The FReeper Foxhole - SAM and Snippy Tour the USS Tarawa LHA-1 & meet bkwells - Sept. 5th, 2003

[SAMWolf]

Well two things made me do that.

One, I remember being like him at that age, I could never get enough to eat.

Two, since he refused to take the tank of gas for driving us around I figured this would be even better, it's something he wouldn't get for himself.

Besides when the table decided not to order dessert, he looked heart-broken. ;-)

[snippy_about_it]

radu said- That's what friendship is about....sharing special times.

SAM said-Yep and they don't often come as special as this one. I'm one lucky guy.

I've been so tired I didn't see this exchange and here I am in with only a few minutes to spare again.

radu, you are so right. Friendship is about sharing special times and I knew this was a trip of a lifetime and wanted to experience it with SAM. I knew that the instant the invitation came and SAM worked with me to make it come true.

SAMWolf, I'm one lucky girl! This was the "best of times" and you were there for me and I know that should bad times ever befall us, we'll be together through them too. I'm blessed to have you as my friend.

[snippy_about_it]

Some views from the balcony of our rooms.

[snippy_about_it]

SAM, was this the John Paul Jones? I know I took this from the car as James was looking driving us on the base but I can't remember which ship this was.

[snippy_about_it]

If you can elaborate SAM, please do. The Tarawa is huge and I can't remember every place name correctly or all the deck level names. *sigh*

View from the bridge/deck


Snippy sits in the Admiral's seat


SAM on the Admiral's deck

[snippy_about_it]

View from the Captain's wing outside the Captain's deck looking toward aft of ship


From the Tarawa looking toward the Coronado Bridge


Look close and you can see SAM beside Tom. If I know SAM, he was trying to get Tom to let him sign on one of those computers to check the Foxhole!!


The Traffic Control Bridge

[snippy_about_it]

Thought you might like to see some of those places we were and what it looked liked during OIF. :-)

[snippy_about_it]

More....

[snippy_about_it]

[snippy_about_it]

Becca and Dan

[SAMWolf]

[SAMWolf]

Yes, It's the John Paul Jones. It was the only other DDG we got that close to.

[SAMWolf]

The first picture is the view from the Admiral's chair.

[SAMWolf]

I would have loved to do a post from the TARAWA!! Oh Well, I tried.

[SAMWolf]

These pictures take on a whole new look now, knowing that we walked some of those areas of the TARAWA.

[snippy_about_it]

These pictures take on a whole new look now, knowing that we walked some of those areas of the TARAWA.

Thanks for the input on the pictures, I couldn't remember everything.

They really do take on a new look. I've had these for months and I'm looking at them now in a new light.

[snippy_about_it]

Tom and Sam in front of well deck on Tarawa

[snippy_about_it]

Snippy, and SAM at the USS Tarawa dinner. San Diego September 3, 2003.


Snippy, and SAM at the USS Tarawa dinner. San Diego September 3, 2003. (SAM got up to take a picture)

[SAMWolf]

And you were doing so well at controlling yourself until the Division presented you that flag.

[snippy_about_it]

Yep. Thanks to you too for the continued encouragement and helping me stay "together".

The presentation was just too much to be able to hold up any longer. Grrrr.

However, once they applauded and said "yeah we made her cry", like it was their goal, I got a chuckle out of it and recovered.

Knowing you were right there was helpful, too. Did you notice I tried to avoid looking directly into your eyes for fear I'd start up again?

Thanks SAM, it was an absolute joy having you there.