[bkwells]

Well my fellow FREEPERS, I'm outta here for at least 6 months. I'll try and give some inside views when I can from out here.

[B-Chan]

Go get 'em, TARAWA & Co.. Wish I could be there with you.

Praying for you all,

B-chan
Former MM3, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65)

[RaceBannon]

Keep your head down!!

When in doubt, empty the magazine!!

USMC 1977-1981

[RaceBannon]

I was on the Belleau Wood for the maiden WESPAC in 81, so, if you are in the forward troop compartment, under the flight deck, go to the starboard side.

Look underneath the catwalk entrance right outside of the troop compartment, there is a gunwhale where the mess crew takes smoke breaks.

Fill up some small garbage bags with water, swing the bags over the railing and onto the gunwhale, and soak those smokers!

Funniest thing I ever did on an LHA!

[squirt]

I have your back. Would like to go with you if not so old and broken down.

B Co 3rd Recon Bn.

[Brad’s Gramma]

God's blessings. We'll be praying for you. Thank you for all you're doing to help this great country stay safe.

[homeschool mama]

prayers heavenward for your protection, bk. Bless your heart...and *thank you* for serving this wonderful country in this way. <><

[Centurion2000]

Semper Fi

2MARDiv 5/10 Artillery Desert Storm '91

Give em Hell.

[Mudboy Slim]

Our prayers are with you, my FRiend...we KNOW y'all will do this Nation PROUD!!!

Utmost FReegards...MUD

[Dubya]

[capitan_refugio]

Vaya con Dios, bkwells!

... USS Tarawa, an amphibious assault ship that looks like a small aircraft carrier ...

The Tarawa class LHAs, along with their cousins, the Wasp class LHDs are very capable vessels. At around 40,000 tons full load, the Tarawas dwarf all of the WWII fleet carriers up to the Midway class (except for the IJN Shinano). The fearsome Soviet Kiev class displaced only 42,000 tons. The new French nuclear carrier, Charles De Gaulle, is 36 feet shorter and 2,000 fewer tons displacement than Taraw!.

Our amphibious assault ships only look small when compared the to other American super-carriers. Show the flag my friend! And kick some Iraqi butt.

(Disclaimer - all of the data cited is public information)

[Bulldog1967]

SEMPER FI AND GOD SPEED DEVIL DAWGS!!!

[rwgal]

Godspeed son (BKWells is my firstborn). Your dad and I are very proud of you and you remain in our thoughts and prayers daily. Thank you for your service to our great country. We will be dockside when you return.

Love, Mom

[Scarlet_Pimpernil]

As a navy veteran of a 7 month deployment lobbing tomahawks at Iraq the last time, I was trying to think of an encouraging thing to say that hasn't already been said here.

Just wanted you guys to remember, the battle you fight is a marathon, not a sprint. Its for honor, and for freedom. Every one of us wants to go over there and as one poster said, 'get some.' The tough part is keeping sharp and upbeat while waiting for the order, training which is boring, steaming in a box waiting with your finger on the trigger---but that is a part of the battle. Remember that.
Remember we are praying for you and their are folks back here who appreciate what it means to be a warrior, to pledge your life, your fortune, and your sacred honor.

PS ...and some of us may be joining you if we should get the call :)

[dd5339]

Thanks for your service!

Semper Fi
0351 1st Btn 3 MarDiv Kaneohe 83-87

[manna]

Godspeed ...

[bkwells]

bkwells is my husband - and you won't find a wife who is more proud of her husband than I -- godspeed, you honorable and courageous man - stay safe and the kids and I will be standing proud pierside when you return. Lots and lots of love, and kick some butt!

[anymouse]

Semper Fi, Marine bkwells.

[manna]

Welcome home and thanks for a job well done!!!

[Samwise]

Welcome back!

Have a beer on me.

The flowers are for your wife.