Click on a photo to view as slideshow.
Since the boat was at sea for the first couple days of our visit we planned activities for the wives and kids. First was a day at the Honolulu Zoo. The Club provided free admission, a buffet lunch, cake and ice cream, animals to pet and feed and, of course, presents for the kids.
The second night we took the Wardroom wives and significant others to the Luau at the Hale Koa resort.
When the boat returned we had a wonderful reception at the Commodore’s home with the Officers and their wives, including Admiral Caldwell and his wife Donna. The Commodore’s home is on Ford Island and over looks the ARIZONA Memorial, a spectacular setting.
Our group at sunrise preparing to board the boat.
Pulling away from the pier. Note the Navy diver on the bow. When personnel are topside there is always a Navy diver on the bow and the stern.
Exiting Pearl Harbor and leaving the Island behind.
On the way out and also the way back in, there is time to climb to the top of the sail for one of the best on the water experiences ever. Lest you think that is easy to do, it is a 30 foot vertical climb.
When we returned we were picked up by a boat they use for retrieving practice torpedos. The ILLINOIS was going to stay out for the night and take another group of dependents out the next day. All smiles as we departed.
On Saturday, when the boat as back at the Pier a few Club members went down to the boat at 5:00AM and cook breakfast for those sailors who had the duty. This is something we plan to make a regular activity of our visits.
