Big Surprize

I just found out that I was selected for promotion to Commander for FY08! That was completely unexpected! See the list here.

I'm Home!

Finally made it back home! Thanks for all of your prayers.

Commissioning Anniversary

18 years (and 30 pounds) ago today, I was commissioned in the Navy. It doesn't seem like it could possibly have been that long ago.

Cruise Book Photo

While I was in admin, I got a copy of my cruise book photo. I have no neck!

Award Photo

I was able to get a copy of the picture from admin of my award presentation. The citation reads:

For meritorious service while serving as Operations Officer for Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 105 from 01 September 2006 to 15 May 2007. Displaying outstanding leadership and superb resourcefulness, LCDR Stein was instrumental in the successful accomplishment of MIUWU 105's "Outstanding" grade of 97.35 percent during the pre-deployment Final Evaluation Problem. He expertly managed the operations of 89 unit personnel and 12 armed patrol craft performing seaward security anti-terrorism/force protection in the Kuwaiti/Iraqi Theater of Operations, which allowed the logistical flow of over 10 million tons of ammunition, military equipment and supplies headed to Iraq to support U.S. and coalition forces. By his unswerving determination, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, LCDR Stein reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Me on Watch

Here I am on watch, trying to finish Mahan's Influence of Seapower on History for my Joint Professional Military Education course.

Big Surprise

We had a Commodore's call today for Navy Coastal Warfare Squadron 34, and then held quarters for our unit (Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 105). After we put out our information, the CO called us to attention for awards presentations. After the awards were done, he called me up and presented me with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal signed by the Commodore. He told me that it was for being thrown into the fire and into the most dynamic position in the unit, and not only surviving, but doing well. Here I was hoping to make it home without being dropped a rank! (Just kidding about that.) I'll see if I can get a picture to post.

Me at work

As requested by Rebecca, here's a picture of me at work. I'll try to get someone else to take the picture next time. As you might be able to see, it's starting to get warm.

Here's a picture of a lizard similar to some I saw going to watch yesterday. One big one (maybe 2 feet long) was running across the road, and there were dozens sunning themselves beside their holes in a field beside the road. Apparently their tails are a delicacy. They are the Spiny-Tailed Agamid Uromastix Microlepis.

Mama Cat

We think this is the Mama cat up at one of our watch sites. She's pretty good size and kept trying to sneak into the boat house. Aliscia specifically requested this, so here goes.

Interesting Critters

Here are some Cuttlefish I saw last night as I was going on watch.

Pearl Harbor Day

Here I am on Dec. 7 on one of our patrol boats.

At San Clemente Island doing CBR training

Here I am "supervising".

I'm "supervising" again, with my arms crossed.

They didn't have enough MOPP gear for everyone, so I had to sit out (I hadn't been issued a gas mask yet).

Sights on the way to Watch

Christmas in the Chapel at Camp Patriot

Christmas in the hootch

My Hootch in Kuwait

Here's my hootch. There's our desk, all my stuff, and my rack. The last is a self-portrait.

Moving into my hootch in Kuwait

Here's my first care package--nose glasses! I've just moved into my hootch in this picture (note the lack of decoration).

In San Diego

Here I am in San Diego before we left for Kuwait.

Getting Ready to Leave

Here I am in front of the C-5 that would eventually take half of us to Kuwait.