PS 175Q ThinkQuest Presents:

Military Memories

ARMY

Interviewing in the Blue Room at Fort Hamilton

Picture By: Anna 5-304

Picture By: Irene 5-304

We were lucky to interview Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Burnsman during our visit to Fort Hamilton Brooklyn, New York. Jason joined the United States Navy in 1999. 

To join the Navy, Jason Burnsman went through 3 months of Boot Camp. He was lucky to sleep for approximately 7 hours every night. He had to be in bed by 10 pm. They were not allowed to talk or there would be consequences!

Jason explained to us a typical day on the Navy ship. They wake up at 6 am, eat breakfast and get ready for inspections. (They get inspected everyday.) The boss tells everyone on the ship what work has to be done and then they work until 12 pm. On their free time they eat and do whatever they want. On the ship they are allowed to bring lap tops, CD players, and DVD players, to keep them busy during their free time. However, in Boot Camp they take it away from you, and give it back when Camp is over.  

He slept on the ship where the beds were small but comfortable. 88 people slept in one room! When they are off duty, they have to take showers, and eat. The food on the ships were good. “I liked the food, it was spicy.” says Jason Burnsman. He was able to contact his family once a week by phone or email, but he still missed his family. He made many friends on the ship, with the locals, and the fishermen.

Jason’s job on the ship is to navigate the pilots that are driving the planes. Jason was scared on his first week on the ship. He didn’t know anyone. However, a few weeks later he got used to it.

Jason tells us a funny story about an American sailor that had fallen off the ship but he held on to a stick for 37 hours. Luckily they found him!

Jason has 3 years left in the Navy. Jason joined the Navy because he wanted to travel around the world. He has been to every country in Asia except Taiwan and New Zealand.

During the attack of the World Trade Center Jason was on his way to Australia but he had to return to Afghanistan for the war.  He explained that being in the Navy is hard work but it is worth fighting. He is proud to represent his country.

2006/2007 ThinkQuest Competition-- The Lynn Gross Discovery School- 64-35 102nd Street Rego Park, New York 11374