What’s Up in MIDPAC

PAPUA NEW GUINEA—EARLIER THIS MONTH….

“Hey Mari, How are things going? I’ve tried calling a couple times, had more problems with satellite access.

So, the PNG thing was awesome! Did you see the pictures I sent you? First was the signing ceremony on the focsle. The people in the picture from left to right are the US Ambassador to PNG, the PNG Foreign Secretary, and the Commanding General of PNG Armed Forces (their chairman of the Joint Chiefs). The Foreign Secretary guy had just come back from New York and had delivered an address to the UN General Assembly. I got to talk with all three of them during the reception.

Anyway, during the signing ceremony, the wind blew the treaties off the table and almost overboard, but another JO and I rushed over out of formation and SAVED THE TREATIES right before they went over the side. I grabbed one document, and the JO got the other one by stepping on it, so now his footprint was very slightly on it! We got a good shout out for that.

The reception was cool; I got to hobnob with a bunch of PNG governmental and military folks, showed off my det and helicopter, and I got to have a beer on the ship!

Home is getting closer and closer. I can almost taste it.

Love, Chris”

For the first time in four years, we are not just counting down until the next deployment. He’s HOME!