After 18 years, I am bidding farewell to the family that has been with me for half my life.
Eight and a half years of shipboard postings.
Serving onboard five different ships, three different classes, six different tours.
Sailing to fourteen different countries.
Most memorable sailing: RIMPAC 2010
Longest sailing: Attachment to Japan Training Squadron for Japan Training Cruise, lasting six months.
Topping Naval Warfare Officer Course.
Sent twice for long overseas courses, both to Japan: first for the academy, then for command and staff course.
Pioneer crew on two frigates.
Fired missiles, hunted submarines, landed helicopters.
Loaded rations, cleaned toilets, served dinner, waxed floors.
Ran on the deck, swam in the sea, jumped off ships.
Drank champagne while underway. (Shh!!!)
Movies under the stars, barbeques on the deck, fireworks from the sea.
Celebrating birthdays, recognising success, remembering anniversaries.
Learning from mistakes, learning not to make the same mistakes.
Playing diplomat, honing warfighting skills, driving ships, leading people.
Sad to go, proud to have served.
No comments:
Post a Comment