We began the final leg of our six-month trek at 1000 this morning excitedly anticipating the cimax of homecoming and the denouement of our stand down period. Between us and our families lies the deep Atlantic, nine days and a hurricane named Alberto.
Lisbon turned out to be pretty much a “business as usual” liberty port. We werre the first carrier to be alowed liberty there in about five years. Initial reports paint us as a model crew – almost no liberty incidents and no serious entanglements.
I had a sirloin steak yesterday with a yogurt and beer sauce. It doesnt sound very appitizing, but I’ll tell ya, it was the best hunk o’ meat I’ve eaten in six months!
The schedule for our next week and a half is packed. We have finally received permission to look ahead. As the chief responsible for the TV system aboard, I wil be taping and airing all the family reunion workshops, safe driving lectures, stand down training and the like.
It may seem redundant, but trust me. There will be an 18-year-old kids who steps off the ship in Norfolk for the first time in six months, jumps behind the wheel of his car and promptly smacks in to something. His brain still tells him that he can drive, but many of the finer skills used to safely operate and automobile have eroded over the months. My job is to make them realize that.
If you caught any of the weekend newscast in Portugal (yeah, right!) you’d have seen my smiling face leading the national newscast each night. We had a film crew aboard to do a 4 piece story on the ship. From what I understand it turned out well.
That’s about it! Steaming west, flank speed toward my son and a Dopefest I’ve been hearing about.
Congrats on finally making it the last leg of the trip, Chiefy. And don’t worry Audrey…just flirt with him. He’ll forgive the occasional smilie for that.
So glad to hear that you’re on the last leg of your ‘journey’ Chief. Try not to get too excited too soon, okay? You don’t want to be worn out when you arrive for the Dopefest! wink
Oh, and just 'cuz, here’s another hug for you!
{{{{{{{{Chief}}}}}}}}
<sneaks in a kiss while she’s hugging him>
Note: no smilies were used in the production of this post. You’re welcome.
Nothing like a a good storm to liven up the last leg. Is Alberto supposed to be a big hurricane? The Captain isn’t likely to alter course to avoid it, is he?
