Haze Grey & Underway

Re-enlistment Day!

Today is the day that I raise my right hand for the last time and “swear to uphold and defend the constitution of the United States of America.” What a momentous day.

After months of planning and coordinating with different commands and individuals it all came down to this one day. We started off to the USS Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor at around 0615 and of course got lost on the way. After placing a call to Lt. he agreed to meet us at the exchange and guide us the rest of the way to the memorial. The fine mist of rain that was coming down was not going to hamper my spirits or make this day any less important for me, it just succeeded in making my uniform a bit moist and uncomfortable.

When we arrived at the memorial we took an inventory of needed items for the ceremony and realized that we had FORGOTTEN THE CAMERA! In all my nervousness and haste I had neglected to put the camera in the bag. OH NO! My heart sank to the depths of my stomach in panic and despair. Lt. maintained a calm attitude and suggested that if anything we would be able to purchase a disposable camera in the memorial gift shop. Yes, we could I thought, but it just isn’t the same. We reached the main gates to the visitors center and there waiting for us were some old friends of mine whom I had invited to be there, and new friends that were invited by friends of mine. THANKFULLY, one of these smart shipmates had the foresight to bring his camera! He really saved the day and was my personal hero.

at 0715 with the rain still falling around us, we were let into the visitors center and made our way to the boat launch, which would take us over to the memorial. It is just a quick 10 minute trip to the USS Arizona from the visitors center, so I did not have very much time to enjoy the wonderful views of the double rainbows in the distance.

Upon arrival at the memorial we took a few minutes to soak in the history and holiness of this place. This place, this burial ground, to me signifies to me everything good that the Navy and her sailors have ever been, and will continue to be. The Honor, Courage, and Dedication of all those who served aboard the Arizona during her and her countries time of crisis really makes a person sit back and think. I walked to the back and looked at the wall. This wall has the names of each and every one of the over 900 Sailors and Marines who died on December 7th, 1941. It really choked me up to be quite honest. I quietly said thank you to each and every one of them, thank you for their service, thank you for their bravery, and thank you for their lasting legacy which has helped make this Navy the strongest in the world.

The ceremony itself went off without a hitch. The certificates were presented, the oaths were sworn, and the pictures were taken. It is quite honestly the most memorable day in my life, because I was able to share it with my best friend and partner in life , my friends, and an officer whom I truly respect and admire. The culmination of the event was me raising my own personal flag up the mast of the Arizona. I can never truly put into words or thoughts what this single day meant to me but hopefully I have done just one bit of justice here.

Thank you to all who were involved with this evolution. Thank you to Lt. T , who has been an inspiration to me for the last 2 years, thank you to my shipmates who made the journey out to share this with me, and thank you to my entire family who has given me nothing but love and support for the entire 14 years that this journey has so far progressed. Most importantly, thank you to my wife, whose love, understanding, and superhuman patience have helped to make me and my career the success that it is. Thank you honey.

~ Fair winds and following seas Shipmates, and to my Marine friends, Semper Fi.

~Jaybob