success. Aside from the actual training at 0900hrs, participation and commitment to the mission was strong and the survival skills demonstrated by all crew were impressive. The following attendance levels were recorded at the various checkpoints:
The Admiralty would like to congratulate Petty Officer Wasser and Sailors Beat and Alex for completing the entire operation. Petty Officer Wasser is the first sailor to have completed both NIGHTCRAWLERs in their entirety. He is looking forward to the hattrick next year.
The Navy would also like to extend its gratitude to Sailor Beat for having designed and provided the unique special ops uniforms as well as to Stefan Herzog, CBO, for his excellent work with the BBQ. Sailor Beat has been recommended for a promotion while the Admiralty has bestowed Stefan with the honorary title of CBO - Chief Bratwurst Officer. Disclaimer: The Admiralty rejects all responsibility for brain damage, liver failure and other minor ailments incurred as a result of Operation NIGHTCRAWLER. |
1900hrs : 13 sailors
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