Another Deployment on the Horizon.....

As some of you may know, I've been chosen to go on a special assignment to Afghanistan. I guess this is what happens when you get advanced (LOL)!!

The military term for this assignment is "Individual Augmentation (IA)". The IA will be to Afghanistan. I will not publish any dates - as we say in the Navy "loose lips sink ships". So I won't go about that business, but I will start a blog to chronicle my entire experience on this IA.

Once I have started the blog, I'll let everyone know.

Safe travels -

Steve

Congratulations Joseph!!

Our oldest son, Joseph, has graduated High School!! We are very proud of him. He had a rough Senior year, but between Maria and I we got him to that graduation day.

He now has his sights set on going into the United States Marine Corps! I guess he thinks his Uncle Shane (USMC GySgt) is more cool than his Dad (USN Senior Chief). I know whatever he chooses, he'll do well. We are glad he's going into the military - many great benefits for those that are active duty. One of which will be someone other than Dad being a pr+ck! I think he'll understand that - oh - about 5 minutes after he gets off the plane and he is "introduced" to his Drill Instructor!! At any rate, it will be good for him.

I hope he'll heed my financial advice - I think I'll talk to him "after" he gets out of Boot Camp. He may realize Dad has always been on his side and might be a little more willing to listen.....(Ahhhh - You think?)

Anyway - we are proud of our Joey and we wish the very best for him as he matures into manhood!

Safe travels -

Frocked!!

It happended - today at 1615 I was "frocked" to Senior Chief. In the USN once we have received confirmation from USN HR that promotion has been approved, the Commanding Officer is allowed to "frock" those personnel. Frocking means to "wear" the rank, but you're not getting paid for it. Basically, you are referred to as the frocked paygrade, you get the "prestige" and "benefits" that come with that paygrade, but you just don't get paid for it. I will probably be promoted on 16 Oct and start receiving pay that date. I will know in a month or so when I should see the actual advancement date.

So in the USN, frocking is a very big deal. Maria and my Command Master Chief did the honors of taking off my "Chief" anchors and pinning on my "Senior Chief" anchors. Most of the Chief's Mess was there along with my CO, Dept. Head, and almost all of my Yeoman. It was a great ceremony.

Maria and I are still pondering our decision to stay Navy or retire next year. We sure are leaning toward staying. While my retirement pay would be substainally larger if I stayed for another five years, I would have to go back to sea duty and probably be required to do a tour in Afghanistan or Iraq. So as I've said before....more to follow.

Stay safe, and chat later -

Steve