Retirement Ceremony

Watching over during National Anthem

So last week I was lucky enough to be able to attend my best buddy's hubby's retirement ceremony.

Did I lose you there? I have been known to do that. 

I tend to talk in letters and a strange language I like to call Naval Spouse Speak. Let me try to speak English for you.

My best friend's husband had a retirement ceremony last week and I was lucky enough to attend.

Presentation

Steve's ceremony was held on the USS Enterprise just days before they deployed for the final time.

Why, you may be asking, did he have it there?

Good question.  It's the ship he was attached to when he retired.

Pretty simple answer huh?

Side note.  It was really interesting to see all the things going on as they prepared for their final voyage.  However, I did not take out my camera to take photos of that for fear of being escorted off the ship.

Presentation to the family

Rear Admiral Walter E. 'Ted' Carter Jr. was there as the guest speaker.

Even Greta and their son were given certificates of appreciation.

Families serve with their sailors even though they don't draw pay or get the awards, so I thought this was very nice.

Steve made some personal remarks.  And I'll admit, sentimental fool that I am, I laughed and cried, but only a little.

'The Watch' was read by one of his shipmates and he was relieved.  Read the poem and that statement will make sense to you.  If you're an emotional person you may want a tissue nearby.

Piped ashore.

Then Steve and his family were piped ashore.  After that, it was time for refreshments.

Yummies for everyone!

And of course time to chat with those who were able to attend the ceremony.

Also it gave me time to go through all the photos I had taken.

All smiles for cake!

Of course, Monster finished first and was REALLY interested in getting a piece of that cake.  So with a bit of maneuvering he helped cut the cake with Dad's help.

I'm told the cake was delicious and had butter cream frosting.  I thought it was a pretty temptation that I was, for once, able to avoid.

Thank you Steve for the 24 years of your life that you gave to the military.

Final walk down the pier

We truly appreciate all you and your family sacrificed!

Fair winds and following seas!

The end of one chapter and beginning of a new.

Best of luck in all your future adventures.

And thank you for letting me tag along on your special day.