Aboard the John C. Stennis
For those who want to share some of the sights aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier, and a few pictures of Rachel, me and her airplane, here’s the link.
For those who want to share some of the sights aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier, and a few pictures of Rachel, me and her airplane, here’s the link.
Fantastic pictures. I especially like the one of you and Rachel; it looks full of joy. Thank you for sharing!
Wow, what a ‘tour”, almost like being there. Thank you, Skip for letting us ‘aboard’!.
Love that last picture of the proud Dad with her lovely daughter :- )
That must have been quite an adventure.
Blessings to you and Rachel,
Ester
I have been getting emails that basically equate all military equipment with killing, torture and aggression. Some have even come from Israel. I find this quite strange since if it were not for the technology and the deterrent represented by the kinds of aircraft Rachel works on, Israel would have been pushed into the sea by the Islamic radicals. Funny world where even the presence of power is viewed as evil. I wonder if the complainers would have the freedom to voice their opinions in a world without such a deterrent.
. . . its just because the complainers want to be the ones with all the power.
Hi Skip,
I’m gratefull for the U.S. forces that liberated my country from the nazi’s. The fact that I can speak out freely is only possible thanks to the people who were willing to fight against evil. In this world it is necessary to be strong.
But there is onother side of the same coin. God specifically warns Israels kings not to rely on military force, because He knew that would make them independent of Him. Gideon needed only 300 man to passively watch God defeat the enemy. I´m not saying we should become passive. As long as a government wants to subject to God, well, it´s OK to be strong. But what if they reject Him?
I can´t see the US government serving God, at the moment. Hope they will not abuse this power. But I fear in future they just might ….
Shabbat SHALOM!
B.t.w. today is the day we in Holland remember all who died in WW II.
Yes, I have the same fear, but not because of the men and women in the military at the operations level. My experience with them convinces me that they are fine, upstanding, God-fearing people who are making significant sacrifices in order to protect us, and they know this. My fear is the politicians who run the show whose hunger for power and lack of compassion knows no bounds. My fear is those who would make short-term decisions to insure their own success but would abandon any sense of responsibility for generations to come. As the current “leader” said, “It not a problem now.” Would that these officials were required to spend a month or two in the trenches or on the ships, they might change their minds about serving in the name of the Lord.
Yes, Skip, I 100% agree! My nephew is in the military and is a God fearing young man. He also wants to serve his God and country. Respect!
I struggle with this issue also. I am glad to read your observation of the folks who are actively serving. That is the attitude I pray for.
This country has much to learn in the way of suffering I’m afraid. The majority of our leadership is corrupt and heady with power seeking. Reminds me a lot of what I read of ancient Rome before she fell.
Yes, and when I lecture on the cruise ship of the Greek islands, I talk a lot about Rome and the fact that we are making the same mistakes and heading in the same direction.
Great pictures, thanks for sharing Skip! You are definitely a PROUD PAPA, and should be.
Blessings!
She sure is a beauty! Blessings to you both.
Beautifull pictures. If this was my daughter I would be very proud!
Those are great shots! Rachel looks like she’s doing so well! Thanks for sharing!
I, for one, am thankful that the US has, so far, refused to back down from aggression and kept Israel (and others) from obliteration. Is it perfect? Do we always do it well? Maybe not, but at least we try. I hope Rachel feels our pride in the work she is doing.,
HI Skip,
Really nice pictures. I love the ones of the jets in flight. Did you shoot all these (at least the ones you are not in hehe)?
What do the letters by your daughters name (that are on the jet) mean? Does she fly?
I am new to the community but I am liking what I am seeing.
I shot almost all of these. I met the PR photographer on the ship and he gave me a few. All great shots. The letters on the jet are Rachel’s designation. She is the plane captain for that jet, which means she has oversight on everything that happens to 503. She is also an AO (airman ordinance). Glad you have joined us.
Thanks for the welcome–Glad to be here!
Sorry to be obtuse but is she a pilot then?
I have long wanted to know more about how life works on these huge ships that bristle with weapons!
No, she is not a pilot. Pilots are officers. She is enlisted. But she is responsible, at age 20, for a $40 million piece of technology and the LIFE of the pilots (the aircraft carries 4). Growing up fast!
Her squadron is the last of the A-6 Prowlers. They will be removed from service and replaced with the much more advanced F-18. Here is a link to the new aircraft she will be working with. One of the photos shows the Super Hornet breaking the sound barrier.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F/A-18E/F_Super_Hornet
What wonderful memories you and Rachel both will share for years to come! What a privilege it must have been for you to have been invited to “come aboard” and spend time with your beautiful daughter. I was an “AE” (way back in the day!) and also remember the EA6’s and the incredible ordnance with which they are equipped. Was it Teddy who said, “speak softly, but carry a big stick?” Thank you Rachael and all who serve with you aboard the John C. Stennis, and may we all continue to pray for peace.
Thanks Carl. I met a lot of AE’s. All great people with real commitments to serve. The most impressive thing about these “kids” is their willingness to endure considerable hardship in order to protect the rest of us. I don’t take that for granted any more!
She has certainly grown a lot if she is happy to have her Dad with her at work. Amazing. Great hope for us with teens! She seems to be a wonderful and committed young woman with a clear purpose. Congratulations Skip.