We woke early to get to the ship. The grayish marine layer mirrored our moods and the atmosphere. I got to go aboard the ship one more time. We got to visit and say our goodbyes.........then it was time for me to make my way off the ship. We were able to stand on the pier as the ship made its final departure checks.......
And then the time, finally came...... The sailors "manned the rails" as the ship departed........
And so it began.....our first REAL Navy Adventure!! Six months of separation......... Atleast that's what it was supposed to be. They ended up with two extensions, so our six-month deployment turned into nine!!
