13 Fleet Week Sailors Discuss Sex, Relationships, And Fashion

Every year, thousands of servicemen and women from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard dock in New York City for Fleet Week.

1. On relationships and cheating.

“Stay single and have fun, especially if you’re enlisting. There are a lot of sacrifices you have to make.” - Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Howard, U.S. Navy (Right)

Image by Jessica Testa

2.

“The temptation to run around is there, but it all depends on what you’ve got at home.” - Seaman Corey Frasher, U.S. Navy (Right)

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3.

“I’ve had nothing but bad relationships out there. It’s tough because you have to make sure they understand and you really have to explain what the lifestyle is like. If they want to be with you, permanently, they need to travel with you and move with you.” - Machinery Technician 1st Class Matt Sokolowski, U.S. Coast Guard (Right)

Image by Jessica Testa

4.

“If you’re going to cheat, find someone who’s equal to or greater than what you have at home.” - Petty Officer 3rd Class Andre Wilson, U.S. Navy (Right)

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5.

“There are a lot of really nice guys out there. Don’t go for the first guy you meet. Maybe wait for the second one.” - Petty Officer 3rd Class Lacy Otto, U.S. Navy (Right)

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6.

“I have a girlfriend, but I still flirt with women. It’s rude if you don’t.” - Engineman 3rd Class Jace Fiber, U.S. Navy (Left)

Image by Jessica Testa

7.

“You definitely get hit on a lot out there, but you have to stay focused and fight temptation. You just have to brush it off.” - Petty Officer 3rd Class Brenda Jackson, U.S. Navy (Left)

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8. On sex.

“I like spooning — it’s like doggy style but more comfortable.” - Seaman Josh Port, U.S. Navy (Left)

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9. On partying.

Have fun, but don’t overindulge. It’ll cost you.” - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Matthew Holdahl, U.S. Navy (Left)

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10. On fashion.

“When you’re home, dress to your own comfort. Because these uniforms aren’t comfortable. They’re itchy, hot, heavy and they burn you up in the summer.” - Operation Specialist Marcel Dubenion, U.S. Navy

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11.

“When we come off deployment we have to get all new wardrobes. Suddenly you get back and there are all these new trends, but you shouldn’t have to follow all of them. Like those midriff shirts, the crop tops. I’m not into that.” - Gas Turbine Systems Technician Ashlee Grey, U.S. Navy

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12. On fragrance.

“Use oil instead of spray. You want something subtle that mixes well with your body chemistry. And everybody’s scent is different.” - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Eric Allen, U.S. Navy (Left)

Image by Jessica Testa

13. On Snooki.

“I used to watch the Jersey Shore, and when I came back, I heard Snooki was pregnant… She just shouldn’t be a mother. Don’t try to take care of someone else if you can’t take care of yourself.” - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Marcus Applewhite, U.S. Navy (Left)

Photos by Michael Schmidt.