So,
This deployment is finally coming to an end. We will wrap up this coming Friday and return to CONUS (Continental U.S. - for those non-military types). I actually have time to write this as I am sitting in my room waiting out a Typhoon! I think this is my 6th. Well, here is a small synopsis of this deployment.

Although I was not in the war zone, which I admit I regret as I don't like having friends in harms way and not being able to help them, I was graced with the opportunity to see a great deal of the South Pacific. I spent time in Guam, Iwo Jima, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and even crossed the equator to Indonesia, although we never got to dry land in that country. (I don't know why a country that sees the US as an enemy wouldn't want 3,000+ infantry Marines on their soil to help out after a catastrophic earthquake. We did send Army Navy and Air Force doctors and engineers though. I would like to add that when they interviewed the local military personnel at the earthquake site, they said that they didn't understand why the US was helping them, as their government has told them for the past 10 years that we are planning an invasion and want to eradicate them from the earth. He said that he has some questions for his superiors. I'm sure he's now having dinner with Allah, on his superior’s orders. Can't be having questions now, that's bad for business. Oh well, maybe someday they'll be able to express themselves freely.)

Sorry, bout the tangent... I have a habit of doing that. Well, I would like to interject that Korea has one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples I have ever seen in my life. Guam was amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone wanting good relaxation at a great price. Thailand... well, everything you have ever heard about Thailand is true, but one thing I never knew is that their King is the longest ruling monarch in history (60 years) and the people absolutely love him. He actually holds a day each year were he allows ANY of his people to come and speak with him in person about their concerns with the country, the government, personal problems or anything thy wish to discuss. That's an amazing trait in a leader. He has been known to change government policies based on these meetings!

Life on the USS Essex was not all that bad. The standard of living was far superior to like in Iraq on the Syrian border, that's for sure.

And Okinawa, well I've done this bit before and I love the place, but it is definitely lacking in something... Oh yeah, MY FAMILY!!! I had a blast when they came out to visit. I wouldn't mind being stationed out here for a few years. I think I might like to do it with an ANGLICO unit though. (Ground unit: Air and Naval Gunfire LIaison COmpany). We'll see.

Well, I'll stop babbling. I can't wait to get home. I'm going to Catalina Island; I'll be assisting in the Annual on my airplane and doing some general relaxing.

So,
Take care of yourselves and keep up the good fight on the home front, and I'll be there soon to help out!

Semper Fi