SWIM CALL!

Occasionally, ships at sea take a little time to blow off some steam. A hard working crew needs a break every now and then. So we stopped one day this week in the middle of the Persian Gulf for a Swim Call, navy-speak for a chance to jump over the side and enjoy the water. We put a Rescue Swimmer and a "Shark Watch" in a boat to keep an eye on us. No sharks but lots of fun! We even tied a rope to our crane for a swing. You've just got to break the monotony somehow. It was one of those times when it was great to be on a ship at sea.

Christmas

Trivia Question: To whom was Santa Claus delivering Christmas gifts in the Thomas Nast cartoon that first depicted him with a sleigh and reindeer? Answer: Soldiers fighting in the Civil War. The cartoon, entitled “Santa Claus in Camp” appeared on the cover of Harper’s Weekly on January 3, 1863.


A Christmas Card from our Crew, and a picture of the small tree we set up onboard. Christmas was a solemn occasion. The spirit was still in the air but so was the inevitable sadness. To everyone who sent me greetings and presents, thank you so much. Your thoughts, prayers and support make it easier to get through the day.