Old Home Week

I think I mentioned the other day that I was stationed in the Norfolk area a long time ago. In fact, this trip was the first time I had been back there in 33 years. Since the Norfolk airport was only a couple of miles from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and I had some time to kill before my flight, I decided to drop in and see what changes had been made. First off, I visited Assault Craft Unit Two, my old unit and there she was -- the LCU-1661, my old boat.

From Bowramp

From Bowramp

I sweet-talked the crew into a tour and probably bored them with a few (OK, a lot) of sea stories. There had been a few minor changes, but it was the same old girl. It's sad to think she is the only one of the many ships and craft that I sailed on that is still in service. She must be nearly 40 years old now.

On My Way Home

Sorry for no posting Yesterday at day two of the Coast Guard Expo. Spent a lot of time talking to people at the various booths. I did manage to get to the Social Media breakout session. Lots of good info about SM in the Coast Guard (official and unofficial.) The Commandant, ADM Allen dropped in and chatted a while. It's really great to have support at the top.

A really neat example of how small the world is becoming, Monday on the Unofficial Coast Guard Blog, there was a post about some folks in Tacoma who are trying to presereve and find a permanent home for the former Navy/Coast Guard oceangoing tug Comanche (WMEC-202). So, that evening I email the group and express my interest as I live only four hours away and am a former tug sailor myself. Tuesday evening, I'm at a reception put on by HP and I get to talking to a guy who mentions he used to be on the Cherokee(WMEC-165), which was like the one I was on! Needless to say, I tell him about the project and give him their email address.

Right now I'm in the Norfolk airport waiting for my flight.

***No links or photos until I get home***

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Expo Afternoon

Here are a few more pictures from this afternoon. First up is a photo of the luncheon that was set up for participants.

From Bowramp

Next up is a photo of Sammy the Sea Otter, a boating safety character.

From Bowramp

Finally, a picture of Chief Roszkowski, District 13 PAO, blogging. It's a blogger, blogging, while being blogged on my blog. :-)

From Bowramp

I've spent some time wandering about the hall checking out the various booths, and spelling Ken at our own booth. One more hour to go before the vender receptions start.

Belated photo:

Keynote Speaker

Mike Abershoff, former CO of USS Benfold. Author of "Its Your Ship". He's a really great speaker. His lecture brings back a lot of memories for me. It reminds me why I had such a great time while I was aboard the USS Antelope (PG-86). Very inspirational guy.

From Bowramp

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Opening Ceremony

We're here, and attending the opening ceremony. Various dignataries speaking. Mayor of Virginia Beach talking now -- good speaker and a funny lady. ADM Allen and VADM Crea now presenting an award to the Mayor. the Mayor is wife of retired CG admiral and has been very active in CG AFFAIRS. ADM Allen now speaking.

From Bowramp

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Road Trip!
I'm in Virginia Beach, VA FOR THE Coast Guard Innovation Expo 2008. I am assisting my Auxiliary associate Ken Beck with his presentation. This brings me back to my BOWRAMP roots. Thirty four years ago, I was stationed just down the road at the Littlecreek Amphibious Base.

I'll attempt to do some live blooging from our booth (it's #535 if your in the neighborhood) and from my PDA while wandering the floor. Photos may, or may not be immediately forthcoming, as I seem to have boogered up my FTP settings. Time will tell. Right now I'm in the hotel lobby waiting for Ken. CUL.

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