ABOARD THE USS TARAWA -- ABOARD THE USS TARAWA -- When hundreds of Marines departed Pearl Harbor Naval Base for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) training exercise, July 5, most had not experienced life on a ship before. Some had said their only familiarization with naval life had been learned from watching movies like "Titanic" or "The Hunt for Red October." Presently, RIMPAC is shedding some light on what shipboard life is really like for so many who experience it every day."If you can get used to the constant rocking, you'll do okay," said Lance Cpl. Vance Grieger, a diesel mechanic with Combat Service Support Group 3, and part of the combat cargo crew here aboard ship. "Quite a few people had to get some medicine for that, but everyone has gotten pretty used to it now."The Fort Worth, Texas, native was part of the initial party that flew to San Diego, then sailed back on the USS Tarawa to Pearl Harbor, before RIMPAC began. "I've been on the ship for a few weeks now, and I really don't think I'd have a problem being on one for a long period of time," said Grieger. "Just being able to look at the ocean whenever you want makes it all worth it."Those who stay aboard the USS Tarawa sleep in quarters called "berthing" areas, common knowledge for Sailors, but part of the learning curve for some Marines. The racks, or beds, are stacked one above the other, three high, and many service members can fit comfortably in each room."There are 53 Marines in the area I'm in right now," said Grieger. "Everyone gets along pretty well, though, and the air conditioning works, so I'm happy!"A gym allows Marines and Sailors to get in their daily physical training, and a "galley," or chow hall, provides four meals a day for all. "The worst part for me is that there is never one quiet moment aboard the ship, no matter what time of the day or night it may be," said Sgt. Ida Gilbert, a combat cameraman here, assigned to the Combat Visual Information Center, Headquarters Battalion, back at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. "A person can never get a moment alone. Everyone seems to be adjusting pretty well over all, though."Fellow service members provide entertainment, as there are not always exciting events taking place aboard ship. For example, Saturday was "Karaoke Night" when anyone could sign up and sing to win during the contest."It was a fun time," said Gilbert. "It was nice to just relax for a while and enjoy where you are."During the RIMPAC exercises, Marines are taking part in everything from raids to a noncombatant evacuation operation, or NEO, along with the Royal Australian Army. RIMPAC will wrap up for Marines on or about July 22.