A post inspired by: Freedom

Many people think of this word, and always have something that comes to mind. 

When I think of freedom, I think of DC.  I think of the war memorials.  I think of my friends, my shipmates, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

There are many brave heroes in the history of our nation that have given their life for freedom, for their country. 

Here are a few photos that describe freedom for me.

WWII Memorial, Washington D.C. 2011

WWII Memorial, Washington D.C. 2011

Korea War Memorial.  Washington D.C. 2011

Korean War Memorial, Washington D.C 2011

My promotion ceremony, June 2008 Boston, Massachusetts

New Navy Recruits, US Cellular Field Chicago, IL 2011

Lone Sailor, Washington D.C. March 2011

USS Farragut, Menorca Spain, July 4, 2012

USS Iwo Jima, New Orleans, LA 2005

Sunset at Sea.  Best place to watch sunrises and sunsets-hands down.

Port Call Series: Muscat, Oman

When I was in Muscat, I was fortunate to have a female liberty buddy, a nurse TAD to FARRAGUT. 

We went to the Hotel Intercontinental the first day, and had a spa day.  We explored the souk, which is     known as the Muttrah Souk-one of the oldest in the world.  I bought some Pashminas, as well as Frankinsense and Myrrh.  Frankincense is from Oman, so we saw it everywhere.  We ate dinner at Mumtaz Mahal, a wonderful Indian restaurant.  The food was incredible, but the snake coffee after dinner was the real treat!

The second day I relaxed onboard the ship and caught up with some work. I went out with all of the Department Heads for some lunch, followed by a formal dinner at a Chinese Restaurant.  Combined Task Force 151 was embarked onboard USS Farragut, so we were formally invited to a dinner

with our Pakistani counterparts, as well as their Ambassador.  It was a nice meal, with good coversation, off the ship!

The last day, I went to the "Grand Canyon" of Oman.  It was about 3 hours away from Muscat, with a drive through the desert.  We saw the canyon, ate a picnic lunch, and were pestered by many mountain goats.

After the tour, we went to the souk again, and received a full demonstration on how Pashminas are made from goats in Kashmir.  It was a very interesting display, and I caved and bought two more.  After the

souk, we went to Trader Vics to grab our "last meal".  I had a great filet, and our seats were amazing.  Sea side at the Intercontinental, can't beat it!

Souq

Souq.  Amazing lights!

Spice Markets. My favorite!

Mumtaz.  Great entertainment.

Amazing Coffee!

My roomie and me!

Me!

Goats.  Everywhere.

   
  

Port Call Series: Dubai, UAE

This is a continuation of my Port Call Series.  I went to Dubai twice on my last deployment, and I have to say, it is my favorite port!

Half way through our deployment, after 48 days of operating out at sea, we pulled into Jebel Ali, the port of Dubai.  It was a much needed break!

First Trip to Dubai!  
I went to both "big" malls this week, Mall of the Emirates (complete
with indoor ski slope), as well as the Dubai Mall (second in size to the
Mall of America).  Both malls have a diverse selection of stores, and it
is downright overwhelming! The malls were open 24-7, while celebrating
the holiday, Eid.  The Dubai Mall is attached to the Burj Khalifa, the
tallest building in the world.  It was pretty incredible being on the
124th floor of the building! I went to the top of the Burj after a fun
filled day at Wild Wadi Water park (next to the Burj al Arab, 7 star,
luxury hotel that looks like a Sailboat). I felt like a big kid going on
water slides, which is probably why a few of the little kids in the park
asked our group to go on the rafts with them!  I didn't do much other
than shop a little and go to the park, because we worked half days. It
is still fairly hot here, 93 degrees every day, so any water park or the
beach was on most folks' agenda!

Second Trip to Dubai!

The crew just spent this past week in port unwinding after a long period at sea.
 I was able to visit another resort/water park, Atlantis, where you
 actually go through shark tanks on the water slides.  Pretty cool seeing
 the sharks and other fish through the tanks on your way down!  A lot of
 fun, even in February!  My liberty group and I went to an old favorite
 spot of ours, the Irish Village, after the water park to grab a sandwich
 and some Magners.  We realized the Irish pub was on the premesis of the
 Dubai Open.  We purchased some tickets, and watched tennis for a few
 hours.  Most of us had never seen a live professional tennis match
 before, so it was a great experience.  I ventured to the Gold Souk
 yesterday with my fellow DHs, followed by a farewell dinner with CTF
 151.  We will be saying goodbye to our Pakistani ship riders soon-which
  means we get to go home!
   
 I don't have any photos, as photography is frowned upon in Middle Eastern culture.  You can upset some folks if you take pics of them, so I always just kept my camera at home (aka on the ship).  I loved this port call, and I have been here about half a dozen times.  I enjoy the food, the culture, the shopping!

Top 5 Favorite Books

I read a lot of books on deployment..about 20.  That is a lot for me, considering I usually worked 18 hour days, for 10 months straight.  Eeeh...no fun.  I loved each of these books, all for different reason.  Each taught me a lot about life.  Check them out if you get a chance!

Sea Glass

Art of Racing in the Rain

Lone Survivor

Lucky

Praying for Strangers

Forged

One of my new favorite American Made companies is Forged.  This company is owned and operated by former Navy SEALS.  I have bought a few shirts for myself on here, as well as for my siblings, friends, etc. 

I just bought this one to wear for Red Fridays.  The shirts are well made, and so comfortable.  If you want to buy a Patriotic shirt, and support the troops, check out Forged!

Port Call Series-Wilhelmshaven, Germany

We pulled into port on the 1st of September, and I was greeted by Mike on the pier!  A few family members came to visit in Germany, so I took the opportunity to fly him somewhere fun!  I took leave so I didn't have to stand duty, and am very appreciative to the others who covered for me! We relaxed and had a nice dinner the first day, considering he had just stepped off the plane and took multiple trains and buses to get to the seaside town.  The second day, we walked the "Maritime Mile" of Wilhelmshaven.  There was an entrance to the "mile" near our hotel, which was similar to the Virginia Beach boardwalk.  Since it was Sunday, most places were closed, except for museums and restaurants.   We decided to go to the aquarium, which was one of the few places open.  We saw many great fish, marmosets, seals, and penguins.  After our trip to the Aquarium, we went and had a beer at an outdoor café.  Beer, pretzels, and sun was a great way to spend the afternoon!  Except for the standard sunburn.  :(  As we were walking back to the hotel, one of the locals overheard us speaking English.  He asked where we were from, and when he found out we were from Chicago, we were instant friends.  He worked for Nicor in Naperville for 15 years, and was so happy to see some Chicagoans! After the walk back, I snuck away the rest of the afternoon to the spa!  Haircut and massage were in order this weekend.  Next haircut in 6 months! Sunday evening, we had a great "date night" and ate dinner at a trendy little place a block away from the hotel, called Pier 24.  The food was absolutely amazing.  The waitress spoke some English, and was super sweet translating for us. Mike had the surf/turf, and I had some scallops and pasta.  The local fish was great, and we ordered it at almost every meal. Monday we ventured into the center of town, since all the shops were open for business.  We walked around for a few hours, looking at shoe stores (tons of these!), local shops, and tourist traps.  We ended up at a Beer Garden for lunch, which was in the mall.  They had tons of great food, beer, and live music.  We ended the evening at a local dive, enjoying some schnitzel and drinks.  I went back to the ship early the next morning, and had to hit up a local dentist.  Luckily he helped me enough to wait it out to a future port for a root canal.  Can't let that bring me down on a wonderful weekend! 

Nice note in our hotel room.  Gorgeous sea side view!

Mike!

Me!

Our Sea Side hotel

Walk along the ocean

Favorite pic from the aquarium

Enjoying a local brew outside

Ah..Jever!

Oktoberfest.  Sausages, Pretzels, beer, and live music.  All at the mall!

Oktoberfest!

Port Call Series-Tallinn, Estonia

The first day in Tallinn, I had duty, and was lucky to get to explore for two other days!  I went and toured around the medieval city with my liberty buddy.  We ventured to the Old Town area, despite it being much of a tourist trap.  We perused the cobblestone streets, and around the hills and fortifications, and were able to see the harbor from the heights.I was able to get some shots of the FARRAGUT from there.  It is a great sea port for cruise liners, and there were at least 7000 visitors from the cruise ships yesterday.  We found one unique bar on our trek back to the ship for the reception.  I saw a sign that said "DM" and a picture of a rose.  There is was, a bar dedicated to Depeche Mode.  There was a sign outside that said it made the top ten list for "Worlds Strangest Bars". True statement. I went inside, took some pictures, and had to get a shirt to remember the experience. 


After the short venture into town, we went back to the ship for a reception onboard.  Some of the guests included the Prime Minister of Estonia, the Ministry of Defense, and the President of SKYPE.  I was able to talk to many people, even the US Ambassador to Estonia's family, who are from Peoria, Illinois.  Everyone told me when they found out I was from Chicago was how beautiful and clean it was.  Most of the guests were there for the NATO conference in May.  After the reception, I headed out into town to a place called "The Brewery" to enjoy a local Honey Beer, and watch the Olympics with friends.

The next day, I went out all day and found some of the older sights in Tallinn.  One of the things we found was the Harju Gate, from 1377.  They built this gate years ago, and it was the most important part of the medieval lower town fortification system.  I went to the Estonian History Museum, where they have many great displays from 11,000 years of Estonian history.  There was an incredible Armory Room, with various swords and pistols throughout the ages.  We also shopped for some local items, such as Baltic Amber, warm hats (it is about 50 degrees and decreasing), chocolate, and some souvenirs for the nieces and nephews back home.  Tonights dinner was a local dish, made of sausages, sour kraut and potatoes.  It went well with honey beer, and more watching of the Olympics.  That is when I discovered that the Swedish are serious about handball. 

Random grafitti

Depeche Mode Bar.  In Love.

Loved this place!

Had an "Enola Gay".  White Wine spritzer.

Day out and about in town



Picture of me with the Prime Minister of Estonia.  Everyone said I looked "Not Impressed".  Truthfully, I was just trying to hide my beer.   

Best Beer in Eastern Europe!
 

Harju Gate

Dinner!

Port Call Series-Riga, Latvia!

We pulled into Riga on a Saturday morning in August.  We did the usual prepping the ship for inport, and I was able to leave the ship around 3pm.  I went out with my fellow Department Heads, and we grabbed some lunch and walked around the city.  We saw some sights, shopped at the local shops, and soaked in the beauty of the city.  We met our friends at a bar to grab a cocktail before dinner at the Radison Blu rooftop bar.  What an amazing sight.  Very similar to the Signature Room in the John Hancock building.  We continued to roam the city, and found a traditional Latvian restaurant to grab dinner.  I had some amazing steak with sauteed onions, tomatoes and potatoes.  So delicous! 

The next day I had duty. The Sailors went to a COMREL to an "island" to build birdhouses, and they played the Latvian military basketball team.  Farragut's team won 69-37, and I hear everyone had a great time. 

My first day in Latvia was spent on an MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation) tour in Sigulda and Ligatne, Latvia.  We went kayaking, ate lunch, bobsledding, and then toured a Soviet Bunker.  What a day!  The kayaking reminded me of rafting on the Current River in Missouri.  We had so much fun, admiring the gorgeous forests.  After the kayak ride, we went to a buffet style restaurant and had lunch.  They had assorted cheeses, meats, entrees, and vegetables for us.  Great meal especially after kayaking the Gauja River.  After we were full from lunch, we went to the Latvian's bobsledding facility.  We were able to bobsled on the rookie track, and were able to climb some great heights to see where the Latvians practiced for the winter olympics.  They have brought home over 72 medals since 1981.   After spending time in Sigulda, we went to Ligatne, to the medical rehab facility, that houses a Soviet Bunker in the basement (9 meters below the first floor).  The facility was one of the most strategically important places in Soviet Latvia in case of nuclear war.  We toured the bunk rooms,the map rooms, and even decontamination stations. 

We hurried back to the ship after the tour for a reception onboard to host various Latvian military officials.  After arriving fashionably late, I was able to meet many youth attached to the US Embassy.  Many of the teenagers have spent time in Chicago.  One of the male teenagers had a 12 pack of A&W rootbeer in his hands.  I asked him about it, and he said that after having it in Chicago 3 years ago, he has looked for it all over Eastern Europe.  He bought it from our SUPPLY Officer, and was incredibly happy.  I told him he should make some rootbeer floats with it, and I think there are a half dozen teenagers in Riga enjoying rootbeer floats right about now. 

Gorgeous park in Riga

Walking around Riga

Enjoying the first day!

Radison Blu

Dinner

Photo from the underground bunker!

Port Call Series: Menorca, Spain!

Our first port call of the deployment was a visit to a Spanish Island in the Mediterranean, Menorca.  It was a nice break after crossing the Atlantic.  I was able to go out the first evening, July 3rd, grab some tapas and some sangria with the other Department Heads.  There was something about the local food, it was so simple and good!  The second day, (July 4th) I went on a tour of the island, and was able to see some fishing villages, mountains, and an impressive fortress called La Mola.  After the tour, I went to a wardroom function.  We had dinner with some Navy League folks from Madrid, and the Commanding Officer of the Naval Base in Menorca.  It was an amazing dinner of gazpacho and prawns, lobster stew, cod, and assorted chocolates for dessert. I had duty on the 5th.  It was one long day!  We hosted a reception onboard, since this port has such significant history with our ship's name.  Admiral Farragut's family is from Menorca, so there were many activities during this port.  His birthday was July 5th, so yesterday was full of celebrations all around the island.  I also learned that US Naval Academy Midshipmen trained on Menorca for about 40 years during their Plebe summers.  One other fun fact, mayonnaise was invented here.  Who knew that one small island was full of such rich British, American, and Spanish history!

US Navy Cemetary in Menorca. US Navy File Photo

 

US and Spanish Color Guard. US Navy File Photo

Port Call Series

Well folks...I never posted about my port visits until after I left, and for good reason, OPSEC. 

I plan on doing a port call series with photos, links, and recommendations for all of our visits.  We went to many different European and Middle Eastern cities, and I loved so much of it! 

From the food, the shopping, the sights-each port had its own magic.  Hope you follow along!

First in the series...Menorca, Spain!

America!

So..yesterday was the day that my ship sailed back to America.  We aren't in our homeport, but we had to make a stop in Virginia to do some work.  Then, we set sail to Florida for our "real" homecoming!

The day started like any other, with reville, and the morning wake up song.  The Officer of the Deck played some of Boss' "Born in the USA", and got the day going.  The electricity was in the air.  9.5 months of deployment down..and the crew was giddy.  I was lucky, I had my family waiting for me on the pier, and I got to see them after my work was done for the day.  They took me out for some good 'ol American BBQ, and a beer.  Nothing like being back in America.  Eating good food, being around people that speak English, seeing trees, grass-you name it.  What an amazing feeling.

I have the duty blues today, and will make the most of my day so I can enjoy Easter with my family tomorrow.

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we finish this last week of deployment strong.  It isn't over until we get back "home"!

via GOOGLE images

Homecoming Preps

Homecoming is right around the corner.  Happiness, anxiety, worry, planning-all of it is in the air.  You hear Sailors milling about talking about their plans when they get home.  Taking the family to Disney, buying a new car, going on a date with their girl friend-you name it-we are in full planning mode around here!

I know I am in full planning mode,too..but I have a ton of work to do before we get there. 

I am looking forward to dry land, fresh food, my own bed, seeing my guy, family, friends, getting my puppy back..well-the list goes on..and on..and on!

Homecoming is full of so many emotions.  Here is one article that describes the rollercoaster of emotions that one may face.  Luckily for us, we have teams of counselors that come to the ship and teach class ranging from new babies, reconnecting as a couple, financial management, etc.  The families have similar classes offered to them, too! 

Please continue to pray for us as we continue our journey to our homeport.  We have quite a few days of hard work ahead of us before we can say "Moored, shift colors!" in Florida!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

As we set sail towards "home", we celebrate St. Patrick's Day today.  There will be no celebration, just a normal work day.  I miss home, where there would be plenty of music, soda bread, food, Magners..you name it.

I can't wait to celebrate with family and friends upon my return!

I will leave you with a poem my SIL sent me with my St. Patrick's Day care package:

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it

Life is beauty, admire it

Life is bliss, taste it

Life is a dream, realize it

Life is a challenge, meet it

Life is a duty, complete it

Life is a game, play it

Life is a promise, fulfill it

Life is sorrow, overcome it

Life is a song, sing it

Life is a struggle, accept it

Life is a tragedy, confront it

Life is an adventure, dare it

Life is luck, make it

Life is too precious, do not destroy it

Life is life, fight for it!

Mother Teresa

Motivation and Prayers

As we have powered through strongly these past 8.5 months, I have found that we have reached a point where motivation is hard to come by these days.

Sailors are tired.  They want to go home.  They want to be in America, with their families.  Not on a ship, where they work 12-18 hour+ days all the time. One of these days I will go into a day in the life of a Sailor, but not today. Today I need some prayers that everyone finds what motivates them, so we can work day in and day out-ultimately getting home safely. 

Homesick

I think the excitement of headed home mixed with being homesick has made this week a tough one.  I was in port, but was unable to SKYPE because it was blocked.  I was able to email, but just seeing his face and talking to him would have been amazing!  I haven't talked to him on SKYPE since before Christmas. 

I just need to keep my head up, think positive thoughts, and remember, there IS an end in sight.  I just can't wait to hear the words, "Moored, shift colors", but in my Homeport! 

Mail Call and Care Packages!

The best part of deployment by far has to be receiving mail and/or a care package.  I have been so blessed this deployment with love of friends and family who have sent me an incredible amount of mail.

Sometimes people ask what to send?  It can be a bit different between sending packages to troops on the ground, versus Sailors at sea.  We only receive mail about 1 time a week, or it could be as long as 6 weeks.  That was the worst part of the holidays.  We didn't get any mail until January.  None in December, total morale killer.  Although we did have a port visit, where we went out, bought a tree, decorated, etc.  It made Christmas so much better since we were so far away from home!!

When we did receive packages in January, we were Christmas central.  Candy canes and hot cocoa everywhere.  It was amazing.

Some of the best things I have received are:

• Hygiene products (Toothbrushes/toothpaste/floss/lotion/shampoo/conditioner/etc)
• Healthy snacks (Fiber One bars, Nature Valley Protein Bars, KIND bars, dried fruits, trail mixes,etc)
• Books (I always read them and pass them around on board, or even send them to other friends on deployment)
• Magazines.  We don't have TV here, so catching up via magazines is the way to go
• Fav non healthy snacks (Frango anything, Garretts popcorn, chewing gum)
• Drink mix (coffee, tea, low cal drink mixes like Crystal light singles, etc)
• Anything that reminds you of home (ND tee shirts, Chicago tees, CPD tee, etc)
• Pictures. I love getting pics of family and friends in the mail so I can add to my photo albums
• Supplements/Vitamins.  The food isn't always the freshest/healthiest, so daily vitamins are key!

I am sure I will add more to this list soon.  I just received my birthday package from the bf.  Card, snacks, and 2 Alex and Ani bracelets.  Couldn't be happier.  It is the little things that get you through the days.  Especially when every day seems like Groundhog Day.  

Off to work..until next time!

100 Days..

That is right folks.  We have less than 100 days ahead of us on this journey.  I obviously can't say where/when I will be coming home, but I am excited.

So many things to do!  Finish up deployment strong..stay safe, bring everyone home.  The things that not everyone always has at the forefront, but need to be. 

We just got done with another amazing port call, and all we could talk about is "home".  The sights, smells, who is waiting for us..all of it!

Will write more soon.  Busy/lazy Sunday ahead of me.  Must catch up on magazines that I have received in care packages...

Happy New Year!

Greetings from the great big sea!  Had the 2-7 watch last night, so I slept through the ringing in of the New Year.  Been busy out here, and trying not to fall into the mundane.  I have been reading, running, and just getting through the days.

We are 2/3rds of the way through our deployment, and I couldn't be happier.  I will be coming home soon, being reunited with my guy, my pup, and my family and friends. They have given me a great deal of support while on this deployment!  I couldn't have gotten this far without them.

I now have to go into planning mode.  New apt, new town, travels to and from my home town..Sweet Home Chicago!

Please continue to pray for my shipmates here, as well as throughout the Navy who are deployed during this holiday season.  May their homecomings be full of happiness and joy!

Christmas Traditions

Merry Christmas everyone! 

I had to think a lot yesterday on where I have spent Christmas since I have joined the Navy.  Everyone was talking about traditions..and I have to be honest, I don't really have any. 

2004-Chicago
2005-Chicago
2006-Honolulu
2007-Oman (Deployment)
2008-San Diego
2009-Yokosuka, Japan
2010-Bremerton, Washington
2011-Chicago
2012-Deployment

The one tradition I usually keep is visiting my brother and his family wherever they may be for the holidays.  Honolulu, San Diego, Yokosuka, Bremerton were all travels to visit family. 

I really hope I get to spend next Christmas in Chicago with my best friend next year.  I missed him so much yesterday, but was glad to know he was surprised to find gifts under the tree from me!  Here is to making new traditions!

Twas the Night Before Christmas..

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.
They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small,
In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all.
I had come down the stack with presents to give,
And to see inside just who might perhaps live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.
They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
And a sober thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly.
A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.
The face was so gentle, the room squared away,
This was the United States Sailor today.
This was the hero I saw on TV,
Defending our country so we could be free.
I realized the families that I would visit this night,
Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice."
"Defending the seas all days of the year,
So others may live and be free with no fear."
I thought for a moment, what a difficult road,
To live a life guided by honor and code.
After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway!
But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay.
The Sailor say's to our country "be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch and not on this night.
The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure,
Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"