When I retired from the Navy in 1995, I believed, I was ready to transition from military life to civilian.
I could not have been more wrong.
Although I have transitioned, the memories of the life of a sailor are foremost in my mind and tell me, though I no longer wear the uniform, I will always belong.
standing against the rail, wind in my hair, foam caps on ocean waves, salt spray in my face, feels good today, the clouds the sun, fluffy and bright we turn into the wind, anticipation, heart beat increasing, to the focsle, a breathtaking site, birds of prey catapult into the light, flexing their muscle, demonstrating their might, not for vanity, but for peace, a determent to any, looking for a fight the primary mission, though dangerous in its own right, protect America, her shores, her people, live without fear tonight birds only one facet that makes her run, she is my carrier, second to none providing an opportunity not for everyone, we do not serve her for fun, we serve to prove patriotism, is far from done, our flag, still stands for freedom, throughout the world, still number one no country dare harm you, with us on the sea, the price tag, hefty indeed, she is no cheap Lady, as you can see, it is a strong Navy, helps keep us free she will proudly carry the banner two hundred years more, her history retold, by sailors, as fireside lore an old saying, one in which, we must believe, "Sailors belong on ships, Ships belong at sea" this age old adage, ensures liberty, makes serving this Lady, a pleasure indeed