Ahoy there Land lubbers

Get 'er done as Larry the cable guy would say. We are on our merry way
again to being deployed. A week of getting our bearings, making sure
she floats, and everything else running good is going along fine. Its
been a long struggle being at the beach for this long. It seemed like
the drama wasn't ever going to stop. Now the flyboys are getting their
shot at trapping and shooting up the cats. After this, everyone will
finally be back for our Summer Cruise. Lots of foreign port calls
mentioned but like always, I am not making any reservations until its
confirmed. One of those ports take me back 22 years when I was a young
airman walking the streets of Olongapo. I can not imagine how great
liberty will be if we do go there. I will be going on leave to meet my
long lost family in the province....my illegitimate family if you know
what I mean (just need to find them).
So far my Sailors have behaved more than I expected. It really worries
me a lot when we are extended pierside at home. I know its sounds crazy but the longer Sailors stay ashore while on sea duty the worse off they become. First casualty was knocked the "ef" out at some club and only got 24 hours of mentoring. The last one got too frisky and couldn't
take no for answer with one of the base taxi drivers. Fortunately he is
the only one that ended up in front of the man but only got restriction
and a suspend bust.
I believe it to be true that Sailors need to be at sea just as ships
belong at sea. I guess with Brada Bama being in "Da House", much has
been tailored down due to the economy. Hard to believe but its been
over 20 years since I last heard that we are out of money. I better
stop off at the 100 Yen store and get me a bunch of toilet paper (TP)
for myself because I have a funny feeling well be buying more fuel for
the birds rather than TP. Too bad there no tangantangan trees out here.
I better bring some lantan spam too for when they run out of frozen
burritos. Theres a bunch of us onboard who will be along a bit longer
than expected. Seems like the only people really getting off this ship
will be heading to Iraq or Afganistan for IA duty..thats a bummer. I
think I would rather extend here for another year than be at those
places.
So now I will be more of a Sailor than the past six months. The smell
of jet fuel and the feel of salt spray off the hangar bay doors would be
the best feeling in the morning when I walk up to my shop. Wish my luck
and please pray for our safety in carrying out our daily "danger"
taskings while we help keep our seas safe from evil forces. If you have
some free time to email (tudelas@cvn73.navy.mil) me personal
encouragements or just to amuse me with your daily lives, please don't
hesitate. I am sure after a while you'll be hearing all the drama I get
to deal with. In advance, I need to extend my appreciation for your
support while Im deployed.