For anyone who might be interested, the USS Tortuga has a Facebook page, USS TORTUGA LSD 46 "TOUGH! TALL! TENACIOUS!". They post a lot of photos and the latest news from the Tortuga!

Thanks Lee. Already joined the group on facebook. Are you on Uss Tortuga?

Good to meet you Lee - Our daughter as Ashley, but goes by Lee - LOL! She just joined the Tortuga on May 10th this year right before CARAT 2010. Glad to know your here - please stay in touch!
Mr.B

Missy, I am afraid I am a bit old to be on the Tortuga, but my son Kevin has been on the Tortuga for ayear now. He just made IT3, so he is pretty stoked right now!

Lee - what is an IT3? Never heard of that one....? Our Lee is DCFA

Jim, you are correct! Kevin is Information Technology and just passed his exam for Petty Office 3rd Class...IT3. It is strange how they do these...LOL

Ok Gentlemen - then what does DCFA stand for - LOL! It's not listed, DC id damage control, but there is no FA, there is an FN, which is what Lee was in Boot....Any ideas????

Brian, this stands for Damage Control Fireman's Apprentice...does that sound right? LOL

Well...That's what I thought Lee - but... YOU NEVER KNOW IN THE NAVY - LOL! Common sense dictates that, because that that's her job, I wonder what the FN stood for in Boot then????

DCFN is a Damage Control Fireman. Once they are assigned their duty after school, depending upon their rating, they could be a Fireman Apprentice or a Fireman. When Kevin went to the Tortuga he was an ITSA (IT Seaman Apprentice), they he was ITSN (IT Seaman). Next step is IT3...IT Petty Officer 3rd Class. It gets really confusing at times!

Got another phone call this morning! All is well aboard the Tortuga, Lee is well - and in great spirits!

We heard from Kevin yesterday and he had taken a tour of the area while they are in Cambodia...he said he traversed 3 caves, visited a location where they made sea salt and a special type of Cambodian peppercorn. He also made a visit to the zoo and said for lunch he had, crab legs, shark and stingray! I can't imagine!

Wow - Kevin is BUSY!!! LOL - Yeah, our Lee was taking it easy at the beach and soaking up the rays - too phunny - you can take the girl outta Florida - but you can't take the Florida outta the girl....

I am glad they are both getting adjusted & having a good time....

Brian, Kevin went through an adjustment period as well that lasted about 3 months. He has been on the Tortuga over a year now. He did say he has seen Lee, but hasn't personally met her. Give them time, they will...the Tortuga isn't that big! :-)

Happy Father's Day Hank, Lee, & Jim!!!! Hope you all have a great day today, and that all is well within your families!

Mr.B

Hard to believe 2 years ago she was only 16.....LOL!

Color Guard was FUNNNNN!!! I miss those days ------

Thanks, Brian hope you had a good day. Sorry for not getting back to you I had some surgery put me down while doing ok now. been outta the loop a while haven't heard from Henry recently so any updates on things would be cool. Yea I've been looking at some photos kids do grow up fast . I miss those days also!

I talked to Kevin a couple of days ago and CARAT 10 is over and they were in Oki when I talked to him....next stop Sasebo. There was a little bit of a scare on the way to Oki, but he said he couldn't give me any details other than to say, "Damn, that was too close...."

Lee is still trying to find Kevin....LOL! Glad they are home! It's nice to have daily conversation..... Happy 4th to all of you!!!

Mr.B

Brian, they are so busy it is hard to meet people at times. Tell her to go to radio at the oddest hours she can think of, and she will probably find him! :-) Have a great 4th!!

I haven't heard from anyone here, so I am just checking in - I hope all is well with each of you & your sailor(s). God Bless!

Brian

Lee called in - she's doing ok - but getting tired of "overnight duty". Also the ships email is down...not really sure why, but if anyone is having issue getting email in/out this is why....Godspeed to you & your sailors!!!

Just checking in since it has been so long...been very busy on my end. Kevin was sent to Norfolk for a 1 week training session, so my wife and I drove up to see him! Unfortunately, I only got 1 day off work, so it was a short visit, but very well worth it since it has been 15 months since we have seen him. In some ways he has changed a lot..a lot more mature and is now a grown man...in some ways, he is still the kid I sent off to bootcamp, but we couldn't be more proud of him!