My parents were already coming down to the Air Show, so I called and asked if they minded if we changed plans. They loved the idea of touring the boats too. Well, EVERYONE thought it would be a great idea. We sat on the Coronado Bridge for 2 hours! Yes, that is one mile per hour. It was awful.
Once we got on base, we were able to go through military check points and park in a military lot. The general public had to park in a special lot, and ride a bus to the show. We parked about 500 feet from the boat. It was awesome! Justin's class team had reserved spots, so we took advantage. But it was not that simple.
The first thing we did once we finally got parked was change Lauren's diaper in the trunk of the car. I tend to change her in the trunk often.
Next, we started walking...we saw a checkpoint and were able to go through it with military access so we went through that one and saw an even closer parking lot, so we sent Justin to get the car and move it closer. He caught up to us shortly. Then, we went to the check point to get on the boat. Well, my mom and dad did not have their IDs on them, so Justin had to go back to the car to get their IDs...which was a good half mile away. My mom and Justin went back to the car and then moved it even closer because Justin saw that SWRMC had reserved spots on the pier and he has decals to park there. While they were doing that, Dad, Lauren and I went in search of restrooms. We all meet back up and go through the checkpoint...and of course, my dad has a pocketknife on him...so Justin had to run that back to the car too. We waited in the shade and then once Justin rejoined us, we went to get in line to get on the boat.
Lauren started to get fussy in line...
So Justin fed her while we waited. We were all in awe of the size of the boat. It was just HUGE. Justin works on these boats everyday, so he could not care less.
While we were waiting, I happened to look up and see the finale of the air show. A giant Naval Fighter Jet fly over. They were traveling faster than sound, so we saw them before we heard them.
The size of the ship was just so impressive...it took 3 pictures, just to get the whole boat.
(nothing like a Sailor with an AK47 to remind you that you are on a military boat)
About 30 minutes later, we made it to the front of the line and they told us we could not bring Lauren aboard. So then Justin asked if we could bring her if he escorted her. No. Then he showed his tags for the boat and the Sailor was so apologetic and told us that we did not need to wait in the line or go on the tour...we could just go on and do what we wanted. SWEET!
Our first stop was on the lower bay where they load the hover crafts in (LCACs). The back of the boat sinks so they can drive them right in like a garage. The ramps going from one level to another were SO steep!
Then we went up to the next hangar bay...and then up to the flight deck. The views were amazing from up there.
There was a cruise ship in port. That yacht at the back of the cruise ship was the yacht I did a party on my second day back to work. To put things in to perspective, that yacht is 222 feet long! It looks so tiny.
And this is the new Hilton Bayfront. The company I work for has the exclusive contract with them, so I work out of there a lot.
We took lots of pictures since the views were so beautiful!
There was a hovercraft (LCAC) out in the bay and started up. It was so loud and spewed so much water. It was incredible. It was one of the ones that comes on to the boat we were on. It carries 4 or 6 Humvees.
In the back, you can see the USS Midway, which is now a museum. I have done events on there too. I love my job!
We stayed up on the flight deck for quite a while. It was a gorgeous day and there was so much to see.
When we were done, we went back down to one of the bays and I changed Lauren's diaper and changed her in to a warmer outfit. I bet that was one of the few diaper changes that has ever happened on there.
While I changed Lauren, my dad and Justin checked out more stuff...then we headed home. It was a great day and we all forgot about the horrible start to the day because the end was just so awesome!
God Bless the USA and all of the men and women that serve our country and fight for our freedom!
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