well im back in port Norfolk.

we were out for the yearly ESG-EX. drills and exercises with the ships we are going with for next years deployment. except only two of the 5 other ships actually came out. the rest were "broke down" in port, or so we were told. even then we only did one VBSS drill with one of the ships that actually came out! the rest of the time we did amphib ops with the marines.
we were also supposed to stay out till this Friday. but one of our main engines got a condenser leak at the gasket and flooded the space out. rumor had it at knee level at one point. so the engineers had to shut down the engine and lock the prop. we were then told to head back for repairs, so we made the long, slow trip back from Onslow Bay to Norfolk; 10 knots all the way on one engine. it was quite interesting.

anyway, the next operation to be carried out is Operation: Turkey Blast. Steve will be home and i dont have to work thanksgiving day or the day after; AND i happen to not have duty that whole long weekend! so im making a comeback. except ill fly this time.

also, memorial day weekend i might head back. i have to check the schedule.

if this engine thing isnt fixed soon, we might be in port for longer than expected!