N is for US Navy

Hi and welcome to my contribution to the 2022 April A to Z Blogging Challenge!

This is one of many random things that just pop into my head that I'll be writing about for this challenge.

I did a whole A to Z challenge on sea stories in 2015 - so if you want to see more - check it out!

When I was in high school, I had planned on graduating, then buying a horse and taking it to college with me, since I'd been accepted at a university that had an equestrian studies program.  I was content with my decision.  Then one day, I was walking down the hallway at school and an unsuspecting Navy recruiter stepped out of the counselor's office.  My steps slowed as I locked eyes with him.  I sure wish I could remember that conversation, but when I went home that night, I told my parents I wanted to join the Navy.  They were surprised but very supportive.  

I was originally supposed to leave for bootcamp within a month of graduation (right at the beginning of Desert Storm, yay!) but I don't know what the heck the recruiter used for BMI standards, but at less than 140 lbs, and 5'8' he said I was overweight...??? So my ship date was pushed back to October, then they gave my school away and I had to wait until March 1992 to finally go to bootcamp. 

Bootcamp graduation

After bootcamp I was supposed to go to school to become a cryptologic technician, maintenance, but I soon learned that electronics were NOT my thing. 

Next stop was the USS Canopus, AS34.  

a submarine tender

I started out in deck department, spending quality time with a needle gun and/or paint brush.  Then I weasled my way into the post office. 

The Canopus was decommissioned in November 1994.  My next command was slightly bigger...

USS Abraham Lincoln CVN72

I got there within the first 6 months after women started being stationed on carriers. 

This was seriously the best command.  I loved it. 

It was cool that I got to give my parents the opportunity to take a week long cruise with me. 

They flew out to Pearl Harbor and got to ride back to Alameda CA on the Lincoln.  

Mom still talks about it.  She even had the souvenir VCR tape made into a DVD so she can still watch it. 

NavSta was my last command.  It was pretty much like a 9 to 5 job. 

Part of my "I love me" wall. 

I reenlisted between the rudders of the Lincoln while she was in drydock (obviously!!). 

 Wish I could have gotten pictures, but it was amazing!

Just a couple months before I got out.