Apparently, I hadn't mentioned the fact that I am the lone LCDR participating in the moustache growing contest amongst the JO's in the squadron. Rich accuses me of "caving in." I'd like to think of it as "leading by example" or perhaps "supporting the cause". Eight years ago, I would have called it "caving in". Last time I was on deployment, I lasted about 2 weeks with the moustache before it drove me crazy and I shaved it off. Not to mention the fact that it was a little spotty. I'm a little older now, my facial folicles have filled in a bit, and I'm a little more patient (it still bugs me) so the 'stache is growing. I'm confident that it won't last to the end of cruise, but it will at least last until the end of the contest--the terms of which are still up in the air, perhaps 3 months maybe more. The owners of the most famous moustaches on the ship (and any female who can stomach the scene) will be invited to a "mixer" here in Ready Room 4 as guest judges of HS-8's finest when the contest comes to a conclusion. The mixer will feature re-runs of "Magnum PI" and "Smokey and the Bear".
Today was a long day, and it's not over yet. I had a 0430 wake-up for a 0530 brief. The strike group ships came together in formation this morning for a "Photo-Ex". We had 2 helos, with 2 photographers in each, flying around the formation taking all kinds of pictures and video for 2 hours! One of those once-in-a-cruise moments. It was a little empowering to get to direct the strike group from my helicopter, adjusting their courses to make for better alignment in the picture. No worries-- that's as close to the surface Navy as I care to get, thank you. We landed after that event and I rolled right into a 7 1/2 "Foxtrot Papa" watch (in Navy speak, it's pronounced foxtrot paPa--don't ask me why we put the emphasis on the 2nd Pa). Anyway, on FP watch, I help coordinate the Air Plan (the airwing's master schedule) between all of the strike group elements (air defense commander, sea combat commander, information warfare commander, etc), and the elements of the ship that make the air plan happen (air operations, ordnance handler, squadron duty officers, etc.). Fortunately it was a pretty quiet watch today (I've always said a quiet watch is a good watch). I just finished the watch, now I'll finish preparing to lead the pilots' Bible study tonight. We'll be talking about the middle third of Philippeans, chapter 1 (vv11-19). I'm looking forward to it, but I'd better get to work. Three hours till the study (at 2230). I'll definitely be beat by the time we're done (not too beat to hit mid rats, though!)
3 comments:
Rich, I owe you an appology. It was Janell who accused me of caving in! Well, you were an easy fall guy so I didn't have to call out Janell. So much for that plan.
by the way, it's now 0100, well past the end of tonight's Bible Study (which went well) and I'm still up. why???? I've been up for 21 hours. This is what the ship does to your internal clock, even when you get to watch the sunrise!
Appology accepted. Just because I didn't say it, doesn't mean I wasn't thinking it. I know my shop talked about doing the same thing before we left last summer, but there was no follow through. Yours actually looks pretty good (just not used to it). Mine would take about a year to get that filled in. I keep telling Mel that I am going to try to grow mine again sometime. I'm sure you know what here response is.
Sorry about your internal clock. Not only the crazy schedules you have, but add the time changes as well.
FYI, our clocks are springing forward early this year (Mar 11). Hope you got some sleep.
How's the weather? I'm sure it's better than here. It is currently about 20 deg F. Been here for a day or so, and will be here for another couple of days. Can't wait for Spring.
Hi there! Do you have any of your Bible study notes on the computer you'd be willing to email out?
Mel
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