MAYPORT, Fla. — When I was handed this assignment I didn’t know what to expect. I was warned about the showers and the sea sickness, but thankfully neither was a major issue.
To be honest, nothing would prepare me for the experience of getting to see firsthand what life at sea is like for our men and women in uniform.
Thanks to this experience, I have a newfound appreciation for our military. Not that I didn’t appreciate them before… trust me I do, my fiancé is a former Navy sailor himself and my brother served in the Air Force, and even has a tour in Iraq under his belt. But actually living the military lifestyle is a different story.
So much goes into making that ship work, from the sailors who made our breakfast, to those who made sure the bathrooms were clean, to those manning the radars or standing watch. Someone is always working on the ship, 365 days a year, 24/7.
Every single 1,483 sailors aboard the Fort Mac and the Iwo Jima has a story to tell, their Marine attachments do too. Why they joined, the families they left behind, the difficulties they face every day…but one sailor from Ghana told me, being in the Navy makes him feel special and that his uniform commands respect. Other sailors I spoke with told me they come from a long line of Navy sailors, others didn’t know what to do after high school. Regardless of why they joined, their willingness to give up so many comforts to serve our country is commendable.
As for today, my photographer and I got to ride aboard an Osprey, which picked us up on the ship and took us to Naval Station Mayport. I still feel like I’m swaying on a ship while sitting at my desk. My body was starting to get used to it, the best part was getting rocked to sleep in the room I shared with two other Navy women.
Everyone aboard from the commanding officer to our amazing public affairs officers made us feel at home. It was an honor to report aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
Now NS Mayport has all three ships that make up the ARG…and more are coming!