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USS TRUXTUN DDG 103  and the US Navy

I would like to take up a few minutes of your time today to recap a few days I just had out in Norfolk.

My son Rick has been in the navy just  over 1 year now. I went out to Norfolk on May 7 to be pier side when his ship ( USS Truxtun DDG 103) pulled away for a 7 month deployment. I was able to spend a few days with him prior to him leaving, and was so impressed with the Naval Base and the people on the base. I also was surprised when my son asked if I wanted a tour of the ship and see what type of duties he has. Let me report that it was an experience that everyone should take part in. Of course we could not see it all but I was amazed that what I was able to see took about 1 hour and 1/2. I was introduced to other sailors and Ensigns and Chiefs all who were very nice and willing to talk about the ship and the time they have had on it. On Wednesday  May 11 which was also my sons 23rd birthday, Myself along with his girlfriend and the other sailors family members were able to be on the ship just hours before they were to leave. We again were able to speak with and be with my son and meet his friends family members. The time I spent I was able to develop a mutual bond with other parents and exchanged emails and phone numbers, and both promised to keep in touch and use each other over the next 7 months and to make plans to see each other again at the end of the deployment. At 11:00 AM it was time for the ship to pull away from the dock. Watching everyone standing at the rails as the ship left was truly a feeling you can only experience if your there. Two hours later I was back at the airport flying back to Wisconsin as a proud father of a US Navy Sailor and as an American knowing that the freedom we live with everyday is because of the men and women who serve and have served this country. 

 Thank you .....