USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ USS DECATUR DDG 73 ~ November 21 2002

68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub and FRiends of the Canteen

[TEXOKIE]

Do we have all our stuff assembled for the boat ride now? I cant believe yall waited for me to get back! We are attired in our comfy clothes, we have FOOD, we have life jackets and duck slippers, and the engine is running. Are we set yet to take this boat out for a spin?

[TEXOKIE]

Glad you're back, Tonk! Sounds like an awesome day!

Are you gonna go on the boat ride with us?

[Soaring Feather]

Have a good trip, hon, I'm in bed!!

Now girlz you behave, not too much rocking or you know what will happen.....capsized cuties!!! LOL

[Valin]

It really wasn't that long ago that the china clipper was cutting edge stuff.

Enjoy yourself on vacation.
This is NOT a suggestion! :-)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Cast off. Who's steering? Last time tomkow wanted to steer. Sounds like y'all have taken care of everything, including food, entertainment and safety. Good and well done job!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Homeland Security
We Do That, Every Day...

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 8. 2002 -- Secretary of Transportation, Norman Y. Mineta, talks to the newly commissioned crew of
MSST 91103.

USCG photo by PA3 Louis M. Hebert

[TEXOKIE]

Thanks, bentfeather! I guess I'll go give this thing a spin and see how she handles. I'm so glad it was made available to us! I hope you enjoyed your ride earlier!

You have sweet dreams tonight! Hugs!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Yes, Sir! Message received. d:o)

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Are you gonna go on the boat ride with us?"

I've been on that same exact boat a few times.
Here is another pic of it.


52' Motor Lifeboat Intrepid
Generally regarded by their crews as the "Cadillac" of the motor lifeboats, these boats answer the call when heavy weather conditions are too severe for any other rescue boat. Built in 1960 to replace wooden-hulled ships that carried the same names since the 1930's, these steel-hulled 52-foot motor lifeboats can withstand 100-mile per hour winds and sea swells up to 35 feet. These are the only Coast Guard vessels under 65 feet that have names. Only four 52-footers are in service, all in the Pacific Northwest. They are built to withstand the most severe conditions at sea and are capable of effecting a rescue at sea even under the most difficult circumstances. They are self-bailing, self-righting, almost unsinkable, and have a long cruising radius.
Missions: Search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and recreational boating safety.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Enjoy yourself on vacation.
This is NOT a suggestion! :-)"

Tell her Brother!

[Kathy in Alaska]

"Then in the afternoon was out on one of the 47' boats while it was practicing towing the other 47' boat."

Weather conditions? Sea conditions?

"I can say "I was there when....."

How cool is that to be a part of the making of history. A big step in American history here. *HUG*

"Several of my Brothers made it a point to tell me how much they appreciate me pitching in in the Operations Office."

Dedication and pride in ones work shows through to those who know what is involved in the jobs that must be done, and done well.

[TEXOKIE]

WOW! Thanks for the picture and article on the boat, Tonk! She handles like a dream, and I didnt even get too wet! Did good, huh?

Well, I'm off to bed now. It has been a fun time at the canteen today.

God bless the folks on the USS Decatur as well as all who serve this nation in uniform.

[Kathy in Alaska]

This is terrible, Dubya. These people will not be happy until the complete annilation of the State of Israel and her people. I believe that they will have a neverending wait. Peace is not on the agenda. But the State of Israel is strong.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

God Bless You
Sweet Dreams
Thanks for helping support our military!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thank you, TEXOKIE, for your every day dedicaton to making the Canteen a piece of home for our troops, veterans, and their families to visit, be welcomed, and know that they are honored for the jobs they have done, and continue to do in protecting our freedoms. We will NEVER forget, or allow it to happen again.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Weather conditions? Sea conditions?"

Light fog patches, temp around 52, seas pretty calm.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Not bad. Our take-off from Seattle was delayed 30 minutes due to fog. Did you wear these?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hiya, blackie. Thanks for bumping by.

[southerngrit]

Thanks for all you do. I've been lurking all day, but never had the time to post. Had the unpleasant experience of discovering that the two soldiers shot in Kuwait were from my neck of the woods -- this is hitting too close to home. Please pray for them both and ping all of your contacts to do so, also. These men were called up to active duty from the Army Reserve in Lake Charles, LA.

I'm not quite sure of my feelings - initially, shock, then concern, and I'm well on the way to lusting for revenge.

I'll have to sleep on this and do a lot of praying. Of course, I do that anyway for all of our troops, but I haven't had this feeling of frustration since 'Nam.

God bless you and all active and retired troops for all that you do.

[Kathy in Alaska]

"If you have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say Cool Whip on the side."

I like this one.