Military Deployment STDs. Sad, but true there were those who “fell in love”, a few went AWOL to be with their love, and of course a few didn’t protect themselves while in foreign ports. The end result was a visit to the Doc or Corpsman for various STDs. Syphilis, crabs, gonorrhea etc. all led to some unpleasant times and screams amongst other things. Moral of the story is wrap it.

It is hard to believe but they published some of the comics I drew during my 20 year military career! These humorous musings may make you laugh or offend others, but are the result of awesome mentors, great buddies and a deep appreciation for sarcastic humor. Check it out here on Amazon The Frontlines

Military Deployment STDs…a time at sea and port

On a sprawling Navy aircraft carrier somewhere in the Pacific, the crew was settling into their long deployment. The carrier was home to sailors and Marines, all eager to make the best of their time at sea. Little did they know that amidst the training exercises, camaraderie, and exotic port visits, a very different kind of problem was about to surface.

It all started innocently enough. After weeks at sea, the carrier docked at a bustling foreign port. The crew was granted shore leave, and the sailors and Marines flooded the streets, eager to experience the local culture, cuisine, and nightlife. And, naturally, some were particularly eager to meet the locals.

Petty Officer First Class Joe Thompson, a charming and popular figure among his peers, was one of those looking forward to a fun night out. His buddy, Lance Corporal Mark Davis, was right by his side. “Joe, this is gonna be epic!” Mark said, grinning ear to ear as they stepped off the ship.

The night progressed with laughter, drinks, and more than a few flirtatious encounters. Joe, ever the ladies’ man, soon found himself cozying up with a local woman. Mark, not wanting to be outdone, followed suit with another.

As the evening drew to a close, both Joe and Mark made their way back to the carrier, boasting about their escapades. “Man, that was amazing,” Joe said, a bit tipsy. “I think I might have found true love!”

Mark chuckled. “Yeah, true love for a night, maybe.”

The next morning, the ship’s infirmary saw an unusual uptick in visitors. Joe was one of them, looking a bit more nervous than usual. “Hey, Doc,” he said to the ship’s medical officer, Lieutenant Emma Roberts. “I, uh, need to get checked out. You know, just in case.”

Lieutenant Roberts raised an eyebrow. “Joe, were you practicing safe habits while you were out last night?”

Joe’s face turned a bit red. “Uh, well… I might have forgotten to, uh, pack the essentials.”

Roberts sighed. “You’re not the first one today. I think we might have a bit of a problem.”

As the days passed, the infirmary became increasingly busy. Word spread quickly through the tight-knit crew, and it seemed like almost everyone had a story about someone who had a “close encounter” during shore leave. Lieutenant Roberts decided it was time for a little education session.

Gathering the crew in the mess hall, she addressed them with a mix of seriousness and humor. “Alright, everyone, listen up. We need to talk about something important—safe practices during shore leave. Apparently, some of you have forgotten to pack a very crucial item: condoms.”

The room erupted in nervous laughter and murmurs. Joe and Mark exchanged embarrassed glances.

Roberts continued, “I get it. You’re excited, you’re having fun, but you need to be responsible. We’re seeing a spike in STDs, and that’s something we can avoid with a little preparation. So, from now on, everyone gets a ‘safety kit’ before shore leave. No exceptions.”

She held up a small, discreet bag filled with condoms, hand sanitizer, and a little note that read, “Be safe, sailor!”

The crew laughed and clapped, appreciating the lighthearted but important message.

Weeks later, the carrier docked at another exotic port. This time, as the sailors and Marines headed out, they did so with their safety kits in hand. Joe and Mark, now wiser and better prepared, made sure to use them.

“Hey, Joe,” Mark said, waving his kit, “Ready for another epic night?”

Joe grinned. “You bet, and this time, no worries about visits to the Doc.”

The deployment continued, and the crew managed to keep their spirits high and their health intact. And though they still had their adventures and escapades, they did so with a newfound sense of responsibility, ensuring that their stories were more about fun and less about the consequences.

And so, the legend of the safety kits was born, a humorous but effective reminder that even in the midst of excitement and adventure, a little preparation could go a long way in keeping everyone healthy and happy.

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