What I did on my summer vaction or USS John C. Stennis 2016 Tiger Cruise

Greetings to one and all,

                 Early in 2016, my son informed me that his ship, USS John C. Stennis would be hosting a Tiger Cruise in the last month of their deployment. I jumped at the chance to go on the cruise. As a Navy vet that had spent four years with a P-3 Squadron, deployed three times and always on dry land, I was excited!

        As the big day approached, I decided to keep a journal of the trip. I have never attempted to keep a diary or journal, so this would be a first. I knew that I would want at least notes to recall this great opportunity. 

        I was asked to share my experiences here in Navy Dads and I am glad to do so. I hope that if nothing else, my writings will help those contemplating a Tiger Cruise make the right decision. I need to say here, that for my wife, though she wanted to go. She recognized that she and tight confines do not mix well. That is one thing to consider. I was a bit concerned about motion sickness. After all, I was a dry land sailor. I have spent many hours in airplanes in all types of weather, so I figured I would be OK. The ship did move more than I had anticipated, but I was fine, without any medication thank you!

    So, without further ado, my humble journal...

1 August
  Up at my normal time, about 0530. I slept really well last night. That was somewhat surprising. I thought I would be tense.
I have looked forward to this trip since Neal informed me there would be a Tiger Cruise. That was in February if memory serves.
Really, I have looked forward to this trip from the time I separated from the US Navy. Being attached to a Patrol Squadron was a great thing, but there were no cruises. Sure, we deployed, but to islands, not ships. I always had that little pang of "what would it be like...?" Now I will know. This is the reason I have elected to keep this log.
I will touch down in Denver about 0940 1 August and then on to Honolulu an hour later. Yeehaw!



Airborne on the way to Honolulu! While sitting in my seat while the plane loaded. A guy walked by and spotted my VP-48 hat. "P-3's?" He asked. "Yep." He said:"I am a retired Flight Engineer. " I told him I would be hitching a ride back on the Stennis. What a great way to start the trip!

Well, I made it to my hotel in Waikiki. Let me recommend Robertson Shuttle. Nice people and a great price.
I will meet up with one of my shipmates from VP-48 in a few minutes. We will visit a bit and then I am going to call it a night.

I take the early shuttle to get tickets to the USS Arizona at 0635 tomorrow. I have waited all my life to pay my respects to the young men forever entombed below her decks. I will be able to be where WWII began for the United States. Then, when I go on the Missouri I will stand where WWII ended for the world.