Boot Camp Graduation Day 1

In which Southern Man and the family meet and greet Teen Daughter The Elder, who will graduate to become a Sailor in the US Navy.

We were up for breakfast at six and caught the shuttle bus to the base at seven, arriving a little before eight. We were early enough that the lines weren't yet too long and it only took about twenty minutes or so to get through security and work our way to the Parade Deck. And of the twelve hundred or so recruits graduating that day, guess which one was on duty at the front door?

That's right - the very first recruit we saw was SA (Seaman Apprentice) Teen Daughter the Elder, on duty to greet the guests and direct them to their seats. Photo by Southern Mother.

There was considerable pomp and circumstance.

Southern Parents and a fraction of the huge audience.

Let there be no doubt in your mind - Division 903 is the best of the best.

Liberty call, liberty call!

With her grandparents.

When Southern Man can get copies of the many photos shot by Soutern Sister (a talented photographer with a superior camera) they will go here as well.

We made our way back to the hotel where we met up with Southern Ex and (yeah!) Teen Daughter The Younger...

With her eighteen-month-old half-sister. That's adopted Youngest Nephew in the background.

...and grabbed a quick lunch and talked all afternoon and then went to Outback for dinner. Yes, Outback; the Southern Clan is depressingly unoriginal when it comes to family celebrations.

In a few hours - no longer Seaman Apprentice but Seaman (2nd Class)!

Then we spent another hour at the hotel and had to return SA TDE to base. She flies out to school and her first duty assignment at Fort Meade at midnight or so.

We were back by nine and Southern Man wasn't tired, so...

Of course there was geocaching. What did you expect?

Tomorrow begins the two-day road trip home. Now it's time to get off the hotel's business-center computer, hit the shower, and go to bed (without waking Southern Father). Good night!