Ponce (LPD 15) - Naval Cruise Book

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Combat Cargo Officer CWO 2 Perry departing. EMBARK U SMC MS ra BEGINS! “READY TO F j 24 :k 10 EMBARK btSMC BEGINS Commenced the embark of marines onboard Pone !

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Letter from IC3 D. M. Johnson Standing on the pier jutting out into the Chesapeake Bay, I watched you sail by on your maiden voyage. I waved. Not knowing if you were one of the men on deck or not. I saluted. Emotions swelled in me like the waves of a Nor’Easter. I realized that this day you were a real man. A United States Navy Sailor. Off to protect and defend that which you hold, and all those before you held, so dear ...Freedom. The old salt in me yearned to be onboard once again. To smell the sweet salt air of the Atlantic, Carribean, and Med. To feel the gentle pitching of the deck beneath my feet. The smell of diesel, the smell of the ship, the smell of... well sailor life. The dad in me yearned to be onboard with you. To protect you. To pick you up when needed. Not wanting to let go. But I also realize that we both need this separa tion. For me its to let you grow, learn, succeed, make decisions, and become an inde pendent man. I know that the “child” son image in my mind of you will have changed a “man” son image by the time you return. I am certain that this will be realized by both of us. Enjoy yourself. Be safe. Be smart. Grow. 1 am proud of you. Ronald L Johnson N ARG 2001DEPARTURE 9

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The Battle Cat!! Tfte Battle Cat 11