USS Bonhomme Richard LHD 6

You might remember our next-door neighbor Louie who made the “McKenna’s Peaches” sign; well he is a Lieutenant in the Navy. We had the honor and privilege to join him, his wife and son and a few other neighbors on board the USS Bonhomme Richard for the friends and family day cruise. Really there is not much more to say about this experience other than that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Louie and coincidentally another neighbor Shannon, who is in the Marines, will be shipping off to the Middle East this fall for 7 months aboard this ship.

Todd and me with Lieutenant Gasca and his wife TinaAll of us

On the flight deck Drills on the dock across the way

One of the little tugboats that actually moves this gigantic ship away from the dock.One of the fascinating naval security boats that kept all of the other boats away from our untouchable ship while we were in the harbor.Going out to seaBarley clearing the Coronado BridgeLouie in his room that he shares with one other officerIn the officer dining roomWhile we were out at sea in the open ocean they showed us all sorts of stuff including landing helicopters, simulating a water rescue, moving a Harrier Jet, shooting live fire, and demonstrating the LCAC hovercraft. Resting and waiting for the hovercraft to come by. We had to go up and down some crazy ramp as well as crazy stairs (they were more like ladders)Louie in the engine room where he worksWe are so grateful to Louie for giving us this amazing experience…we will never forget it.