require   supplemental   travel   orders   in   English   and French attached to your regular travel orders.  Consult with your personnel officer before your transfer. When   reporting   to   a   ship   in   Europe,   you   will probably first go to Rota, Spain.  From there, you will catch  a  flight  to  the  port  where  you  can  meet  your ship.   If you should miss your ship at that port, check in   with   any   naval   activity   to   determine   what information it has on your ship’s location.  If no naval activities are in the vicinity, check with the American Consulate.  The Consulate will be aware of impending arrivals or cancellations. SHIPS STATIONED IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC When  reporting  to  a  ship  in  the  western  Pacific (WESTPAC), you may have more difficulty getting to your  ship  than  you  would  have  experienced  in  the United   States   or   Europe   because   of   the   greater distances involved.   The hints we have just given for locating  your  ship  also  apply  for  WESTPAC.     The Navy   Aviation   Transportation   Coordination   Office (ATCO)   at   Military   Airlift   Command   (MAC) terminals can assist you in getting to your ship. REPORTING ABOARD When  reporting  aboard  a  ship  or  shore  station, wear either the uniform of the day prescribed for that area or the service dress blue.  If you have dependents do not take them with you when you report; you will be busy enough without them.   They can see the ship or shore station at a later date.  (Do not forget to leave them with sufficient funds.) The first impression you make will be important. Many people will be seeing you for the first time and will be sizing you up.   Remember, you never have a second   chance   to   make   a   good   first   impression. Therefore,   ensure   your   appearance   is   “ready   for inspection.” When you report to a ship, salute the colors aft, salute   the   officer   of   the   deck   (OOD),   identify yourself,  request  permission  to  come  aboard,  and state that you are reporting aboard for duty.   Give the OOD  a  copy  of  your  orders.     The  OOD  may  also endorse the original copy.  A messenger will probably take  your  bags  to  your  room,  but  do  not  be  above carrying them yourself if no one is available to help you. CHECKING IN Most  ships  and  shore  stations  have  a  standard check-in routine for new officers.   On the off chance that  your  ship  does  not,  remember  the  following points: Deliver  the  original  and  all  copies  of  your orders   to   your   ship’s   administrative   or   personnel office. After your orders have been properly endorsed and   read   by   administrative   personnel,   deliver   the original and several copies along with your pay record to your disbursing officer.    If you do not have a pay record, your disbursing officer will need two copies of your  orders  to  open  your  pay  record  and  two  more copies   to   pay   you   for   transportation   and   any transportation for your dependents. If you are delivering your health record to your new   station,   deliver   it   to   your   medical   officer   or hospital corpsman. Your  executive  officer  will  give  you  a  short brief. Be   ready   to   discuss   your   professional qualifications, type of duty desired, and anything that might help your new command in assigning you to a billet.  If several officers report aboard about the same time, the briefing may be in a group format. The needs of your command will dictate your billet  assignment.     If  you  do  not  get  the  billet  you expect   or   want,   do   not   feel   dejected;   accept   the challenge and do the best job you can. Your   commanding   officer   will   give   you   a welcome aboard brief.  This first impression will affect your  whole  tour  aboard. Ensure  your  uniform  and grooming  are  inspection-ready.    Be  yourself!    Know the goals you want to achieve while on sea duty. MAKING OFFICIAL CALLS When you talk with your executive officer, bring up the subject of calls and find out the policy of your command.    In recent years, hail and farewell parties have replaced official calls at many commands.   The “Social Etiquette” section of this booklet will attempt to clarify any further questions on calls. RECEIVING COUNSELING Your  commanding  officer  will  seek  information about your background and your personal ambitions. Your  commanding  officer  will  also  ensure  you  are 3-2