Fair Winds and Following Seas

Sean detached from the USS San Jacinto today. He's officially on leave until he reports to Mechanicsburg, PA in November. There was a nice ceremony for him. First, in the wardroom, he was presented a signed and framed picture of the San Jac and a medal for outstanding service while aboard. Then the officers all lined up along the outside of the ship and Sean went through and shook hands and got 'well wished.' Then he went back to the beginning of the line and they all saluted at once and Sean walked down the line to the brow of the ship, then there was a two bell toll and an announcement for the whole ship to hear,"Lt. JG Sean Michael Payne, departing." Then all the officers did three rounds of 'hip hip hooray' and threw their covers up at each 'hooray.' It's a tradition that goes back over 200 years. I felt very patriotic to be a part of it.

Now it's time to get busy with the house renting and moving plans.