Anchors Aweigh My Boys!

Just thought I'd pause to note that today, September 1, 2007, is the day of my official retirement from the United States Navy Reserve! A little over 26 years ago, I raised my hand in front of a Navy recruiter in Atlanta and embarked upon my Navy career. Today, I transferred officially to the "retired list" as they say in the Navy. Here's a picture of that fateful day in 1981 when I was sworn in.

Here I am a few weeks later at Officer Candidate School. The transformation had begun!

Transformation Complete -- my first official portrait, as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

Here is one of my favorite photos. The Navigator at work. I can't remember what harbor we were entering, but this was a typical pose for me in those days (mid-1980's):

This next one was taken in Boston Harbor at the Commissioning Ceremony for USS Bunker Hill (that's me in front walking with a sword strapped on). Some readers of this blog may remember that day:

This picture was taken in the Persian Gulf in 1987, during Operation Earnest Will.

On liberty in Athens, Greece with my shipmate Udo, a great friend to this day:

Christmas dinner 1991 on board USS Normandy. One of the many holidays I spent at sea or on foreign shores:

This is not a particularly good picture, but it was taken aboard USS Normandy, in New York Harbor, where I spent my last few years on active duty. The World Trade Center is in the background.

Finally, here is a picture of my wife and daughter by my side as I was being promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1993. Thank you to my dear wife and children who put up with my many absences over the years when duty called. I was honored to serve my country, but I'm sure glad to have more time to spend at home.