[Note: Read this post first for an introduction.]
I wrote this while in the Persian Gulf, where my ship spent three months doing donuts. This was my second trip to the Gulf and, as I wrote below, I had gotten used to the routine. Hours of boredom punctuated by seconds of sheer terror. Fortunately, the closest I came to combat was watching as our deployed SEAL team safely detonated a wayward Iraqi mine.
I still remember pointing the ship’s “Big Eyes” binoculars towards a passing Iranian ferry, fascinated by wonder evident on the faces of the passengers. They looked like everyday people, and I wondered why our two countries couldn’t just get along.
At the time I really was hitting my stride with the Navy. I think it’s because I was finally getting a chance to lead. Those lessons are still paying off today.
Sunday, Nov. 10, 1991 [age:22]
63 DAYS TO GO!!Grandma –
Got your latest letters a few days ago and read it first. It sure is good to hear from family when I’m working so far away from home.Things have cooled off up here, in more ways than one. Even though I’m a mere thirty miles from Iraq, the apprehension that I felt when I got here has almost disappeared. Although I think a little fear is good around here, I laugh at the trigger-hair attitudes that the new ships have here. I was just like that when we first got here, but I have grown familiar with the area habits and can live with them for one more month.
Our presence here is welcome now, by everyone but Iran, as usual. Even Iran keeps their distance but they have been courteous and almost respectful whenever we ask them to keep back. For all their tough talk, I think Iran is merely putting up a front. They were awed by Desert Storm, watching the U.S. do to Iraq in 100 hours what they couldn’t accomplish in eight years and hundreds of thousands of countrymen. This, coupled with the survival of Saddam is what helped (or is helping) bring Iran back to the west. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Iran is that it is without clear, guiding principles since the Ayatollah and can change directions rapidly. It’s a fascinating, puzzling, and still very dangerous country.
Whew! You can see that I am left with studying foreign countries up here; there is nothing better to do …
I figured out this is the second-longest time I’ve been to sea with no port visit. The first was in Nov. ’89 when my three months at sea was rewarded by three measly days in Japan. Didn’t even stop in Hawaii! It’s not like I’m itching to see anything here, but four weeks straight is a little much…
At least the weather has gotten better! When I first got here it was hotter than an oven! I would drip sweat when making a phone call (outside) at 9 PM! It was hotter than any Florida summer I’ve had and made Virginia summers seem tame. No wonder people here wear sheets! But the last two weeks have seen cooler days. The crisp sunrises I’ve witnessed recently have been big morale boosters for me. The autumn moon has also done wonders to relax this troubled region. All of it made me recall the frosty fall mornings and evenings that I love. Southern California is for the birds!
This weather always made me think of school and this season is no exception. Every day when “mail call” goes down, I’m usually near the front of the line, searching for the acceptance letter that will decide my next four years. Although I got George Mason University’s (Fairfax, VA) in July, I’m really waiting to hear from North Carolina State or Virginia Tech. Either one would suit me. I should get word any day now and I’m psyched!
It turns out the Navy has a program to release people early to start school, and once I get accepted, I plan to apply. There is a good possibility I could be home for Christmas. Right now, all my effort is going into making that happen. And even though my supervisors couldn’t be more impressed with me, they want me to do what I want, and I appreciate it.
Funny how the closer I get to leaving this job, the better I get at it, and the more I enjoy it. If the first two years onboard this ship were like this, I would’ve probably given the Navy another chance. Maybe my being the “old salt” on the scene has provided the pattern, or set the pace, for the new crew just arriving. I hope the good atmosphere keeps up when I’m gone. The Navy’s people is its greatest asset, and worth more than the cost of another new submarine or carrier. It’s good to see them getting more attention nowadays.
You might be interested to know that my ship doubled its goal in the annual donation to charities known as the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). These results go Navy-wide and, I’m sure, apply to the whole armed forces. I think this is a result of the almost total support we received from the community for Desert Storm, and everyone wants to say thanks to the community in return. Recession or no recession, we all were touched enough to go the extra mile and give more. America has every right to be proud of its servicemembers! They volunteer to do dangerous and arduous duty, sacrifice their time, comfort, and sometimes their lives. They live on a pittance. Their dedication to duty is total. And yet they will jump through fire and then ask for more. What a world this would be if all people were like this! Some of the guys I have met here have left great impressions on me that will last a lifetime. I have met people of amazing character and have to say that I have been proud to have served with them and honored to have known them. If I’m ever in a position to hire them someday, I wouldn’t think twice of it. These guys are heroes but don’t know it, and I’m lucky to be here.
Well, now that I’m done saluting the military, I’d better catch some Zs. Got a lot of work to do tomorrow.
Hope to see you in December!
Go Noles! Beat Miami! I hope to see that one out here!
Give Woody a pat on the head for me.
Love,
Mark