Oops! Ron Arrived in NY on Sunday

Walking on Broadway earlier today. :-)
-Ronald, via text and picture message


Ronald called today. He was able to get out and see a bit of New York. It was great to be able to talk with him. The boyz talked with him a bit too.

He said that he was able to look at my blog, and that the USS Mahan did not pull into New York until Sunday. Oops. I put a correction on that blog. I am glad he told me. I hate giving bad information.


Ron sent the photo above via text message with the caption, "Walking on Broadway earlier today. :-)"

He will send pics when he can, and when he does I will share some here.

USS Mahan, HMAS Sydney, and HMAS Ballarat in New York

The Australian naval frigate HMAS Ballarat, right,
is greeted by a fire boat as it enters New York Harbour.
Photo: AP Photo/Craig Ruttle


Correction - Ronald did not pull into New York until Sunday. I misunderstood. Sorry about the misinformation. -Kathryn 07.22.09

Ronald was in New York on the USS Mahan this weekend.

www.earthcam.com has more pics and time lapse photos of its arrival.
Check it out here http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/intrepid/




Here's the story (found at www.navy.mil ):

U.S., Australia Strengthen Partnership During New York Visit
By Lt. Cmdr. Colette Murphy, Navy Office of Information, East

NEW YORK (NNS) -- USS Mahan (DDG 72) escorted two Royal Australian frigates, HMAS Sydney (FFG 03) and HMAS Ballarat (FFG 155), to New York City's harbor July 19 as part of operation Northern Trident (NT09).

More than 400 Australian and nearly 300 American Sailors will be in the city for a four-day visit.

NT09 is a six-month international deployment of the two Australian ships visiting ports in selected North American, Western European and West and North Asian countries.

The Australian ships are scheduled to visit the U.S. ports of New York, Baltimore and Norfolk in reciprocation for the U.S. Navy's "Great White Fleet" celebrations in Australia in 2008. In fact, former President Theodore Roosevelt's "Great White Fleet" around-the-world tour was the inspiration for Operation Northern Trident.

The guided-missile destroyer Mahan met the Australian ships in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the two navies conducted combined operations during the transit to New York, showcasing interoperability and both countries' commitment to the global maritime strategy of cooperation.

"Whenever we conduct exercises with one of our allies, we both learn from each other, and it makes the alliance that much stronger," said Steve Murphy, Mahan's commanding officer.

The three ships will open for public tours July 21. Sydney and Ballarat will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Mahan will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.








Australian Navy warships HMAS Sydney, front, and HMAS Ballarat sail up the Hudson River as they arrive in New York. The ships will berth in New York from July 19-22 to reciprocate the 2008 Great White Fleet centennial celebrations, when the USS Shoup and the USS John S McCain visited Australian shores. Photo: AP Photo/ Trevor Collens


Australian Navy warship HMAS Sydney sails past the Statue of Liberty as it arrives in New York harbor. Photo: AP Photo/Trevor Collens




Two Australian Navy warships, the HMAS Sydney (C) and HMAS Ballarat (rear) arrive in New York harbor accompanied by United States Navy warship USS Mahan (top). Photo: REUTERS/Trevor Collens


The Australian Navy warship HMAS Sydney (foreground) arrives in New York Harbor. Photo: REUTERS/Trevor Collens


Two Australian Navy warships, the HMAS Sydney (front) and HMAS Ballarat arrive in New York Harbor. Photo: REUTERS/Trevor Collens



Two Australian Navy warships, the HMAS Sydney (front) and HMAS Ballarat arrive in New York harbor. Photo: REUTERS/Trevor Collens





Pics came from http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/national/australian-navy-warships-arrive-in-new-york-city/20090720-dpu7.html?selectedImage=0.

USS Mahan in New York

Ronald was in New York this weekend! I wonder if he is in this photo.
My internet friend, Robert Ratliff, posted this on my faceobook wall last night. His son was on the USS Mahan also. Thanks Robert!





Robert Ratliff says, “you gotta love this photo of the sailors aboard the USS Mahan being welcomed to New York on July 19 by a fireboat spraying water colored Red, White and Blue.”

View live photos via a webcam at http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/intrepid/ and select Cam 2.

USS Mahan Will Be In New York This Weekend

Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class J. Scott Campbell. (RELEASED)
Find it at: http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=1391




New York Post says:

If you notice 400 Australians strolling about Times Square this coming weekend, don't just give them a friendly "G'day, mate" -- snap off a nice, stiff naval salute.

The Aussies will be sailors from the HMAS Sydney and the HMAS Ballarat, in town from July 19 to July 22.

They will be marking Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet visit of 1908-09, which flexed American naval muscle during a worldwide voyage.

The two frigates will be escorted into town by the USS Mahan on July 19, cruising past the Statue of Liberty before berthing at Pier 88 beside the Intrepid.

"It's actually the first time Australian ships will be docked in Manhattan," said Australian Consulate spokeswoman Michelle Lee.

The two vessels will allow the public on board from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 21.




This article can be found by following this link:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07132009/news/regionalnews/citys_gday_to_aussie_navy_ships_178928.htm




Yes...I have used the photo of USS Mahan (DDG-72)before.
I love it! It is so unique and beautiful that I want to share it again.

Happy 21st Birthday Ronald!!!

My little Ronnie is 21 today!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Photo of Ronald Floating in the Dead Sea

Ron floating in the Dead Sea.

Ronald had the opportunity to take a tour of Masada and the Dead Sea. He said it was chilly that day. But how often do you get an opportunity to take a dip in the Dead Sea? So in he went.

He said the entire tour was amazing.

In the water he was so buoyant that he did not need to use any part of his body to assist him in staying afloat. He also said that when attempting to go under water in a standing upright position he popped right out of the water like a cork.





**I want to send another great big thanks out to ET1 Lewis. Thanks again for sending this amazing photo, and others!

Pics of Ronald in Masada

Ronald on the bus to the Masada/Dead Sea Tour


Ronnie while at Masada.


Ron at Masada.

I want to send a real big THANK YOU!!! to ET1 Lewis for taking the time to share these photos with me. Thanks!!!









OK. I have a question...




Can you see the family resemblance? HaHa!




Ronald and Shayna
AKA
Ronna and Sissy

Ron's Visit and More

You can pick your friends. And you can pick your nose. But, you can't pick your friends nose. Umm, what about picking your brothers nose?

I got distracted with the busyness of life this week and completely forgot to write!
Sorry


What happened this week?



"Peace out"


Ron came into town for a short visit.


My dad got married last week, but finished moving out this week. Which meant that I needed to pack up the last of his things and put them in one convenient place.


As Dad was moving out of his suite my brother and sister in law were moving in, which meant that all of dads things had to be out of the room and all of their things had to be moved in. I also needed to remove the many boxes I was storing in that big closet and find a new home for it all.


Bye Ronnie! We will miss you!


I took my pre-course course for college. It is required for anyone taking ecourses. I passed with a score of 99%. Yayee!


My boys went to visit their father this week.


I am still working on finding homes for my items that were being stored in my dads closet. They were in the closet instead of the shed because my boys packed the shed in such a way that all the stuff is in a huge heap toward the front. It has been too wet to take everything out so I can put it back in, in an orderly fashion of course. I am unable to put another thing in there unless I throw it toward the back of the shed, which will only make the mess worse.

That's the highlights. I am sure there is much more....oh yeah. The boys went swimming in the pond! I will write about that another day...and post photos!

Ron Is Coming To Michigan!

Ron just called to let me know that he is on his way home to Michigan from Virginia right now. He does not plan on being in town till late tonight. I can't wait!

USS Mahan (DDG 72) Homecoming PhotosAt Naval Station Norfolk, VA April 9, 2009

USS Mahan (DDG 72) homecoming at Naval Station Norfolk, VA after a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility as part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force conducting counter-piracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea.




Family members welcome home Sailors during the ship’s homecoming.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals/Released)


Family members welcome home Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan during the ship’s homecoming at Naval Station Norfolk.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals/Released)


Lt. j.g. Matt Johnson embraces his wife during the ship’s homecoming.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals/Released)


Chief Electrician's Mate Gregory Outman reunites with his three-month old daughter during the ship’s homecoming.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman(SW) Shanika L. Futrell/Released)




Thank you US Navy for continuing to provide us with amazing photos of our loved ones!!! These photos were originally found at http://www.navy.mil/view_photos_top.asp

Ronald Is Home!

Well, not home here, but home in Virginia where he lives.


Ronald

Ronald called late last night but I did not answer because I did not recognize the number. He left a message stating that the battery on his phone was dying and he would call or text tomorrow. I texted back stating that I love him and I will answer next time, now that I know that is his number.

(Yeah, I’m a phone snob. Early on in homeschooling I learned that I must diligently manage the telephone or it would run my life. I am a firm believer that the phone is intended to be a convenience in my life, rather than my master that I must jump to every time it calls. If I am in the middle of something or just don’t feel like answering, I don’t. My friends know to leave a message and I will get back to them when it is convenient. I do answer if the same person calls 3 times in a row because I assume it is urgent.)

He called back this morning and reported that he is happy to be home and enjoying long drives and browsing the local stores. It is quite a treat after living on a ship in the middle of the ocean for the last seven months. He also plans on coming up soon for his friend’s wedding, if he can get the time off.


Man floating in Dead Sea while reading the newspaper.

He said that the best place he had visited was Israel and really enjoyed the tour of where Jesus went during His last days, including the Garden of Gethsemane. He also said that swimming in the Dead Sea was just like the old photo of the man floating as if in a floating chair while reading a newspaper and that you would bob around like a cork in water if you attempted to remain upright.

It was wonderful to hear his voice! And I am thankful that he is safely home and can't wait to see him in real life.

USS Mahan Using UAV Technology

This is so neat! I just read that the USS Mahan (DDG 72) has an UAV system (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) fully integrated into it's combat systems.

The UAV conducts daily surveillance which the ships intelligence specialists monitor looking for pirate related activities.

I also learned that the UAV can fly in the day or at night, and in a covert or overt posture.

That is very cool technology! It sounds like an extremely high tech version of the remote control helicopter toy called Air Hogs.

If you would like to learn more you may find the full article at http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42801




Important note:
This photo is NOT from the USS Mahan, it is the USS Saipan. I just wanted to add an image of what an UAV looks like. The USS Mahan may be using a completely different kind.

Photo of UAV on USS Saipan

TRH: Triage, Rite and Hand, Aboard USS Mahan

USS Mahan has developed a brilliant and compassionate program that addresses critical medical care need while respecting the religious practices of many faith groups. It is called TRH. Triage handles the medical portion of care. Rite, stands for “religious rite” and ministers to the individuals particular faith. Hand is humanitarian type care.



There is a great (and short) informative video HERE. If the link does not work you can go to www.navy.mil and type "USS Mahan Triage Training" in the search bar which is found in the upper right corner.





Isn't this unique photo of the USS Mahan beautiful? You can find it at http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=1391

Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class J. Scott Campbell. (RELEASED)











The beauty of TRH is that it can be used not only during the counter piracy operations, but also during humanitarian and disaster situations.

The TRH team consists of 14 volunteers who are trained to provide emergency medical and spiritual care. If an injured person is brought aboard Mahan they are assessed and treated appropriately. During the course of medical treatment the team allows a time and place for prayer.



The program encompasses all faith groups, but since the ship is currently deployed to the 5th Fleet Area of Operations, Macklin conducted extensive research to increase his understanding of Islamic rites and observances.



Check out what Macklin says about TRH:

"Especially in this AOR (area of responsibility), their faith is their life, and their faith is their family. It is what we call an enmeshed family," said Macklin, originally from Holyoke, Colo.



"In these circumstances, it is very important to know the person coming aboard a ship, before administering assistance. This way, the whole person is being facilitated and true healing can occur. The object must be to look past just physically keeping them alive and instead respecting the complete individual, providing those things that are dear to their life and heart – not just the outer shell.



"In this way we meet them physically, spiritually, mentally and socially," he said.





Wow! What a beautiful way to describe the essence of this program. Plus, I love it when medical people realize that a person is mind body and spirit and strive to treat the whole individual rather than behaving as though they are just a slab of meat to be fixed.



You may find more information at:http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42710

More Photos of USS Mahan going through the Suez Canal

Beautiful isn't it!

Photos of USS Mahan in Split, Croatia

The USS Mahan arrived in Split’s Lora naval harbor on Thursday afternoon from Somalia and will be anchored there until March 24th.

Activities during the visit:
* 03/19 – official visit to the Croatian Navy Fleet
* 03/19 – mutual tour of ships of the Croatian and US navies
* 03/20 – lecture for members of the Croatian Navy “Combat operations against pirates on the sea”
* 03/20 – a small football match between members of the Croatian Navy and USS Mahan crew
* 03/21 – a visit and assistance provided to the Maestral Children’s Home by crew members of the USS Mahan

These photos and a short article on this visit can be found at www.javno.com

Neat Photo of USS Mahan Transiting the Suez Canal Near Ismailia, Egypt March 16, 2009

Photo Caption: Egyptian school children stand on a pier in the port town of Ismailia, 120km northeast of Cairo, as US guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan transits the Suez from the Red Sea towards the Mediterranean on its way back home after a six-month counter-piracy operation around the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. On February 12, the Mahan helped capture nine Somali pirates after responding to a distress call from a merchant ship. The warship is coming from the Indian Ocean where it spent seven months as part of the anti-piracy mission Combined Task Force 151.


I copied this photo and captions from an email I received from Ronald this morning.

Ronald and His Division Aboard the USS Mahan (DDG-72)

He's the happy one in the back.
He is also the tallest sailor in his division so he is usually pretty easy to spot.

Ronald at Work on the USS Mahan (DDG 72)

Ron emailed me the other day to let me know that his picture was posted somewhere on the www.nav.mil website and to do a search for "Mahan pictures".

There are thousands of pictures of the USS Mahan (DDG 72). I learned a lot about his ship and what they do. I will share more about that later.

I spent over an hour searching for his photo. I finally go the bright idea to use his name in the search engine (duh) and...BINGO! His picture popped up immediately.

So, here he is at work. I miss him a lot.