Tuesday, August 2, 2011

76°17.569’ W

36°50.638’ N

Waterside Marina

Norfolk, Virginia



Japanese ships

As we were watching the morning news on TV we learned that three ships from Japan were visiting the City of Norfolk! This was to be a historical event and in walking 

The Admirals

 distance from our boat! I went to the back of our boat and saw the first ship on the dock and watched as the tugs were turning and positioning the second one. Within a short period of time all three ships were secured to a dock that was part of the Nauticus, and Hampton Roads Naval Museum home to the decommissioned Battleship Wisconsin. For those who know and appreciate WWII history this was quite a historical event considering the events of Pearl Harbor!



Mayor of Norfolk

As a supporter of the US Navy we went to the museum hoping to get close enough to photograph the three ships. As we were walking around they were setting up for an official ceremony to welcome the ships crew when Barb and I were invited to stay and watch. The whole ceremony lasted about a half 

Admiral Harvey and Skip

an hour with music, the Mayor of Norfolk, State officials and lots of military top brass. There was a wreath laying ceremony and words of international cooperation by the Admiral of the visiting fleet. Following the Japanese presentation the US Admiralty welcomed the Japanese Admiral, staff and crew. When the ceremony was completed I asked the highest ranking Admiral wearing four stars for a photo opt. The Admiral J.C. Harvey Jr., Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command was more than cordial 

Admiral Harvey and Skip

and as the pictures show was very personable and down right friendly. It’s taken me 50 years 

The flags

but I finally got to speak to the head guy! We exchanged business cards before he left the area.

The rest of the day was spent touring the museum and walking the decks of the Iowa Class battleship Wisconsin, the last battle wagon to serve this country.



Battleship Wisconsin

John and Barb Flint our cruising companions for most of Canada and Lake Superior came to our boat for a visit. As always we had a great time and ended up at a restaurant for dinner. We plan to visit their home for a few days before moving the boat north to Washington DC next week!