This marks the first installment of Francisco Delgado's posts about his deployment on the Nimitz. (We received it not long after the post below went online.)
Yesterday (April 2) was a sight to see in San Diego Bay. I was on the flight deck manning the rails so I had a great view. Our ship left right on time at 0930, and as soon as they called "underway shift colors," everything started to sink in. I could see many family members on the pier waving flags and holding up signs. I could also see many tears rolling down cheeks, and I could not help but notice all of the small children wondering when they would see their mom or dad again. The ship pulled away from the pier, and the reality set in that we would be heading overseas and that I would not see home for six months.
Pulling a huge ship out of the bay is a complicated process. Thank God for tug boats. As we pulled out from the pier we made a turn and started to head west. As you may know, our ship cannot fit under the Coronado Bay Bridge, so we have to go the other direction. I was now facing downtown San Diego. I could not help but notice all of the other boats in the bay. Most of them were waving American flags, and we had a few follow us all the way out to Point Loma waving their flags. I could also see the airport--I saw a Southwest jet take off, and boy did I want to be on that plane. Now, we are out to sea ready to complete any mission that is given to us. I feel a sense of pride knowing that our ship is once again part of history. I got many e-mails from my mom yesterday, she was crying all day. I couldn't blame her because after all, she is a mom, and moms want their kids near by. I will keep you posted throughout our journey.
Comments
Thanks for sharing Francisco - I certainly look forward to continued chapters of the USS Blog Boy Diaries. It must have been awesome watching the ship head out.
Maybe, somehow, my wonderful wife and I can take a three day vacation to San Diego and watch the Nimitz steam back into port.
West Texas Blog Boy
Gods speed on a safe return! And thanks to all serving our country.
Francisco, again god speed and thanks. A note to brian, the Nimitz link in the link luv section as of 11:19 PM CDT April 4th has an "Access is forbidden http 403" message. Is there a better link available?
Great blog, Francisco! Keep us posted on your adventures, and we'll continue to send good thoughts your way.
It's good to hear from you, Francisco. Know that you and your shipmates carry the thoughts, prayers and LUV of many with you. Stay safe and write again soon.
Reading your blog brings back memories of my leaving port when I was in the Coast Guard. Smaller ship, but the same feeling, And less time at sea. 2 weeks each month except once a year for 30 days. My father was 20 years Airforce, sister 4 yrs Navy, myself 4 yrs Coast Guard, and my nephew is in the Navy at this time. Best wishes to your and your shipmates!!!!!!!
Hey Brian,
USS Blog Boy e-mailed me and said that his sister ate all of his candy corn before he could get it onboard. Do you think that the Culture Chicks could load up a SW 737 with loads of candy corn and peanuts and land it on the Nimitz deck as a "special delivery"? LOL
External Blog Boy :)
Thank you for your kind words. everything is going well so fat, its nice to hear the jets take off, to me it represents the strength of our country. My body is getting used to working at nights. if you want to keep in contact with me you can e-mail me at francisco.delgado@cvn68.navy.mil
thanks for your prayers
USS BLOG BOY
Hello my name is Regina and my brother is one of the 160 marines on the Nimitz. So there is this site called MotoMail.us and you can send letters to the troops. Only my problem is I dont know what his unit is or what base the Nimitz was at. By chance do you know? Also, good luck! and return safely !
Thanks
Regina
Also, you are always in my prayers the whole USS Nimitz crew!
Post new comment