Navy Rescue Swimmer Dads

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Comment by Kevin K. Murphy on October 15, 2009 at 9:22am

Brad,

Like Scott we got our first call from Sean on Tuesday and we got to talk for 30 minutes! After 4 weeks it was great to hear him describe the life at GL and some of the friends he has made. We asked him to reach out to Scott's son and hopefully they will get to know each other before boot camp ends. It was interesting to hear his take on the difference in recruits in his division, the "young" ones fresh out of high school versus the "old" ones like himself who have graduated from college or are married. In any event he said they are all coming together and look forward to their last weeks in boot camp and "battlestations". Unfortunately I had to tell him that his beloved grandfather had passed away and he took the news quite hard. He was a huge influence from a very early age, and as a veteran of WWII and the Korean War he gave Sean a unique perspective on duty to country and the military life. It was also interesting to hear from Sean that the dental/medical personnel are great and that they offer a peaceful respite from the daily routine. He had his wisdom teeth pulled, and was able to watch SportsCenter on ESPN to catch up on baseball and football. We are hopeful for all of the recruits in his division, and look forward to PIR on 11/13.

Comment by Brad on October 14, 2009 at 10:05am

Scott and Kevin, how are your two sons doing? Have they gotten together yet?

Comment by Brad on October 12, 2009 at 8:46pm

Hello, back from my trip to Japan and Hong Kong. Final pics are up, plus a video of the test drop of a torpedo from their Helo during the previous tour. What an awesome time! Plus getting to speak with the Chiefs, was inspirational while meeting all the AW's for a gathering to honor them from both squadrons stationed at Atsugi Airbase. They appreciated a father there showing support from back home to all of them. I can't tell you what an awesome night that was!

Comment by Robert Markowitz on October 9, 2009 at 4:54pm

My son Cameron just classed up for SAR school he is so excited, I very prowd fo him.

Comment by Brad on October 7, 2009 at 3:13am

Yes, we missed it. The GW left I think on Monday and Garrett as the only AW with PC qualification was asked to launch all the Helo's from Atsugi to fly onto the GW after it got out to sea. Then Garrett was honored with being hand picked as one of four AW's to go on the USS Cowpens to serve the single Helo and fly on as it departed earlier than the scheduled 10/7 original date due to the typhoon that was coming. This assignment will give him many more flights and opportunities to complete various quals than he would have sharing the flights as a part of the many AW's on the GW. He told me how much he is looking forward to the challenges placed before him, and his two Chiefs told me of their complete confidence they have in him, which is all a father could hope to hear! I pray for those in the fleet out to sea trying to navigate around this Typhoon, and also for those on our bases left behind to face the rath of its fury. May there be no losses of lives or property.

Comment by Brad on October 6, 2009 at 1:17pm

Additional pics are up. I enjoyed my visit in Tokyo. These pics are from his visits during his first time on tour from Japan to Australia, Singapore and Manilia and back. I will post the remaining pics in about a week from a special party with the AW/Rescue Swimmers at Atsugi Airstation while I was there.

Comment by Brad on October 1, 2009 at 9:06pm

Arrived in Japan to see Garrett. Initial 3 pics are up. Hope to send more later if the rain stops and we can go sightseeing! It is great to be here!

Comment by Brad on September 29, 2009 at 9:59am

I think that is awesome that we have two fathers with their sons in the same division. I am sure they will come to know each other and rely on each othere during this process. Friends are made quickly and especially when they are going for the same rate. I look forward to hearing how they do! Well, it is time to leave for Japan in the very early morning tomorrow. What an exciting opportunity to see the US Naval Airstation in Atsugi and probably the Yokosuka port where the USS George Washington is for myself, and also learn where Garrett spends his time while in home port. Of course the best part is to give him a hug, and let him show me his world. I look forward to reporting back what it is like and sharing those pictures when I can.

Comment by Kevin K. Murphy on September 24, 2009 at 12:23pm

Scott, my son Sean is on Ship 04, Div 852. Just sent first letters and cards to him, keeping him posted on Cards baseball. We got our "box" from GL with his clothing and cell phone this morning! Good luck to both of our sons in the next few weeks as they master skills and training. Sean has been focused on this goal since junior year in college. He played lacrosse for a coach who graduated from the academy and is in the naval reserves. Looking forward to PIR on 11/13.

Comment by Brad on September 22, 2009 at 10:38am

Kevin, welcome aboard! Your son has chosen an exciting job in the Navy. As in life, the highest rewards are those we have to work the hardest for. Sean will have many challenges towards his goal, but what a goal to have! Your encouragement will prove to be valuable throughout each stage of his training. We will help you and him know what he can expect each step of the way from the experiences all of us in this group have had. This program is the second hardest next to the SEALS to get through. While it may seam daunting overall, it is very doable. One step at a time and you will some day have the incredible honor to witness Sean getting his gold wings, prepared to make a difference and quite possibly save someone's life who is risking theirs for all of us. I know you will be even more proud that day than you are now, which i am sure is hard to imagine. Trust me when I say that day I had the opportunity to pin those wings on my son is a moment I can't even describe. All the best to Sean, may God give him strength and wisdom to persevere and complete what he has been called to do! We will be here to answer, help, and listen to whatever your needs are.

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