MORE PIX OF FT. JACKSON, PART TWO

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

MORE PIX OF FT. JACKSON, PART ONE

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

VIDEO BREAK 1

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

ARRIVAL, FT JACKSON

Camp McCrady is a National Guard training center, and the home of Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training. The base looks a bit sparse at first, but you take note of some of the landmarks around. This place is very serene and calm at night, and is especially picture-worthy near sunset.

The NCO's of Camp McCrady pledge all of their effort into getting us ready for our next stop, wherever that may be. You are not asked to disregard rank here, but you have to listen and learn. Ego has to take a backseat. What you get in return is real confidence with the "tools of the trade".

More info/pictures to follow, and thank you to everyone that has written in.

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

ADIEU, PART TWO

"I'll be home soon" are words spoken many times in our careers. Our loved ones have heard those same words, and tirelessly give us the support we need to carry out our mission. They know our call to duty and having an always-ready posture is crucial to our success as a force.

They sacrifice much for us.

To my family back home, I am proud of you, and ever thankful for getting me ready, and staying strong.

I'll be home soon.

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

MORE PIX OF PH, CA AND HEADING OUT

One of the many totem poles located on the base. Neat spin on history, eh?

Next stop, NIACT at Ft. Jackson, SC! More to follow....

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

MORE PIX OF PH, CA

Bet this will work in a pinch....

SEMPER FORTIS, BEAR

FIRST STOP, PORT HUENEME, CA!

My first stop on this deployment brought me to Port Hueneme, California. It's a sleepy town just outside Ventura, and the home of the SEEBEE's, the Navy's Construction Battalions. The SEEBEE's are special breed of Sailor, part contruction engineer, part infantryman. They have a proud history, and have aided our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

The Navy Mobilization and Processing Site here is small, but top notch. To Sailors following me here, they'll scrub every record to make sure you are physically ready to deploy. At the same time, you have ample opportunity to finish any personal business (wills, etc) and even get smart on what you will be doing. You get fitted for your new uniforms (for me, it's the Army Combat Uniform), and other gear. The staff is great, and will assist in anyway they can.

Below are a few pix of the area, which is rich with history. Enjoy!

More pix to follow....

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

ADIEU, PART ONE

We say goodbye just as often as we say hello in our profession. I'm a lucky man though, as I will return to the IRON NICKEL in January. To the Sailors onboard LHA-5, I will miss every one of you. Your "Fire in the Gut" is a blessing to this Navy, and is my everyday inspiration. I'll do you proud.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR