Ok - I will further chase the thread side-bar - I was Navy Region N3 (Ops O) for two RIMPACS during a 3-year tour. Crazy but fun time. Great to watch steaming in and out the Pearl channel from the Hickman side of the base. When they were all in port, I spent all day visiting the senior ship from each nation, reviewing schedules, ensuring they had what they needed. I always did the Japanese first, with my counterpart liaison officer, and they were never quite sure I was real, wanted to call my boss, the Chief of Staff. They had encountered very few, if any, female line officers with any authority. I saved HMAS DARWIN for last. Magically, around 1730 (5:30 pm), I would be invited to conduct business in the wardroom over a glass of Aussie Shiraz and "bikkies and Stilton." I was made an honorary member of the wardroom and still have my plaque and ship's belt buckle. DH and I hosted all my Ops counterparts for a wardroom-style dinner at our quarters on Camp Smith, up in Halawa Heights. Quite the night. Sea stories and bonding.
Each nation hosted receptions on their designated night. The Japanese were the best - sushi stations, custom keepsake sake boxes, grill stations.
I also got to get underway several times. Huge undertaking, great exercise, and it was an incredible professional experience to interact with sea service peers. The slang exchanges were hilarious.
I plead guilty for checking my watch at national anthem times and ensuring I was still indoors.