🌟 Countdown to commissioning ‘23: ARE YOU READY??

Mrs. THParent and I have been going to PCola on vacation for decades. We always make sure we're there during the week when they are home. They practice on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Back in the 90's, we used to park our convertible in the same parking lot they used, next to the hanger and my wife would talk to them as they passed. She has no shame when it comes to good looking fit dudes. :p

We used to take lawn chairs and sit on the apron with our lunch. After 9/11 all that changed, of course. They make you go to the museum now and walk out by the static display aircraft. They have bleachers now.

It's still fun, though not quite the same. They ran out of rockets years ago for Fat Albert's RATO takeoffs. That was always my favorite. Lots of smoke and noise making a C130 go nearly straight up is truly something to see.
Literally, “a blast from the past,” for those who have never seen it, a not-best-quality-but-good-where-it-counts video of Fat Albert at Miramar some years ago. I was fortunate enough to see it several times over the years. Whee!

 
Can't fly supersonic above most of the US, so like THParent said, just a bit below.

That is a staple of demonstration teams. If you don't know it's coming, it will definitely shock the s--t out of you!

I was an aircraft mechanic in the Army. My favorite place in the world while in the military was the flight line. Even now, when I travel for work (NASA), and I'm at a place with an airfield, I will wander over to hear the sounds and smell the smells. Always brings a huge smile to my face.

I will be in hog heaven if the dude becomes a pilot and I get to visit him!!
 
We are staying well out of Annapolis at a family member’s house. We finally went into Annapolis tonight for a company party. The vibe in town is incredible. And it’s chamber of Commerce weather. DS is crashing on couches rather than staying with us and that is exactly the right call. His 3 bros will trickle in in the next two days and we’ll be in town mostly thru Friday. We’re grateful spectators. It is soooo great to finally meet most of his friends (and their parents).
 
For our fellow forum parents who are celebrating commissioning week, my heart is with you all and I am living vicariously through your experiences, the wins and the not so muches.

We have booked our rental and will be semper Gumby for all that comes next in 363 days.

Congrats to the Class of 2023, who withstood Covid challenges and all that meant. And to those who lifted you up and supported you, I raise a glass to celebrate for all of you.

Fair winds for the Graduates and best wishes for the next chapter in your journey. Thank you for your commitment to serve this great nation. Take care of each other.
 
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Weather is great here in Annapolis. SUPT. was AWOL from the Reception last night...confirmed by 06 Speech to the group...SUPT. was onboard one of the Jets. Nice reception. DS just made it back to the Yard an hour before as he was at Nationals with the Ultimate Frisbee Team-who ranked #5 in the Nationals this year. DS using Uber vs driving to and from various classmate parties...Go Navy!
 
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I got the feeling this morning that DW was going to play hooky today and spend the day with DD on the Yard …. Sure enough … here’s the proof on my email alerts:

“Navy Federal Security Zone: Information Regarding Your Transaction
The transaction for $320.50 was approved for your credit card ending in [dddd] at NAVAL ACADEMY RETAIL at 10:55 AM EDT on 05/24/23.”

You can kind of guess what my job is …
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I got the feeling this morning that DW was going to play hooky today and spend the day with DD on the Yard …. Sure enough … here’s the proof on my email alerts:

“Navy Federal Security Zone: Information Regarding Your Transaction
The transaction for $320.50 was approved for your credit card ending in [dddd] at NAVAL ACADEMY RETAIL at 10:55 AM EDT on 05/24/23.”

You can kind of guess what my job is …
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Hopefully there’s a ‘lil something in there for you!!!
 
He was an NFO, per my kid.

Blue Angels were awesome as usual. Even the 4 year old kept his stuff together long enough to enjoy them! Also brought along the 17 year old bro to see.

Getting onto the Yard afterward to get my '26's stuff? Nightmare ...... finally got back to stadium lot to get the car, and drove to Gate 1, which was still closed, so had to sit in traffic for over 1/2 hour to just get to Gate 8. Luckily, could get in there, and finally got to pick up all the dude's junk. Then another 2 hours to get home (with a usual 40 minute drive). Long day!
 

Getting onto the Yard afterward to get my '26's stuff? Nightmare ...... finally got back to stadium lot to get the car, and drove to Gate 1, which was still closed, so had to sit in traffic for over 1/2 hour to just get to Gate 8. Luckily, could get in there, and finally got to pick up all the dude's junk. Then another 2 hours to get home (with a usual 40 minute drive). Long day!
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Tractor Supply (or any other Farm supply) has these yard utility wagons … lie flat in the back of most pickups … maybe some bigger SUVs too

Park at Navy Marine Corp stadium and walk to the yard

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For us, during our commissioning week, the post Blue Angel and post Graduation traffic dumps are the absolute WORST traffic jam. In every direction. Gridlock. Even the big buses leaving full of people after the Blue Angels are stuck.

Just plan on a 2hr drive.

Or, better yet, have something to do afterward for a couple hours ( ie: tailgate at the stadium. Tour the museum on the Yard).

I would avoid driving on the yard after the Blue Angels, or color parade….
 
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Yeah, lesson learned. Told the kid we won't be doing THAT ever again! :p

I do know all of the back alley tricks to get around Annapolis, but that still doesn't stop the mess at 50/97.
 
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