Comments on: Decommissioning

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:44:33 +0000

Thank you for the pictures from the decommissioning ceremony of the USS Tarawa. I was contemplating on attending, but being so close to Christmas and having a young family I could not attend. I was on the Tarawa from 09/82 through 09/85.

By: sarahgrace

sarahgrace — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:57:27 +0000

How neat! I don’t know a whole lot about military things, but have a lot of friends, online and in real life, who are married to it, or in it, so it is really neat to read about it and learn more. Thanks for sharing.

By: OMSH

OMSH — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 04:07:43 +0000

I have seen videos of a ship returning where all the men are manning the rails and it gives me goosebumps each time.

But I really liked the quote you wrote down, because I can’t imagine anything closer to the truth. I think of our friend whose husband has been gone more than home and how she’s raising children on her own, for the most part.

I think of that and I’m thankful.
So very thankful.

Troy, we love ya. Thank you. Thank you so very much.

By: Elda

Elda — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:37:02 +0000

Thanks for sharing. It’s hard for me to admit, but I miss the military- sometimes. This brings back a ton of memories. My favorite is when we would pull up to the gate at Camp Pendleton (my son was born there) on a Friday and the Marines would be all decked out in their Charlies. Ah, good times. Good times.

DH TOTALLY misses it, but to be honest – I’m glad he’s not at risk for getting deployed again. Ever since he left back in 2004 to Iraq, I’ve been unable to watch a newscast. I’m glad the military was a part of our lives, but even more glad that it’s a closed chapter in my book — at least I hope so.

By: smh

smh — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:04:59 +0000

“To serve in the military is hard. We defend rights that we may lose when we don the uniform.”

We had a deployment ceremony today. It was well done for the 50 some folks leaving for half a year to somewhere in the sands of vega. Many of our speakers, especially our AG, Gov and Senator, stated how much our families sacrifice and serve our country too. When our folks deploy, it’s the family members left behind who pick up the pieces, the slack, and press forward. All so those of us in uniform can go defend our country and help others so they can have the same rights as we.

Great post, Bethany. (Oh and I changed my normal blog name and took off my website just for that Opsec stuff, you know. :)

By: mamalang

mamalang — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 03:33:45 +0000

You always say the things I think, but so much better. I don’t really think of the sacrifices we make. It’s just part of what his job requires. But I have learned that it is more than just a job, or even a career, for most members of the military, and I really admire them for that.

This was a great post. It was very nice of the CO to do this when the other members were still around to participate. And that cake is awesome!

By: Angella

Angella — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:51:10 +0000

That is awesome. I loved reading it :)

By: margalit

margalit — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 20:54:04 +0000

My friend David spend two years on Tarawa for the Peace Corps. The island is very poor and the people have lasting medical problems from the battle during WW2. It was a protracted battle and many civilians were killed or injured. David, who is one of the funniest people on earth, said that the Peace Corps sent him to Tarawa because they were the ugliest people on earth. They have a very distinct look to them, true enough. But he’s gone back many times and really has fond feelings for the people that still live there.

Is Troy going to be on a new ship? You won’t have to move again will you?

By: Annika

Annika — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:15:12 +0000

Oh, I do love your Navy posts. It’s a world so far removed from mine, and I love learning about it.

bethany actually says…Thanks, Annika! That’s part of the reason I write them. I know it’s a world I knew nothing about before I married Troy.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:07:25 +0000

That was really interesting. I always wondered what happened when a ship needed to be decommissioned. Will the boat be scrapped now? Do you know?

Thanks for sharing. I bet the cake was good ;-)

bethany actually says…Amanda, that’s a good question! See my answer to Karen above.