U.S.S. Michael Murphy

Wow, it has been a while since I have blogged about anything!  I guess it is a result of the kids being back in school and me working, but we really haven't been getting out and doing anything new lately.  I have already posted pictures of the kids at our favourite beaches, at the park we go to, at their schools etc., and I have been waiting for something *new* to write about.

Last Thursday we certainly had an unusual experience.  The newly commissioned U.S.S. Michael Murphy, a US Navy Destroyer made its first ever port call in Barbados.  It left New York late last week, with very much pomp and circumstance, and it is on a trip that will take it through the Panama Canal and eventually to its home port in Hawaii. As a part of my job I was able to organize tours for our families who were interested in going on board, and we got to take the boys to see what all of the fuss was about.

One of the many nice sailors who took their time to explain to the kids about life on board a navy ship.  They answered questions ranging from "how far can that gun shoot?" (answer: all the way to the horizon) to "how do you keep your hats on when it gets so windy out at sea? (answer: we take them off!)" 

 Stopping to take a look at the missile bays on deck.

The "five inch gun" which looks a little bit larger than the name implies!  Apparently it can shoot as far as the horizon.  Glad they weren't running any tests while we were on board.  The red circle on the ground (right were we are posing for the picture) is the circle of danger when the gun is in use.  Shells hit the deck so hard there are repair marks all around the gun!

 Ryan's "WHAT!?" face.  

The helicopter hanger on board.  The red square in the foreground is a pad that the helicopter lands on out on the deck.  It is on its own track so the helicopter can be rolled into the hanger for safe keeping.

Out on the deck where a helicopter would land.... and a family picture at the official photo spot.