Land, ho!
The United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) arrives in Split, Croatia for a scheduled New Year’s port visit.
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The very early mornings before a port call, during my Navy ship-driving years, were always a time of special excitement and anticipation.
The warship took on an aura of a cruise ship for a few hours. Hearty breakfasts cooking in the galleys. All hands up and out early, (with enthusiasm!). Snappy dress uniforms today instead of working uniforms. The ship spotless from stem to stern.
Dry (stable) land, diplomacy, social events, shore excursions, shopping and a change of pace....just hours ahead.
Throughout the ship, special navigation details prepared to safely maneuver the ship to its pierside berth.
USS Cole (DDG 67)
The sun isn’t even up yet, and the whole ship is abuzz with activity.
In the photo at the top of this post, you can feel the early-morning winter chill in the air as the ship zips along it’s final track towards the coast....a chilly breeze blowing off the land onto otherwise smooth seas.
Sunrise, land, and time off-duty....
A great time, dead ahead!
Land, ho!
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>>Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brianna K. Green, USN