This was a pretty interesting day that, again, we packed a lot into! Went out to the marina to get some tugboat time, Tom teaching me how to drive a tug, but the boat was out on a job. . . So, being flexible, we went to USMC Base Quantico, to do a little Base Exchange shopping. This is at the main entrance:
It's a pretty drive through the base:
One the way, Tom decided to show me where it all began for Officers joining the Marine Corps by going to OCS (Officer's Canidate School) where Rock and Barbara Ashford's daughter is a company or platoon commander. We parked and the signs say "All Visitors Check In With The S-3" so being law-abiding citizens, we stopped in and asked for Capt Brooke Ashford. She had finished for the day and was on Commander's Rest (They start at 4:30 in the morning, so by the afternoon, they are spent). So we left a message and walked back to the car via the Obstacle Course. Tom and I spent many an hour having to run this course:
We were here in the late 70's, if I remember back that far (or early 80's - anyway, a LONG time ago)
It doesn't look to difficult, and it's not, but you are exausted at the end of it! I'm sure my Luke would have no trouble, but it would be fun to watch him run it, for time . . . See if he could beat his old man!?!? I doubt it . . . ;-)
Of course, Quantico is the home of HMX-1. This is the squadron that flies the President around. Here is one of the CH-53s that he uses practicing touch and go's.
The Air Force has Air Force - One, this is Marine Corps - One. . . .
After OCS, we went to the exchange and got some Marine gear. The guy called that had the boat out, and we went back to the marina for some lessons:
Here is the tug again
I finally got my chance to skipper this big beast, and I think I did pretty well, according to Capt Tom
I didn't get to do any high speed work, because anyone can drive a boat at high speed. Instead, Tom gave me a test on SLOW speed manuevers. Holding it stead a few inches from the docks, with no motion, while the tide was moving in and the wind was blowing, and the misquitoes were biting. He had me sweating BB's for an hour or so, holding stationary position and finally backing the beast back into it's slip. It was different than a normal boat because it doesn't have props. The big engine turns a water jet to go forward (very powerful) and a "bucket" that goes over the jet to make it go in reverse. Tom set the RMP and I had to do the rest with NO THROTTLE. . . Just using the bucket to go forward and back and stationary 1111 It was a fun time, and I'm nowhere even close to his skill level, but I feel I could catch up pretty quick. Tom has over 500 tows, so he has the experience check mark on me.
We went to Tom's house and the party started: My old friend, Tom's brother, Dorsal (Ed Finn) and his lovely wife Lei, came over for dinner. Eddie and I were in VMFA 221 in Hawaii and did a couple of West Pac tours together (and quite a few other things together I can't mention in mixed company ;-) Here is me and the big guy at the table talking guns
What . . . You talkin' to me . . . ???? You don't know me . . . . .
Here is the crowd at the table. Tammie had smoked some chicken outside all afternoon and it was delicious:
Tom's son, Tom (here we go again . . . ;-) and wife were also there with grandson Tom rounding out the table! If Tammie had only served a young "Tom" turkey - I could of had some fun with that!
We had a great time talking and again, telling war stories and laughing into the night Here are the married couples :)
And the Three amigos
And here are the other three amigios! Reba, Phoebe and Annie (and Tom's son, Tom's dog, Layla - the bigger one ;-)
A great bunch of Mini Marbles (Aussie's)
And Tom's daughter in law, about ready to pop! Due next week . . . Good luck Erin!
Tom had a 5am wake up for a tow and I was hitting the road west so we called it a night! Def a good time!
Thank you to Tom and Tammie Finn. A long lost brother appears at your door and you take him in like he's family!, Well, I guess I am family, but thanks for you hospitality and time and the great food. It was a wonderful visit that we'll have to do more often.
Good night to all. . . .
LUKE Out!
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