Just got back from Dam Neck, VA

[vasnipe]

Just got back from a visit to our son serving as a Navy IT3 (Information Technology Petty Officer Third Class [E-4]) over in Dam Neck, VA, right by Virginia Beach. Went over Thursday 12 April in our motorhome and stayed at the Seamist campground there in Dam Neck. Really nice facility, right near the beach and all that. Cheap place to stay if you can get in. We got lucky, they had a cancellation just as I called for a reservation.
Friday the 13th son's command (Naval Ocean Processing Facility) had an open house for families, first one in over 8 years. Showed us the things they could and told the things they could about what they do there. Their very existence was double decoder ring secret until a few years ago. Remember when Clancy came out with Red Storm Rising? He had found things out that were about that place and other things that were quite, well.... The sonar techs were going ape on my ship with what they read...
Anyway, they put on a great show and a burger burn for the families and the crew. Saturday night we invited one of son's buddies over for a grilled chicken dinner, home cooked food is always welcome to a Sailor away from home. After dinner we had a rousing game of UNO. Much gnashing of teeth and rending of garments while we had fun. Sent buddy "home" with leftovers enough for another meal. Kind of felt good to feed a fellow up.
I retired from the Navy in 2007 after 23 years of service and our son decided to follow in my footsteps.

Chris in Virginia