officially at sea
The USS John F. Kennedy has cleared the last harbor bouy, we're making almost 15 knots and our compass is turning ever more to the south. The current projection is for us to arrive around 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
"As they say, we're cookin' the gas," Lt. Cmdr. Dan Doolittle just said.
Right now the JFK's second MH-60 helicopter is about to take off to return the harbor pilot back to Boston. It's sitting on the flight deck, rotors turning, waiting for clearance from the air boss to go.
TU photographer Jon Fletcher, who spent a good chunk of the afternoon out on the flight deck getting pics, is scanning in photos that should be up on Jacksonville.com pretty soon.
Stay tuned. We'll be posting blogs and photos the whole way back (as long as the ship's satellite Internet service holds out).
Jeff
"As they say, we're cookin' the gas," Lt. Cmdr. Dan Doolittle just said.
Right now the JFK's second MH-60 helicopter is about to take off to return the harbor pilot back to Boston. It's sitting on the flight deck, rotors turning, waiting for clearance from the air boss to go.
TU photographer Jon Fletcher, who spent a good chunk of the afternoon out on the flight deck getting pics, is scanning in photos that should be up on Jacksonville.com pretty soon.
Stay tuned. We'll be posting blogs and photos the whole way back (as long as the ship's satellite Internet service holds out).
Jeff
posted by Jeff at
2:15 PM
2 Comments:
Jeff, Master Chief Placzkowski here. I saw the ship cruising out of the harbor as I flew over. Wish I could have been with you guys but prior commitments. I had a knot come up in my throat as I saw Kennedy making the wake. She is just a powerful looking now as she was then. Please pass on the the Captain, XO, CMC, Chief's Mess and most of all the crew my deepest gratitude. I am so proud of those young people.
When I say they have taken good care of "my ship," I really mean it.
Newer ships with better technologies are already out there. But the 40 years worth of men and women to serve aboard the USS John F. Kennedy have all been special.
SN Smothers on the focstle is well on his way to being a furter Navy leader. May God Bless and keep each of you fine young Americans in His grace.
I love and appreciate ever one of you who serve and defend our great nation.
Very Respectfully,
Anthony J. Placzkowski
SHCM(SW) USN Retired
Tony, it's funny you mentioned that about seeing the ship from the air. Jon Fletcher and I watched an airliner going into nearby Logan as JFK was steaming to sea and I commented about how lucky the people were on that plane to see the ship. Anyway, hope you had a safe trip home and that your Little Leaguers win on Friday. KIT
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