7/12/16 Hawaii To Meet Jack's Ship

USS Chung Hoon passing "Mighty Mo" (USS Missouri)

Last minute plans to fly to Hawaii and meet the Chung Hoon at the dock after a 6 month deployment was an experience no words can describe. Aunt Sherrie joined us for the homecoming. With the pier full of family, friends, hula dancers and a band, Jack's ship pulled in with the bow draped in a lei and with Jack standing by the front gun mount wearing orchid leis which he later presented to Mom and Aunt Sherrie.  We returned the aloha with leis for him and some shipmates who didn't have anyone greeting them.  

The Commanding Officer and Executive Officer both raved about Jack's performance saying he has a bright future in the Navy.  Who'da thought his first grade drama role would turn into a real life story.  Jack's fellow ensigns have nicknamed him "warship" due to his extensive knowledge of weapons systems and naval operations.  By the time we left the pier two more destroyers were stacked up next to his.Truly a sight to behold.

Jack and Zoe Catching Waves

We  stayed near Kailua Beach, about a 20 minute ride from Jack's fabulous house in Kaneohe.  Spent sunrises walking the beach to Kalapawai Market for coffee and scones then around the point to Lanikai to meditate.  Waves were unusually high and we spent hours boogy boarding.  Fourth of July on the

Even Sherrie Got In The Water

beach was a hoot with families setting up tents, grills, games, kids, dogs and flags as far as the eye  could see. From the beach was a birds eye view of the fireworks and a 5 minute walk back to the ohana house where we were staying.  Jack took us to Giovanni's shrimp truck on our way up the North Shore for snorkeling and our first fabulous acai bowl (acai sorbet, granola, honey, banana).

2016 and 2001

At a BBQ at Jack's house, Zoe surprised him with her arrival as he came through the door. It was great getting to know the other ensigns he lives with. 

What a difference 15 years make.  The bottom photo was taken when we lived in Hawaii while John was the Special Assistant for his friend Admiral Dennis Blair who was Commander In Chief Pacific Command.  John traveled extensively through Asia during these 3 years and helped develop the notion of security communities.  For our 20th Wedding Anniversary, we asked friend and Buddhist priest Dean N. to bless us on Kailua Beach, just down the street from where we lived.   

Hippy Beach Camper

In addition to lots of beach time, there was shopping for Hawaiiana, dinners with jack's 4th grade buddy Fred and his parents, dinner with Aikahi Park neighbors Jodi and family, and with Debra's  now defunct Investment Club ladies.   

Aunti took Zoe for a 30th birthday camp out in a 1976 Volkswagen tricked out hippy van. They toured the North Shore, snorkeled with lots of fish and sea turtles in Waimea Bay, and camped on the beach at Kaena Point.  They had a blast and set a precedent for future visits.  

Auntie with Jack at his House

We ended our wonderful visit watching the Chung-Hoon depart for RIMPAC 2016 while waving to Jack on the quarter deck.  Pearl Harbor  was filled with ships from 26 countries, in what the Navy says was "the worlds largest international maritime exercise".  40 ships and submarines, 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel participated in the exercise. Shortly after underway their ship and Marine helo crew were tasked to a real life search and rescue mission for a small downed plane off of Kona. Both pilots were rescued with only minor injuries! During the RIMPAC exercise with destroyers from Korea and Japan, they "demonstrated the combined forces ability to respond to a small boat attack as Chung-Hoon and Sejong the Great deployed their small boats to simulate attacks on the ships."  Jack also coordinated the visit of 

Japanese and Korean Destroyers During RIMPAC

old friend, retired Vice Admiral Denny McGinn to the Chung-Hoon.  VADM McGinn is the current Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment and one of Jack's references when he applied to the Navy. And if his plate is not full enough with his responsibilities as Auxiliary Officer, Legal Officer, and Energy Conservation Officer; Jack passed his SWO Board and can now wear the pin of a Surface Warfare Officer!  This is a massive milestone and one he accomplished in only 9 months!   

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Soooooo fun seeing so many old friends and can't wait to go back for a month in January!  ALOHA