Thursday, May 17, 2007

Look for the big X - you can't miss it.

























070517-N-1134L-001 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 17, 2007) - Midshipman 4th Class Jamie Schrock celebrates on the steps of the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel after successfully replacing the traditional “plebe” cover with a midshipman’s cover at the annual Herndon Climb. The freshmen of the Class of 2010 worked together to propel Schrock to the top of the 21-foot obelisk covered in more than 200 pounds of lard. Schrock, a native of Detroit, reached the top in 1:32:42, symbolizing the successful completion of the midshipmen’s freshman year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Croft (RELEASED)

















070515-N-0841E-032 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 15, 2007) - Marines from Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) 22 come aboard amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge along with MEU-22 are participating in Composite Unit Training exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for a scheduled deployment later this year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd class Oscar Espinoz (RELEASED)


















070514-N-8923M-068 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 14, 2007) - Sailors from deck department keep their distance as an anchor chain is released into the ocean during a precision anchoring exercise in the forecastle aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Kevin T. Murray Jr. (RELEASED)


















070512-N-9604C-005 SAN DIEGO (May 12, 2007) - A little boy has his face painted military style at the Welcoming Arms Festival hosted by Naval Medical Center San Diego. The festival was held to celebrate the return of medical personnel and their families who have been deployed overseas. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Shannon K. Cassidy (RELEASED)

















070515-N-2659P-059 ARABIAN SEA (May 15, 2007) - Yeoman Seaman Recruit Robbi Montoya tracks supplies brought aboard Nimitz-class carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN74) during a replenishment at sea with USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) and USS Antietam (CCG 54). John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is on deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins (RELEASED)




I remember one time at Microsoft I told Wally Simpson he resembled "Bosley" from the original "Charlie's Angels." He responded with a "where did that come from?" I'm not really sure if he was surprised that I said that. He was the guy I was kidding about having a band degree. Another time in 1999, I heard he was spreading rumors about me being on a rooftop of a nearby high-rise building with a sniper rifle. I don't know what they were doing - were they trying to get me to demonstrate my skills? I have a symbolic and artificial memory of standing security guard on the USS Wainwright CG-28 in a foreign port and someone on the pier was yelling at me to pull my pistol out of my holster. I responded that I only pulled it out to use it.



Each one is completely unique, and anyone will appreciate the intricate craftsmanship that goes into them. They are infinitely individual, wearable art.