Tuesday, January 16, 2007

The DC Trip







11JAN07 Thursday. Another Long Day. Convoy Operations. I was tapped as the Convoy Commander. As such, I put together a plan of operation for our Platoon. Was kinda fun. Working the Radios, placing the Gun Trucks within the Convoy. Had several contingency plans in case things went south. What I learned above the “combat Skills” is that with all the gear on, it’s a tight fit in the humvee. Well, we went thru an ambush, IED, as well as worked with the “elder” at a town. All in all, was training that was invaluable.

12JAN07 Friday. Check out. Lots of folks leaving for Kuwait tonight at 5:00PM. Close to about 140 folks hitting the road for a stop-over in Nigeria…..Still got to pack my clean and pack my weapons. Lots of folks doing some last minute packing. My group of folks (about 40 in total) will get onboard a bus, then head for Fort Bragg, NC, then onto DC. Should be an 10-11 hour trip.

13-14JAN07 Saturday-Sunday. What a Long Day. Got up early, and hit the road. Watched some DVDs in route. Stopped at Bragg, dumped about 30 folks and their gear. About 10 folks remained onboard for the continued trip to DC. Watched the 40 Year Old Virgin and the Gladiator. The Bus Ride finished at Regan International Airport at 7:00PM. I got a Rental Van for the Gear then went to Bolling AFB to Check our weapons into the Armory. That was a little adventure all into itself. Finally got to the Hotel at 10:30PM. What a Big Bed…To Sleep in a Room without all the Snoring, a personal Shower, as well as a TV that works….Slept in til 7:30AM on Sunday. Did some running around in the morning. Got back at 1:00PM to watch the Bears Game. What a Game. Well, looks like we will have Monday off. Somebody messed up. Wasn’t me.













Tourista
15JAN07 Monday (MLK Holiday). Today is a Federal Holiday. Believe the folks working my orders overlooked the Holiday. Regardless, is was great to get into DC on the Navy’s dime. Got up lazily at 7:30AM (in my huge bed), read the paper, and worked out at the Gym in the Hotel. My shipmates and I got breakfast, and went to the Law Enforcement Memorial, the Navy Memorial, as well as the Natural History Museum. Full, lazy day. Tomorrow (Tuesday) must go to Anacostia Navy Base and “Check In”. Will update accordingly.




2 comments:

Sharon Brock said...

Hi Doug-
Just chiming in to tell you I love you. Sounds as though you have been extremely busy with your training. I know you will most likely leave on the 30th....Keep safe. I love you, Sharon

Douglas Ramsdell said...

Thanks Sis. If you've been checking in, you'll know my updated travel arrangements have me leaving on the 5th of Feb. Thanks for your continued support. Doug