Manning of the Rails

 What an incredible experience I had traveling with Jeff and Lynda Ann to Norfolk, VA to watch the aircraft carrier, Truman come in to port.  Emmi has been out on deployment since December 1st and more than ready to get off that ship and never have to go back on it again.  We could see the ship coming in and you could see the sailors all in their whites standing along the rails.  It was absolutely amazing.  

This is a picture of a ship that was in the harbor.  Obviously much newer than the Truman.

The stream of sailors getting off the ship for liberty!

Emmi referred to this part of the ship as the "rusty butt".  It is the back end of the ship.  The flag that is flying says, "Give them Hell".  A statement from President Truman.

The crowds of families waiting to greet their sons or daughters.

And those long awaited hugs and happy tears.

Some fun pictures of her sailor buddies.

This is the sign that Annie had made for Emmi's welcome home.  We held it up as the ship was coming in to dock.

After the hellos and the hugs, kisses and tears we headed back to the hotel so that Emmi could change out of her whites and into shorts and t-shirt.  

Jeff always ahead of us.  It was a very hot, humid day!

Emmi looking very sailorish!

I have to post this picture because this is how Emmi really felt about the Truman and her nine months on Cell Block 75 as they so fondly referred to it.

We thought this would be a great advertisement for Eddie Bauer.  

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