“Painting with the Fire Controlman” 3/14/2007

What? The Officer is getting his hands dirty? Yes, guys I do know how to work. I’m not always a paper pushing, sign it all, emailing bandit. Actually if you want to know how things really went down, I was auctioned to the enlisted crew members for four hours of hard labor at the most recent Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Fundraiser. NMCRS is a non-profit that takes care of sailors and marines when their luck is down. They will actually cover pretty substantial debts, help with childcare, and pretty much anything else that may come up. The way we were auctioned off was pretty fun. It was almost like the Mr. FHS contest for those of you who know what that was. My best bud Rick was the auctioneer. He was completely dressed out in suit and tie and played the part very well. “Can I get 50, 55, 60, oh a 65 … go for the gold, can I hear a 70!” He began by reading a card of our personal traits and if you are wondering, the answer is yes, I did do a flip when they were announcing my special talents/skills. Not surprised are you? I have to say, I did not expect to bring in such a large price, $ 215 was how much I went for. The most sought after victims went for 475 and 415! All in all we raised about $ 6500. If you can believe it, our goal for the command is something like 35,000 dollars – what!? Yes I couldn’t believe it either, sailors taking care of sailors is serious business.

Wonder who's the Captain of that Ship??

So this is what the beach looks like. They were taken from the attached LCAC unit’s cameraman just recently. Every time I look out into the water while on the bridge all I wish I could do is go onto the beach and play around in the surf. HA! Miss you guys!

Love,
Mark

More of the Beach

African Landing

Mail Call, Finally!

This picture is from the other day when we received the 28,000 lbs of mail! Since we are at the end of the supply line we had a stockpile of stuff waiting for us … 653 pallets of mail, food, supplies, and other items of goodness. Finally the ship's store was restocked with things other than redhots and slim jims J . Na, it wasn't really that bad. Notice that all of the aircraft are parked up on the bow or "forward bone" of the flight deck, this is because we needed to make room for the huge amount of stuff that we transferred by helicopter. The water is pretty blue eh? It's warm over here. The funny thing is, because of the heat, when I think of home I picture it being summertime. But from what I hear it's more like 30 degrees.

Training Never Ends

This looks like it was taken while we were maneuvering – maybe during JO ship handling training (Junior Officer). We do this on Sundays when there isn't too much going on. I'm getting my learn on, that's for sure. They've been keeping us busy so understand why the blog site isn't up to date. I hope all is well at home. I miss everyone bery much.

Love,
Mark