Ding... Ding... Webb departing!

You would think that after all of the bitching and complaining I did about the mighty ship USS PORT ROYAL that I would be happy to be leaving. However after completing my check out today I was sad in a way. For the last 3 years I have called this place home. I have literally shed blood, sweat, and tears on that ship. The people have become as close to me as family. Through this I believe that life has decided to bitch slap me back into reality. It is not just the fact that I am leaving the people and place that I have come to know so well, it is the reasoning behind my departure that makes this seem so daunting. I am literally leaving a fairly sterile, albeit floating, work environment for the war torn lands of Iraq. Who knows where I will end up or who will be crossing my path? All I know is that this is the start of one helluva bumpy ride! So, with this I have now officially checked off of the USS (never in) PORT ROYAL! On to bigger and better...er..uh.. I mean...hotter and dirtier....hmmm, that's not right either.... oh' well to hell with it... Adios PORT ROYAL! See you in May '08!

Mission & Schedule Update

I got a few updates today from my mission action officer. Here's a quick run down of what I will be doing and when...

I will be deploying with a small unit of military broadcast and photo journalists who will be traveling throughout Iraq putting together video and still images for various military functions. I cannot say much more than this, but know that I will be safe and well taken care of.

As far as my schedule is concerned here's what I get to look forward to...

August 5 - Fly to Texas
August 9 - Stacey flies to Texas
August 15 - We both return to Hawaii
August 20 - Report to San Diego, CA for mobilization in-processing.
August - Report to Fort Dix, NJ for Army Combat/Weapon/Field Training.
September - Report to Kuwait for further training.
October - Report to Baghdad.

April - Return home SAFELY!!!


I'll update this with as much information as possible once it becomes available to me.

Thanks for everyones thoughts and concerns.

See you all very soon!

And so it begins...

As many of you know I will be deploying to Iraq in the coming months. I know that you are probably thinking what in the he!! is a sailor going to the desert for...? I wish that there was an easy answer, or quick explanation for this, but there isn't. I go where I am told to go, and do what I am told to do, and I do it well. So, if the Navy wants to send me to the desert than let them. I welcome the change and know that no matter where I go, or what I am tasked I will do it with pride, and of course a little sarcastic humor. The same humor that I will use to share my stories here with you. So saddle up your camel, and get ready to roll out. This is going to be one crazy ride!!!