USS Abraham Lincoln Tiger Cruise
 

My son has been deployed in the Persian Gulf on the USS Abraham Lincoln. The ship will arrive in Mayport Florida this Saturday to drop off the air wing. It will then leave Sunday arriving Tuesday at its new home port in Norfolk, Virginia completing its around the world deployment. I am meeting the ship in Florida; participating in the Tiger Cruise, riding on the carrier to Norfolk! Two nights, three days on a nuclear carrier with my son, (who I haven't seen since the Saturday after Thanksgiving!) I am REAL excited! It will be something to be on a 4 1/2 acre ship that can go as fast as my V-20. GO NAVY!

LOL Faster.

To you: Your pride is totally justified. :clap:

To your son: Thank you for your service... WELCOME HOME!!!!!:beer:

Man that's awesome. I didnt know they let family do that kind of thing. Enjoy yourself!

'

That used to be called a Dependants Cruise. I'm guessing they are called Tiger Cruises now. The length varies from an hour to a few days, depending on a variety of things. I got to go on the USS West Virginia SSBN-736 (Ohio class ballistic missle sub) down in Kingsland, Ga. when we were living down there because my Bro-in-law was a chief on the boat. Took us out for a 3 hour cruise, (Fortunately it did not end like Gilligans Island) ran on the surface, then dived to 300ft and then they let all the visitors take turns steering the boat for a few minutes. I never realized how big those subs are. They have multiple levels inside, not counting the conning tower. Totally awesome.

I hoped a ride from here, SSI, to Charleston on a Frigate so I know you are in for a treat.

We showed up late and I had to climb the ladder from the Tug up to the frigate. When I got almost to the top, the biggest black guy Ive ever seen in my life grabbed me by the waist, lifted me up like I was a dishrag and plopped me down with a "welcome aboard son,". One of the coolest moments of my childhood, boarding a NAVY ship.....

Even funnier, I got a little sick on the ride up and we went to see the medic for something to ease my queasiness. I remember him telling my dad all he had on board was for grown men and he wasnt sure how to dose me. Well I took some meds and PASSED OUT fast asleep on the fantail. I woke with the medic shakin me frantically and freakin out. When I opened my eyes he was white as a ghost and eyes as big as half-dollars and I'll never forget what he said, "Thank God!!! I didnt kill 'em....."

Thats awesome! You did not forget the trolling rods did you? :beer: