Author Archives: cciadmin
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…And Off Again
We pull the brow at noon And off back through the channel Again, on the flight deck Empty, with aircraft gone Crew has removed the catapult launch cylinders for maintenance Blast fences raised for maintenance, too Going up the coast … Continue reading »
San Diego…
Reached San Diego in calm seas Warm, sunny day Coming into port is an experience like no other On the flight deck Strong wind in my face from our movement Our size and uniqueness seemingly demanding respect Moving slowly down … Continue reading »
Departures
One day out until San Diego (Five out from Pearl) Early, a.m. Flight crews prep for departing the ship Loud sounds of running cable top side Ending in wall shuddering loud bangs called “no loads” Charging and release of the … Continue reading »
Not Enough Cards
I figured I would meet a lot of folks on this voyage Sailors, other Tigers So, brought clown business cards About 100 or so To be able to stay in touch Thought they would go to other Tigers Not so … Continue reading »
John Who?
I am here because of the graciousness of my friend, John Porter, the ship’s Director of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) John is my Tiger Cruise sponsor We clowns in Caring Clowns International (CCI) have supported the USS Abraham Lincoln … Continue reading »
My Private Offering
I am, again, reflecting on this eleven day experience Not quite half over Have talked to many sailors and their “Tiger Cruise” families These sailors are young! Average age aboard ship is twenty years old Everyone one of them I … Continue reading »
Sittin’ on the Fantail
Aaahh … My favorite spot! Extreme aft end of the ship Beam wide with small decks and nooks Thirty feet above the water Just below the flight deck Sitting on a two foot round, three foot high cylindrical post (a … Continue reading »
24/7 Buzz
Late evening Lights dimmed ship-wide Passageways from bright white to red glow Soft yellow lights in the hangar bays deceptively hide the din of precision activity But, look more closely Mechanics with wrenches under copter blades torquing and adjusting things … Continue reading »
Somber Reminder
On every ship At each mess An unused solitary place setting Mound of salt Lemon wedge A single rose in a vase An inverted glass An empty chair Remembering those who are no longer with us Unaccounted for But always … Continue reading »
Replenishment
One day out of Pearl We slow to thirteen knots Along our starboard (right) side, The USNS Rainier replenishment ship approaches Slowly coming almost bow to bow with us Both ships fight each other’s wake between them Keeping the distance … Continue reading »
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