Mrs. MAO, Out.

Today is a sad day friends. Three and a half years ago (Feb 2008), my husband reported aboard the USS Carl Vinson. I met him that January. Our entire relationship has been worked around the schedule of "America's Favorite Carrier". We dated around duty and commutes from the Newport News Shipyard during RCOH (Refueling Complex Overhaul- all Carriers go through them ~25 years into their service). I drove Thanksgiving Dinner to the shipyard parking lot. We planned vacations around her whims. We endured sea trials and planned a wedding around her first deployment in five years! We witnessed many hails, many farewells, and a change of command. We spent 11 months at sea over the course of two deployments, not including fast cruises and her many sea trials. Once moored in North Island, we had many a dinner in her wardroom on Duty nights.

She brought me my first move away from home. She was my first command as a wife. She was my introduction into the Navy and she has introduced me to many kind and wonderful people whom I hope to remain friends with for the rest of our lives. Today is my husbands last day aboard the good ship that brought us together. The command that brought him to my hometown and into my life.

I've gotten to know the people in his department, where he is known as MAO (Medical Admin Officer). The kids address me as Mrs. MAO which I like because it's not as formal as using my last name and shows the camaraderie established in the department. We now get some time to be together before heading to his next duty station: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.

These are exciting times. Nervous times! He will be a Department Head which is a big step in his career. I know he's nervous- new people, new responsibilities, a new routine and no more of those silly ship things like flashlights, earplugs, and knives. No more N-trip-Us (what I call NWUs). No more smelling like jet fuel and grease. NO MORE THREE HOUR ROUND TRIP COMMUTING!

It brings fears for me. He will have both naval and civilian personnel in his department. We're on a Marine base. I just learned the ways of the shipboard Navy! New acronyms. New slang. New ranks to learn. I pretty much know Pvt, PFC, LCpl and Cpl. I have the wikipedia page favorited so I can learn them. I am also excited to get involved with volunteering over here on base. I have a list to check out the Wives club, hospital and thrift store for opportunities.

I don't need an escort to visit hubs so I joke that I'll be there everyday for lunch so he doesn't have to sit alone. I can't wait to make muffins or cupcakes for the new department :D

New places, new faces, new adventures for us to enjoy!

Cuddles and Kisses,
The Mrs.