Around The World And Back

It all started one day sitting in high school not sure what in the heck I was going to do when I graduated. A Marine Corp. Recruiter came in to our class and I gave him an ear to talk to. Little did I know he would sell me on a trip of a life time. So three months down the road I was graduated from high school, sitting in sunny California, getting yelled at in boot camp. To flash forward a year or so, I was done with all my training and getting ready for what I really signed up for. To see the world of course!!!

So we set out on our deployment, The 13 MEU, and this hog right here was how we were getting around. Its a fine ship, a little crowded but damn it can do some damage if need be. The USS BOXER.

The first stop after leaving San Diego….you guessed it, Hawaii!! After spending three weeks on a boat I was much do for some R&R. I’ll tell you four days here wasn’t nearly enough though.

The second stop of the trip was beautiful GUAM. With its amazing sunsets and sunrises… I never wanted to leave. I’ve made it a point in my life to venture back to this fabulous place.

I guess if you need something fixed you better call on us. Taking a little break during the flight schedule while the jets launch.

Next up Phuket, Thailand. If I could get on a plane and truly leave any where in the world right now, this would be the spot I would head. The people are amazingly friendly. The weather is wonderful and the food is some of the best I’ve ever had.

Next stop Dubai. Here in this pic is the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa @ 2,717 feet high. Being a Montana kid born and raised, when I stood at the base of this marvel I couldn’t help but stare up at it for hours. Its pure bliss, you can see it from 30 miles away. Its incredible!!Skiing in the middle of the desert? Dubai is known for many things and yes this is one of them. They have an indoor ski slope there. Being thousands of miles away from home…of course I had to give this a shot!

Some more flight deck fun somewhere out in the middle of the ocean.

The next stop was in Jordan. During leave we were allowed to visit the ancient ruins of Petra. Above is the Treasury, standing at a staggering 40 meters tall, the view was breathtaking. Above is the the Monastery, another building carved into the red rocks of Petra.Deployment was quite an experience. Getting to travel the world with great people was something I always wanted to do. I would do it all again if I could, no regrets. Well maybe without the working part. The leave time was amazing. When the ship ported in places like Hawaii and Thailand, I was ecstatic with joy. Thanks for taking time to read my blog. I hope you enjoyed it.