Love my job driving these big old buses down the road. Have traveled on the East Coast from Montreal, Canada to Orlando, FL and anywhere in between. Live in Memphis now and Travel; the Midwest from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA and anywhere in between. Was involved with relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina, have driven for the NBA All Star Games. Never a dull day everyday is new. Only thing I don't like is being on call 24/7. I meet some very interesting people on my bus some I love and some I hope not to meet again LOL. As I look at some of my shipmates I am very impressed on the successes some of the young sailors I worked with have acheived so much. I've been retired ten yrs in Nov and I still miss active duty! Too fat and out of shape now though LOL.
My son Roger JR. served 7.5yrs in Air Force got out and moved back home with me last year is attending University of Memphis for next four years.
CLASS - TICONDEROGA (Flight II)
Displacement 9,589 (FL) Tons, Dimensions, 565' 10" (oa) x 55' x 31' 6" (Max)
Armament 2 x 5"/54RF, 2 VLS, (122 Missiles)
2 x 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 x 25mm Bushmaster mg. 6 x12.75" TT. 2 LAMPS Helos.
Machinery, 80,000 SHP; G.E. Gas Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 30+ Knots, Crew 370. Operational and Building Data
Keel laid on 06 JUN 1984 by Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS
Launched 22 AUG 1985
Commissioned 21 FEB 1987
Decommissioning Date: 10 AUG 2023 at Naval Station San Diego
Disposition: Legislative Consideration
Named for:
The ship was the first named after and in honor of the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864. During the famous American Civil War naval battle between Union forces under the command of Adm. David Farragut and Confederate forces under Adm. Franklin Buchanan.
The ship's motto, "Full speed ahead," is based on Adm. Farragut’s famous command issued during the battle and typifies the Admiral's key to success in war, straight thinking and determined action.
Note the helicopter on the rear starboard quarter.
Mobile Bay will be inactivated and towed to the Navy’s Inactive Ship’s facility in Bremerton, Washington where they will be in a Logistic Support Asset (LSA) status.