Fleet Week Reception

Marcus was invited to attend a reception in honor of Fleet Week.  It was aboard the USS San Antonio out at the pier, near where the Intrepid is.  We were both really excited about going, though I'll admit we were nervous since we didn't know what to expect.

Marcus took this when we first got to the ship:

There was a V-22 Osprey on the ship, and Marcus really enjoyed checking that out.

They had a bunch of refreshments out on the deck of the ship

Check out this amazing cake

And there was a program where the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, was the keynote speaker.  The program was focused on the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, and there were several veterans present who received special awards/pins for their service.

It was really neat to have been invited since the group wasn't very big.  There were a lot of veterans and families, USO people, and active duty Navy officers... and us.  Well, that's what it felt like.

The USO Show Troupe was there -- they sang during the program.
I tried to get a picture of them after the program, but they quickly changed.  Bummer.  It was like real Captain America :)

And there was a Navy quintet playing after the program

It really was beautiful to be on the deck of the USS San Antonio with the city lights in the background.

And I had to get a "Selfie with a Sailor"

Marcus' friend Commander Corey Barker was more than happy to oblige :)

We also were able to check out a little more of the ship as we wandered out at the end of the evening.

It was a really special way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend.  Glad we were able to attend!