In September, 2021, I decided to quit working and actually retire. At age 69, and after having completed careers in the military and law enforcement, I figure I can attempt retired life without any regrets. Just celebrated my 51st wedding anniversary, with my wife Jessica. Life is good.
Other Comments:
Put 10 years into the Marine Corps, and then 12 more into the Navy (I know, I'm a confused individual). After retiring from the military, served 8 years as a Virginia Beach police officer until retirement (disability), Worked for Blackwater USA, from 2002 to 2005, training Navy personnel in firearms skills. Deployed to Iraq, in 2004, as an independent security contractor for Blackwater. Worked for a different company, on the SBX-1, for 5 months (in 2006) as leader of a security detachment. SBX-1 is a sea-going radar platform, which is under the auspices of the Missile Defense Agency. I may be retired from the military, and civilian law enforcement, but I am too young to do nothing for the rest of my life. I may take up a hobby, like woodworking, just to stay active. Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Fraternal Order of Police, Knights of Columbus, National Rifle Association, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Military Order of the Stars and Bars.
Iowa Class Battleship: Displacement 45,000 Tons, Dimensions, 887' 3" (oa) x 108' 2" x 37' 9" (Max)Armament 9 x 16"/50 20 x 5"/38AA, 80 x 40mm 49 x 20mm, 3 AC. Armor, 12 1/8" Belt, 17" Turrets, 1 1/2" +6" +5/8" Decks, 17 1/4" Conning Tower. Machinery, 212,000 SHP; G.E. Geared Turbines, 4 screws. Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 1921. Operational and Building Data: Laid down by New York Naval Ship Yard, June 27, 1940. Launched August 27, 1942. Commissioned February 22, 1943. Decommissioned March 24, 1949. Recommissioned August 25, 1951. Decommissioned February 2, 1958. Recommissioned April 28, 1984. Decommissioned October 26, 1990. Stricken for disposal 12 January 1995 but retained as a parts source. Reinstated on the Naval Vessels Register and returned to reserve status 4 January 1999. Fate: Preserved as Memorial at 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731