Kaiser Perm - the special event tonight. They gave me Sick Bay to tour. There was a lot of interest. I learned a few new things too. The Corpsmen had a lot to do on the ship, such as: inspecting the galleys and the barber shops, testing the water supply, inspecting the berthing areas, monitoring crew members for heat exhaustion, and keeping the inoculation records updated.

Sailor . . . it looks like you need some shots !

We had an SE last night - I met a woman who had an uncle (Arnie Loshe) on the CV-59 USS Forrestal. Her uncle died in the July 1967 fire on board.

She asked if there were any Docents that had been on board too. I introduced her to Rob Stoner and it turns out he was not only on board, but that he knew Arnie too.

The woman, Jolene, was brought to tears. She hugged Rob and he told her the story of the fire. Her uncle Arnie never had a chance - he had been in the berthing area under the explosions, and had no way out of the fire.

Jolene was really moved and thanks us all so much. We took her picture with Rob, and she intends to treasure it.

All the Midway big spenders and contributors where on board tonight. The Admiral and the wheels all wined, dined, and speeched 'em.

There wasn't much Q for our Q & A time on the flight deck. That's ok - the food was good.

Great day on the ship

I met a nice lady on board (in her 80's?). She wanted to see the radio room where her Dad had worked on the original Yorktown. CV5 was launched in 1937, and sank at the Battle of Midway in June 1942.

I showed her the radio room and she was thrilled. Her daughters (somewhat older than me) told me she was so happy. We went to the morse code machine, and I showed her how to send "John" (her Dad) a message. It brought tears to her eyes.



Meet Frank Nolkemper - he was in the Marine 5th Division. He enlisted in 1941. He had a few awesome war stories. He was involved in the Iwo Jima battle. I'm certain it's guys like him who actually won the war.


I also met the entertainment for the night - the Andrews Sisters Tribute Act. Here they are before costume change.

Here are some of the people I met at the ceremony:

FDNY - first responders




Amercian Airlines Pilots and Flight Attendants



Border Patrol and Customs Agents






and meet Michael O'Johnson . . . that's a first

Wow - what a day yesterday on 9/11

The ceremony was very moving - conducted with grace and dignity.

They read all 353 names of the public servants that perished in the 9/11 attacks.

Some of the readers were from FDNY, FBI, local PD and FD, and some relatives of the lost heros.

Meet Robert - a Marine Sgt. He played taps, and when he did - there wasn't a dry on on the ship


The Marine Color Guard, one of several color guards, looked outstanding


The Firemen, leading the way parading the colors



You can't have firemen without bagpipes


The reading of the names - they rang the bell for each one


Reverent and looking very smart




These are Coast Guard Rescue Helocopters - in a fly by:

We had two events already this week. The big event is coming this Thurs 09/11.

We'll have Firemen, first-responders, bag-pipes, a remembrance ceremony - complete with TAPS, and a fly-over.

Wells Fargo had their event on board tonight - complete with skydivers landing on the flight deck.

Take a look: bailing out

The first guy to land - perfect !

The last guy was right on the money too - awesome



and here they are, feet firmly planted on a floating flight deck


The funny thing is . . . they all three look like they're old enough to know better ! !

We had crew members on the mast yesterday - take a look !







Glad to say - they made it down safe and sound

We had engineers on board - part of their event was to make paper airplanes and contest for distance and air-time. Imagine that. They had a great time - and made some very-very unusual paper airplanes.

The development table - some very unique designs !



Take-off - with his deck crew standing by:


Perhaps the winning launch. This guy actually hit the photo board !

Great turn-out on the ship this weekend - another record.

Today I worked with Jeannette from Mesa College and her family: Israel, Gabriel, and Eric. Here, Jack Scott is giving them the details in the engine room:




Here they are at the simulator, ready to fly an F-4 Phantom.

We're in the middle of the Labor Day Weekend. We had a great turnout today - over 4,000 guests. The Red Hats busted a fellow selling guest passes on the pier. That was pretty funny.

Today I got the Docent-at-large assignment - which is the best, by the way. I also spelled a few guys for their lunch break. I get to meet lots of interesting people this way.

I met Chris in the engine room. He's a Flight Deck Director on the USS Nimitz. He looks pretty serious in this picture - but it was really cool talking to him and his Dad about his Navy career. A really bright young man.


This is Rod - he was on the USS Oriskany, The Mighty O, from '62 to '66. He set the Frensel Lens for the landing planes. He was very interesting. His pal took this pic - so if it's a litte blury. . . that's why.