On the Waterfront – Pongsona + 20

(Pensacola, Florida; Dec. 8, 2022) –Typhoon Pongsona schwacked the island of Guam twenty years ago today. I arrived on the island for my new assignment at the Fleet Imaging Command, Pacific's photo lab aboard Naval Base Guam barely three weeks earlier in November. I landed on island just after my 32nd birthday, but don't let … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Pongsona + 20

On the Waterfront – Kris Kringle’s Critically Cautionary Christmas Carol

(Pensacola, Florida; Dec. 1, 2022) – The holiday season is upon us! For Christians such as myself, the Christmas season marks the birth of Jesus Christ. For Jews, Hanukkah commemorates the retaking of Jerusalem during the 2nd Century B.C.E., as well as the Miracle of the Oil (when the supply of lamp oil, only enough … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Kris Kringle’s Critically Cautionary Christmas Carol

Travel Log – The Tennessee Aquarium

Travel Log – The Tennessee Aquarium (Pensacola, Florida; September 2, 2022) – The Tennessee Aquarium offers a whale of a good time as its sleek, modern facility schools visitors in the life of fish, eels, stingrays, and other aquatic life. The aquarium was established along the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga back in 1992. Since … Continue reading Travel Log – The Tennessee Aquarium

On the Waterfront – Sailing into History – An American Lion’s Independence Day

(Pensacola, Florida; July 4, 2022) – The amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) is now enjoying her sunset days in a Texas scrapyard, her long career over and her decks quiet until the torches begin their work. However, the Proud Lion represented the Navy—and, by extension, the United States—on many occasions throughout her history. … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing into History – An American Lion’s Independence Day

Past Exploration – Tracking Marine Corps History on Guam

(Pensacola, Florida; June 30, 2022) – World War II forever shaped the legacy of the Chamorro people and Guam after the Japanese captured the island from U.S. control in 1942. The Japanese occupation was brutal, even reaching heights of such cruelty as a Chamorro death march across the island to relocation camps. U.S. forces finally … Continue reading Past Exploration – Tracking Marine Corps History on Guam

Mental Health – Tossing Toxic Tails on the Tarmac

(Pensacola, Florida; June 16, 2022) – I threw Alvin out of my house and life only 48 hours into a five-day visit. ‘Alvin’ is not his real name, but we’ll use it here. I met him in Virginia’s Hampton Roads area back in 2014 when my ex-wife and I first separated. I was predictably devastated … Continue reading Mental Health – Tossing Toxic Tails on the Tarmac

On the Waterfront – On Eagle’s Wings

(Pensacola, Florida; June 9, 2022) – I possess the oddest collection of personal connections to ships I never served aboard. Just as one example: despite numerous attempts, I never set foot aboard the carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65)—even as a mere visitor. However, every ship I did sail aboard participated in an official formation photo-op … Continue reading On the Waterfront – On Eagle’s Wings

On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst

On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst (Pensacola, Florida; April 26, 2022) – The ex-USS Ponce (LPD 15) has arrived at her final berth in Texas at the scrapper’s yard. So, it’s time for another ‘On the Waterfront’ sea story about the Proud Lion and the adventures of her intrepid crew, … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst

On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: The Greatest Seaman

(Pensacola, Florida; April 21, 2022) – I posted the original version of this column nearly two years ago while I was still in Washington State. However, as the Proud Lion is sailing into history now, this memory has taken up pride of place in the formation of memories gliding along the channel for the Grand … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: The Greatest Seaman

Just My Thoughts: You Don’t Fight R@cism by being R@cist

(Pensacola, Florida – Feb. 2, 2022) – You don’t fight racism by being a racist. That seems like a pretty simple statement, right? Engaging in racist behavior is patently anathema to building a social contract in which all human beings are afforded equal opportunity. However, it’s been occurring to me for about, oh, nearly thirty … Continue reading Just My Thoughts: You Don’t Fight R@cism by being R@cist