44 years ago I step off the gang plank of my ship for the last time...until this past weekend.
22 of us from the E-2 DIV of the Engineering group got together this past weekend coming in from all around the country. We got together the night before swapping more lies than I could have thought we could.
We got a small tour of the ship as they get ready to park her for a refit to extend her life on the high seas. A couple hours of running up and down all those ladders and I was sure I wouldnt be climbing any stairs for a few days, but I wouldnt have missed it for the world!
After climbing to the bridge they gave us a break. (thats me on the left looking aft from the bridge) They had to because we were all drooping all over the equipment because we couldnt stand up strait. Bad idea to drag a bunch of old guys up 9 flights of steep, skinny, ladders!
Of the 22, 8 of us are "Plankowners" meaning we were part of the original crew. (me on the far right)
My wife, who was my sweet heart back then, got to see the ship I spent so much time on during our early years of our relationship. Over all it was a great weekend meeting up with guys I havent seen in years. It was also great to walk around on my ship again after all these years. Maybe we can do it one more time before she gets de-commissioned in a few years. Certainly a "bucket list item".
