2023 Ship's Reunion

With our captain, Bary Burrow attending it was the largest reunion for USS Towers sailors in many years. 

I arrived at the end of day one and ran into the captain as he left the dinner in a nearby restaurant. 

Today marks one week since the handshake in the photo to the left. It was deeply emotional. This man turned a bunch of young sailors and old salts into one hell of a crew and when the time came to go places and face off with bad guys, we were the absolute best and knew we'd win any scenario we found ourselves in. Our time in the Persian Gulf had some smaller events unfold, but (sadly) it was mostly uneventful. 

While we were there, Captain Burrow tried his damnedest to first, get me in an officers program, and then simply keep me in the Navy. The Navy didn't have the options the younger me wanted and I left the greatest ship, crew, and Navy to become a civilian. 

Fast forward to 2023 and the sailors of the USS Towers are gathering in Bremerton, Washington. For the first time, the 1980's sailors are there in force. What a fantastic week. What's stunning is that other than our physical appearance (and fitness), no one has changed.  We are who were have always been, and for nearly forty years we've been shipmates.  For those who don't know a shipmate is pretty much a brother. Whether you like them or not is unimportant, we love each other like family. It comes from the shared experiences while underway and while exploring mysterious new places around the world. 

The reunion gave us all the opportunity to visit the USS Turner Joy, not exactly like Towers, but close enough that we all found ourselves telling even more stories.  Every direction we looked there was something familiar to touch and a dozen stories to go along with it. 

The week went by way too fast. The feeling while there is inexplicable, but I'll try; it's like a high, comfort and familiarity unlike anything else. 

And when it ends the group is huddled, still sharing stories in the hotel lobby. It seems like no one wants to leave. It literally takes hours to peel ourselves away. 

By my side, the entire time is my wife. I cannot say enough positive things about how she loves and supports me. She seems to get as much reward from the visits within the reunion as I do.  I love her so much for that - and for being the glue that keeps me together. 

When we get home, the world flips. Back to work is always a post-vacation hurdle for everyone, but this is different. Flung back into the everyday work relationships that are seen as so close, and bonded - they suddenly feel less-than and somewhat hollow. Do we really have each other's back like we say? Because when I compare it to the bond I have with those shipmates, it comes up short.  That's not to say we don't care about each other (a lot) in this civilian workplace, but it is far from that battle-ready bond that affects a warship's crew for life. Which is sad. So sad that I can't help but shed some tears. My shipmates and I went through a lot.  

So now I ask myself why I am going through these hollow motions and not living life, breathing it in,  traveling, and having new experiences?  After all, I am now sixty years old. The proverbial clock is ticking. Loudly. Why am I giving so much of myself to others and other efforts (that I volunteer with), when it doesn't resonate with me the way this other experience does.  

The only other experience that resonates this way is with my wife and sons. 

There it is.  The difference.

The bonds of family, whether by blood, love, or service - bind for life.