OT, Still great to be an American.

[Ladder7]

Last week the bride and I rode up to Playalinda Beach, just north of Canaveral, to catch this rare sight. This is the last time both birds will be on their perch together and only nine launches left (134 in total, I believe). One pad will be dismantled after vehicle lifts off, as NASA preps for the next program. Enjoy

*Photo stolen from www.space.gs. Our photos aren't nearly as close nor as clear and my giant freak head is in 'em anywaze.

Atlantis, Endeavor. Enjoy;

[ullmandds]

cool...anchors away...er, I mean blast off!

[terjung]

We love watching the shuttles launch. They call them "shuttle shots" here and people gather in the street to watch them go up. Here is a picture of the last one that went up as viewed from our backyard in the Tampa Bay area (across the state from Canaveral).

[Ladder7]

'aweigh' Pete. Sorry, ex-Navy

[carrigansghost]

It's hard to get that salt out of our blood,(Plankowner USS Theorore Roosevelt CVN-71)

Rawn

[JasonL]

That is one of those things that we all tend to take for granted, I'm afraid, myself included.
The liberties and opportunities available to us here in the US
The importance of friends and family
Our health.
-are all aspects of our life that we assume, but should take the time to stop and think about more often.
we are very fortunate.

[Jacklitsch]

Originally Posted by carrigansghost

It's hard to get that salt out of our blood,(Plankowner USS Theorore Roosevelt CVN-71)

Rawn

Agreed. USS Forrestal CVA 59 (1961-1963)

Oh, cool pics.

[Ladder7]

Steve, I worked Sickbay at MayportNS dispensary in the 70's. Last homeport for the Forrestal CV59 and the Sara CV60.

I have a lotta respect for the Carrier guys. Had to be the toughest duty in the USN. But jeez, did you all have latex allergies?.. We had to stockpile the reefers with cases of Pennicillin when She was steaming home from the Med. Talk about a pandemic.

[Jacklitsch]

Originally Posted by Ladder7

Steve, I worked Sickbay at MayportNS dispensary in the 70's. Last homeport for the Forrestal CV59 and the Sara CV60.

I have a lotta respect for the Carrier guys. Had to be the toughest duty in the USN. But jeez, did you all have latex allergies?.. We had to stockpile the reefers with cases of Pennicillin when She was steaming home from the Med. Talk about a pandemic.

Ah yes, the Med. Did one cruise in 1962 for six months. Best time I ever had in my life!!

Now if you want to talk pennicillin, that was reserved for the boys returning from the Caribbean cruises. Montego Bay, Port-o-Prince, etc.

BTW, in good old days the Forrestal was an "attack" carrier, ergo CVA.