Recruited by the U.S. Navy DV Embark
From the Coast Guard to the Army and especially well represented in the Marines, both my maternal and paternal relatives have served in the United States military. I lived in Jacksonville, North Carolina when my father was stationed at Camp Lejeune until he eventually retired after being stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base. One of the highest honors bestowed upon our family was the naming of a street on KMC Base in honor of my Uncle Sgt. Sisifo Faleafine who died during combat in the Vietnam War and earned two purple hearts and a bronze star. Faleafine Place is in the Pa Honua subdivision.
The day after the So Much More Hawaii Tour ends, I will be participating in the U.S. Navy Distinguished Visitors Program. I had first learned about the Navy’s outreach program after reading Guy Kawasaki’s post: “26 Hours at Sea: The Longest Posting in the History of Blogging.” I took my time scrolling through the pictures and watching his video and in the end I really had a sense of the thrill of being on an embarkation, and the committment of those serving our country.
The DVs have been informed that we will know 24 – 48 hours before our exact time of embarkation. We will fly to and from the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier on a C-2 Greyhound. According to Wikipedia, the C-2 is a twin-engine cargo aircraft that can carry more than 25 passengers and crew members and a payload of 10,000 lbs. I don’t know much about planes, but knowing that it can carry a payload of 10K somehow makes this big Polynesian feel comfortable.
I am appreciative to Bill Doughty, Chief of Internal Information, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs and LTJG Theresa Donnelly, USN, Community Relations Director, Public Affairs (NOOPA), Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet for providing me this once in a lifetime opportunity.
At the end of my journey, I will return and share my newly attained knowledge about the U.S. Navy, their efforts, and opportunities. For now, read Admiral Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s blog, Navy Reads blog, and follow U.S. Pacific Fleet on Twitter. All of these are listed on Military.alltop.com.
To get an idea of what life is like on the sea, it’s been suggested that we watch: PBS Carrier.
