My Blog, My Life, My Way Ahead

I am launching this Blog today to personally tell the emotional story of my life, to revisit the good ole days, the good times, and the not so good times -- living and thriving in DC, specifically Southeast and my adventures beyond these borders. I've decided to name it "The Life and Limericks of a DC Maverick" because I believe there is much to do and learn in this culturally-rich, politically-challenging cosmopolitan city -- Writing is my unfound passion and Running is my life blood with legs to grow and never go weary.

Joyous celebration for graduation

First, a little about me and what I do for a living.  I have been serving my country as a Navy Sailor for 17 1/2 years -- yes most of my adult life.  Actually, I enlisted when I was just 17 (signed the paperwork at the MEPS station a day after I turned legal).  After a couple of years stationed in Japan and then having the fortune to be selected for the grueling but rewarding BOOST (Broadened Opportunities for Officer Selection and Training), the Navy awarded me an NROTC scholarship to study at Univ of Florida (Go Gators!) I labored and toiled through arduous Engineering curriculum from 87 to 92 and was commissioned a surface warfare officer, yearning to explore the high seas.

Delta Company PT after class

After Surface Warfare Officer School, I was assigned to USS O'BANNON (DD-987)  (which happened at that time to be high and dry in the Charleston Naval Shipyards) where I served as the Fire Control Officer and Navigator.  I have pulled charts for hundreds of Sea and Anchor details and I had the blessed opportunity to serve as Navigator during our Counter Drug operations in the Caribbean in 94-95.  Stayed busy the entire time -- it was so exhausting but so rewarding.  It was aboard the ship in the Great Seas that I realized that I was indeed a very small clog in a mammoth wheel -- there was a lot to learn and a lot to look forward to.

Nine years ago, I lateral transferred to become a public affairs officer -- media officer and spokesman.  For the most part, I respond to queries from the press, the public, NGOs, whomever asks and has a right to know regarding a wide-myriad of  issues relating to the Navy or DoD.

This has been an extremely rewarding job for me -- one that has landed me squarely in the hot seat where words, its particular nuance and formality level can make the difference between dead on and dead wrong.


Despite my schooling, the life lesson's acquired from handling  and escorting media has become more valuable than any textbook, lab or classroom.

PAO is no longer everyday, it is all the way, nights, bed time, weekend, holiday.  As a PAO, I was essentially on call 24/7.  A query from the media could come directly to me on my Blackberry, whether I was relaxing at home or enjoying a night out with friends.  And when there was a tight deadline, I had to turn fast to get a solid response using the latest technological gadgetry.  I believe the media, some of whom did not expect a quick response, were somewhat shocked.

I have deployed aboard several warships and have served as the public affairs officer aboard a nuclear powered aircraft carrier during wartime (USS John C. Stennis).  I have deployed three times to the Middle East and have visited Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Israel, Australia, all over Asia and even visited Sierra Leone, Africa.  One summer, I was even fortunate to go on a Great Lakes Cruise through the Gulf of St Lawrence and visiting Quebec and Montreal on the way.

   

My first duty station after boot camp in frigid Great Lakes and initial training school in Dam Neck, near Virginia Beach was as a radar operator  aboard the fast frigate, USS Francis Hammond (FF-1067) in Yokosuka Japan.  As an operations specialist, we worked 6 hours on and 6 off underway.  Our station was the Combat Information Center or the Bridge where we watched radar scopes and placed imagery in consoles so everyone else would know what is friendly, neutral or hostile.  The "Frannie Maru" was a small ship of barely over 200 and we were one, tight family who embraced our new culture and country. My first duty station was also the most family-oriented -- a chance to get to know my mother's family who resided in Kobe, Japan.


But then we were at sea a lot.  Between two major exercises (Korea and Philippines), I made my first deployment to the Persian Gulf.  Those were tense times. Neutral merchant ships became easy targets for the Iranian Navy who would board these ships, against will. Because free flow of trade was threatened, several Kuwaiti tankers were reflagged under the Stars and Stripes to provide them with escort protection through the vital choke points.

 

Traveling has always been second nature for me.  When I was four-years old, I travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia for four years.  Originating from Hong Kong, my family and I sailed on a 40-foot yacht to several exotics ports in Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.  I have personally witnessed abject poverty, suffering and injustice committed against the indigent in the slums and shanties of the poorest of nations.  Then when I was 12-years old, my family and I immigrated to the US.  Since then we have become naturalized US citizens and upon graduation from high school, I decided to give something back for my country.

I am an Avid Runner, fitness fanatic, DC enthusiast, entrepreneur, budding writer and a fan of the culture and amenities this great city has to offer.

Today I am penning this Post and with each stroke becomes the lasting creating of my blog. Happy Blogging for now and let's see where and how far this blog trail takes me....