Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: The Fugitive on October 14, 2024, 02:21:05 PM

Title: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: The Fugitive on October 14, 2024, 02:21:05 PM

44 years ago I step off the gang plank of my ship for the last time...until this past weekend.

(https://i.postimg.cc/K4wc5TmD/gangway.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4wc5TmD)

(https://i.postimg.cc/TpbdNPwM/long-shot.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TpbdNPwM)

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.  :devil 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!

(https://i.postimg.cc/14f56B1z/full-group.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/14f56B1z)

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!

(https://i.postimg.cc/vxgYsYtn/bridge.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vxgYsYtn)

Of the 22, 8 of us are "Plankowners" meaning we were part of the original crew. (me on the far right)

(https://i.postimg.cc/crRdR4TD/plankowners.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/crRdR4TD)

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".




Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: Shuffler on October 14, 2024, 02:58:25 PM
Outstanding! Thank you for your service.
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: Dadtallica on October 14, 2024, 03:27:26 PM
 :salute
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: ~ZoSo~ on October 14, 2024, 04:31:17 PM
 :salute
That’s really cool you got to that!!!
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: JimmyD3 on October 14, 2024, 04:45:37 PM
Awesome Brother, sweet memories I'm sure.  :salute
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: Animl-AW on October 14, 2024, 05:04:41 PM
An epic day, I’m sure.  :salute
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: ZE on October 14, 2024, 07:48:57 PM
44 years ago I step off the gang plank of my ship for the last time...until this past weekend.
Of the 22, 8 of us are "Plankowners" meaning we were part of the original crew. (me on the far right)

Thanks for your services... :salute :salute
ZE
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: captain1ma on October 14, 2024, 08:12:16 PM
wow, very cool!
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: The Fugitive on October 14, 2024, 09:46:46 PM
Thanks for all the comments guys. I have proudly served and appreciate those thanks. This was the second time trying to get aboard the ship. The first time didnt work out because she is still an active war ship and her movements are classified. We got lucky this time as she was in port and they could accommodate us.

They assigned an "official" photographer to us and she ( LOL!!!! we NEVER had a "she" aboard when we were in service!) took a bunch of pictures. Once they clear security I'll get a link and could post a few more if I find any that wont bore the crap out of yas. It was an unbelievable trip that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Like they say...."Join the NAVY, its an adventure!" and for me and these guys it certainly was!
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: Shrike on October 14, 2024, 11:14:48 PM
This is awesome Fugitive!!!  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: mERv on October 14, 2024, 11:27:59 PM
WTG Fugi  :cheers:
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: DmonSlyr on October 15, 2024, 07:22:45 AM
Really awesome. Looks like a group of badasses.  :aok
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: SIK1 on October 15, 2024, 09:32:48 AM
Thanks for your service Joe.  :salute

Great post.  :aok
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: Fencer51 on October 15, 2024, 03:42:43 PM
CVN 69 has had a busy year.

Did you meet Captain Chowdah Hill and get a cookie?

https://x.com/ChowdahHill?t=LFK28YBLj1ErdBYiwOpHEw&s=09
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: maxy on October 15, 2024, 06:33:35 PM
bunch of crusty old sailors  :salute
that is awesome you could do that and thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Got to visit an "old girl"
Post by: The Fugitive on October 15, 2024, 08:34:15 PM
CVN 69 has had a busy year.

Did you meet Captain Chowdah Hill and get a cookie?

https://x.com/ChowdahHill?t=LFK28YBLj1ErdBYiwOpHEw&s=09

No, they have pretty much a skeleton crew onboard these days as they prep her for some yard work. We did bang on the Captains door as we climbed to the bridge and he either wasnt there or was just plane scared of all these old plank owners!