Well I'm in my 40's now and still act like I'm in my 30's, Hah!�  That's actually quite an accomplishment for me since I spent the past 20 years� as a perpetual teenager in the Navy.�  I'm slowly adjusting to my new life as a civilian(yuc) but fighting it the whole time.�  I'm finally back, living near the coast, it's nice here, but there is just so much I miss about being a sailor.

I miss the salt air.  The mist in the morning, mixed with the faint smell of diesel fuel, salt water and fresh paint.  The entire base goes silent at 8:00 AM and the bos'uns on all the ships in port sound colors.  The flag goes up rain or shine, it's colors contrast the haze gray of the combat ships.  Up the brow to the quarterdeck and everyone knows Doc and says hello.  Another day begins in a life as a sailor.  There's was always something new everyday, some inspection to prepare for, visitors to talk to, shipmates problems to solve.  Damn I made some good friends and always, always the gentle movement of the bay.  The hum of high� voltage electricity, the hustle bustle of the crew.  The boilers are lit and stores have been brought aboard.  Sea and anchor detail handles the lines, a slight movement and the bos'un whistle. Underway! Shift Colors!  Old glory climbes the main mast and the tugs pull us free.  We watch the beach as we cruise the harbor.  To the fantail for a smoke the ship rolls and your sea legs insticntively compensate.  Breakwater.  A sailboat passes on the port side and everyone waves, the ship is making good headway, the ocean air smells clean, the wind and water salts you again.  This is where a sailor belongs, another day at sea.  The crew settles in, no covers needed at sea.  We watch the land disappear over the horizon, friends and lovers left for our misstress the sea.  A good days work, drills, flight ops, good Navy chow on the mess decks where you share laughs with your shipmates.  Back to work for a while, take a break to watch the sunset, dolphins off the starboard bow frolic in our wake.  Darken ship.  Take in a movie as you catch up on paperwork or before you stand your watch.  The bells sound 7:30PM. On deck eight o clock reports.  Work on the schedule for the next day, one last walk around the ship and then the department.  10:00PM taps.  Lights out, maintain silence about the ship.  You crawl into your rack and review the days events, good and bad.  Think of your family and what tomorrow has in store for the crew.  The sea craddles the ship and she gently rocks you to sleep.

Coming Home,

Six months away and I'm almost home, I start to count the days.
The times we've shared have been a constant thought as I sailed across the waves.
The days they go so slowly, each one just like the last.
It's not fair when we're together, they seem to go so fast.
The nation says they're proud of me for the time we've spent apart, but I feel that we've been cheated from the very start.
The medals I wear upon my chest for the deeds that I have done, cannot replace the moments lost, forever they are gone.
I tell myself your love for me is stronger than the pain in your heart.
And if you can hold on till I come home, we'll make a brand new start.
So put a candle in the window, a yellow ribbon in your hair.
When you lay awake in bed at night, say a prayer I'll soon be there.
I'll kiss away the tears that form while your waiting on the pier, and together we'll build our hopes and dreams and put aside our fears.
They say that I am crazy, if I thought you'd wait for me.
That there's still a chance that you'll be there after leaving you for the sea.
I've tried so hard to tell you, about the job that I must do, waiting for the world to call.
And when it does, I give my all.

J Connor HM1(SW/FMF)
Off the coast of Somalia, 1993


What Makes a Good Petty Officer?

Good Petty Officers know what their uniform, their Navy, and their flag stands for.  they are proud members of the best fighting organization in the world.  The United States Navy.

Good petty Officers are concerned with their Sailors' individual welfare and their future.  They pat their sailors on the back when they do well, and give them hell when they need it.  That way they make better Sailors and make progress.  They teach their trade.  They encourage.  They inspire.  They are consistent.  They are competitive.  Their outfit is the best.  They assume responsibility.  They give their Sailors responsibility.  They pass the word.  They create team spirit.

Good Petty Officers put their hearts and souls into their work.  They radiate enthusiasm and spark.  They know the Navy.  They know their rates, and they genuinley appreciate what they know.

Good Petty Officers recognize that success comes from the effort of a larger number of people, not just one or two.  The whole organization has to function well, not just a few members.

  ADM Arleigh Burke

Favorite quotes:

Every normal man must be tempted at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats.

Take the high ground, protect your flanks and move out smartly.

Aim small, miss small.

You don't have to like it, but you gotta show up.
 

A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living.
�   John F. Kennedy

A HUMAN BEING SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

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Change a diaper, Plan an invasion,

Butcher a hog, Conn a ship,

Design a building, Write a sonnet,

Balance accounts, Build a wall,

Set a bone, Comfort the dying,

Cooperate, Act alone,

Solve equations, Analyze a new problem,

Pitch manure, Program a computer,

Cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently,

Die gallantly.

 

  Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Let grace and goodness be the principal of thy affections.�  For love, which hath ends, will end; whereas that which is founded on true virtue, will always continue.

  John Dryden

 

The quest for the art of love, and the desire for the knowledge of the science of life, are one in the same.

Each in a constant, desperate search

of answers that the other holds.

The key to your happiness is within the equality of all things.

Take the time to guide yourself and others will follow,

you need not hold their hands.

Science is an art?

It takes Love, Faith and Courage.

J Connor  1994

The Man of Life Upright

The man of life upright, whose guiltless heart is free

from all dishonest deeds or thoughts of vanity.

The man whose silent days in harmless are spent,

whom hopes cannot delude, nor sorrow discontent.

That man needs neither towers nor armor for defense,

nor secret vaults to fly from thunders violence.

He only can behold with unaffrighted eyes, the horrors of the deep

and the terror of the skies.

Thus scorning all the cares that fate or fortune brings,

he makes the heaven his book, his wisdom heavenly things.

Good thoughts his only friend, his wealth a well spent age.

The earth his sober inn, and quiet pilgramage.

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      Given to me by an ex-girlfriend 1994�  Author unkown

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MASTER GARDNER--means-MASTER IMPROVISOR.
Without improvisation, everything in the plant world would be "paint by numbers", and any dimestore artist could do it.

  

Give and Take:

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If you win â?? win gracefully

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If you want love â?? love faithfully

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If you wish to learn â?? learn by teaching

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If you should fall â?? fall reaching

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 J Connor