The Usual Suspects

Can you spot him in this picture? He's behind Bacon.

Bacon and my sailor.

Looks like hard work.

I think they are slacking off. :P

What is this?

I Love My Sailor!

Here he is, my handsome husband. I miss him so much. This picture was taken 3 days ago. He's in one of the offices in the machine shop I think.

Challenge Coins

"A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion (usually military) bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and is carried by the organization's members. They are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale."

Challenge Coin History:

The origins of the challenge coin can be debated, since many organizations and services claim to have created the tradition. One possible origin is that it began in the U.S. Army Air Service. During World War I, the army created flying squadrons which were manned with volunteer pilots. One of these pilots presented his squadron with small, solid bronzed medallions as mementos of their service together.

I came across these coins while going through his things. He told me in one of his phone calls that he received quite a few more coins already during this deployment. I think they are great. Our guys need a lot of encouragement and morale boosting while out there. Perhaps one day we will frame all of his challenge coins or get a display box for them.

Nimitz Being Extended - 2 Months

Here is the link http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/09/navy_carriers_091109w/ .

Due to delays in maintenance for the Enterprise, the Nimitz and the Truman will both have their deployments extended nearly two more months each to cover the gap in coverage.

Singapore: Day 2

On the second day of their liberty, the guys went to Chinatown. Look at how clean it looks! It doesn't look that nice at Chinatown in Chicago or San Francisco.

A hawker center, the best place to try affordable, authentic, local cuisine.

It was time for some food. The guys stopped at a hawker center. Here is Strong picking out crab for their meal. Wow, the food is super fresh!

They had chilli crab (not a spicy dish despite the name)and stir fried noodles.

Bacon and Strong.

Strong and Bacon.

My sailor, Bacon, and Strong.

I'm starting to see a theme here with all their port visits.

Trekking around Singapore looking for gifts for their wives (I hope, hehe).

It looks like he had a really nice time there.

Second Port: Singapore

The ship pulled in a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, he was busy working and only had time to grab a meal and some supplies on the first day.
I am looking forward to seeing some pictures of Singapore. He said that it was hot and humid there. It's monsoon season right now.

Looking Back at Japan Pt.4: Tokyo Tower (final Japan post)

Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower located in Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is the tallest self-supporting steel structure in the world. It is an Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower that is painted white (and international orange). He refers to it as 'the Antenna'.

FootTown, a 4-story building located directly under the tower houses restaurants, museums, and shops.

It's quite a sight. A very romantic place!

The observation deck: the tower offers two observation decks that allow a 360 degree view of Tokyo.

He said that the tower itself would sway and move about as the wind blew. Many of the pictures he took were blurry due to this.

He had an amazing time in Tokyo.

Looking Back at Japan Pt.3

The fastest way to get around is by trains and the subway.

I'm fascinated by foreign foods. He always likes to take a few foodie inspired pictures for me. It's almost like he's Anthony Bourdain, hehe.


Bikes are everywhere.

Some sailors from the ship.


Bacon.


The prettiest Asian girl (Hello Kitty). I've wanted to be like her since I was in kindergarten.

A couple of Sailors in awe of the giant spider.

Tokyo nightlife.

They had a late start getting to Tokyo. They ended up arriving as it was getting dark. He was set on going to Tokyo Tower.

Looking Back at Japan Pt.2: Hibiya Park

Hibiya is one of many parks in Tokyo. It is located in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally used for military drills during the Edo period, but was converted into a public park in 1903.


It is known for it's open-air concert venue and tennis courts.

These are two sailors from the ship.

Tokyo seems so rich in history and culture.

Looking Back at Japan Pt.1

I think the first thing these guys want to do once off the ship is get food and drinks.
I think they are enjoying themselves.