VIRB

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL POSTS ARE 2-3 DAYS BEHIND.

Today's the day we head out to sea. Our choppers are pushed back a little bit, so we head to the Bahrain airport around 1100. Everyone is feeling pretty rested, which is nice for a change.

We check in for our "flights", and then a little before departure we get a safety briefing from the loadmaster. Today we'll be on MH-53 Sea Dragons, which are similar to the CH-53s we were in in Iraq. This time, instead of helmets and flak jackets, we get to wear these funky crash helmets with goggles, and safety life vests in case of a ditch. All we know is that we're flying out over the Persian Gulf, but don't know where the ship is (we later find out that we're about 80 miles offshore).

The ride is pretty quick and uneventful, with several additional passengers, but we're up front. So we land on the deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. As we're landing, Alan is trying to say something to me about a cmaera. I think he's asking for the video camera, and I motion that I can't get to it. He's like, no, look outside. The chopper opens, they wave us out, and it's like the President arriving - no kidding. All these people up on deck motioning us where to go, helicopter blades still going, someone taking pictures, a video camera rolling, out in the middle of the sea - it's insane. We're taken inside to a small room just off the flight deck where the Captain welcoms us on board, along with the X.O. (Executive Officer) and the Master Chief, as well as the MWR rep. We're immediately presented with the ship's official baseball cap, and each one says Five Star Iris embroidered on the back. It's kind of like, "ok, you had me at 'hello'." Surreal.

We're taken to our wardrooms where we'll be staying for the two days, very comfortable. Then in a while, dinner in the Wardroom with the ship's officers. Everyone is unbelievably nice, and it's interesting to learn that ships do not have DFACS - just good old mess halls. But the overwhelming feeling is that everyone is jazzed that the band is there.

After dinner, one of the most demanding activities that I've ever seen this band take part in - BINGO. Yes, it's Bingo Night in the Crew's Mess Hall and 5SI will be calling the numbers. I'd like to let you all know that there is now video to corroborate my story. Dan does an awesome job of keeping the numbers board updated, and Alan and Rob both take a turn at calling. Rob even entertains the crowd with a joke - 1 joke, then he had to be cut off. Again, everyone is talking to the band and really looking forward to the show.

Tomorrow is show day and also a tour of the ship, so there should be a lot to report.....TM