#217—Japan: Westpac ‘75

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) I made one Westpac cruise in 1975, leaving San Diego in May. After six months, we headed back home. Our overseas home port was Subic Bay, Philippines (“PI”). We were in and out of PI… Read more#217—Japan: Westpac ‘75

#210—There’s Nothing Like a Liberty Port Call

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) After five weeks at sea, running flight ops from mid-morning to midnight, lack of sleep, and the constant hum of Kitty Hawk’s four main engines, I’m ready for a port call. I’m sure all 5,500… Read more#210—There’s Nothing Like a Liberty Port Call

#209—This “Getting Old S**t” is Getting Old

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) The Medicare Journey I thought about naming this post “The Medicare Journey,” but I decided to go a different route. Yes, I’m retired, I’m drawing social security, I’ve got some savings, and my wife &… Read more#209—This “Getting Old S**t” is Getting Old

#208—“Timeless Treasures”

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) Growing up in Gainesville, Florida, my parents gave my sister and me a Kodak disposable camera, sometime in the 1960s. You remember those … 12 shots in a weird-looking yellow box. You’d turn the entire… Read more#208—“Timeless Treasures”

#205—It’s Become an Obsession

Professor Google defines “obsession,” as “an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind.” Yep—no doubt, that’s what this project has become. I’m talking about my new book project … the one about 48 men from… Read more#205—It’s Become an Obsession

#203—Welcome Aboard!

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) My transfer orders read, “Report to USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) no later than March 20, 1975.” I’d left my first duty station, NAS Agana, Guam, a month earlier (February), after spending 15 months working one… Read more#203—Welcome Aboard!

#202—Accidents Happen …

Oshkosh MB5 on Flight Deck.

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) At my age (almost 71), I tend to think back on times during my life and, as my dad often said, “pontificate.” Yeah … I had to look that one up. Maybe that’s why I… Read more#202—Accidents Happen …

#200—If We Had This Back in the 70s …

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) Is This Really My 200th Blog Post? I posted my first “A Veteran’s Journey” blog on Veterans Day, 2010—almost five years ago! Wow, how time flies, right? Actually, if you count the number of Navy… Read more#200—If We Had This Back in the 70s …

#198—The Weight We Carry

F-18 Launches off USS Ronald Reagan

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) Thanks to those who commented on my last blog post, “What the Hell Did I Get Myself Into?” A few insights: I like to write. Am I a good writer? I don’t know … Like… Read more#198—The Weight We Carry

#197—What the Hell Did I Get Myself Into?

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) “I don’t know what I’ve been told …163 got a ‘hole lotta soul.Sound off … 1, 2.Sound off … 3, 4.Bring it on down now.1,2,3,4, 1,2Let’s go!” Ahh, the cadence of Company #163 marching from… Read more#197—What the Hell Did I Get Myself Into?