We boarded Ryan's ship in San Diego for a 4 day "cruise" up to Bremerton, Wa. After the BATTLE with claustrophobia (which I WON through lots of prayer), it was absolutely fantastic. The Stennis was just coming back from an 8 month deployment which included the Persian Gulf region. What an experience to live with these great American Sailors for their last 4 days at sea, and to see the reception and appreciation of the WELCOME HOME crowd at the dock. It was very moving for us and the other family members on board.

This is what the Captain sees as he and the bridge crew steer the ship.

We stood "WATCH" with Ryan a couple times over these 4 days. This is the steering room where all the hydraulics move the rudders.

Over 3 football fields worth of flight deck.
We could roam up here most any time unless the wind was too strong.

hangar bay with door open and elevator up

Maybe these were used when they were in Persian Gulf, but not this day.

Ryan and Liz in a mess hall. (one of several) Yup.. thats a flat screen TV behind them. This ship is basically a small city, they make around 400,000 gallons of water a day and serve up to 18,000 meals per day.

Stored in the hanger bay is this Fleet Admirals 'Barge'. Its maybe 38' and used to shuttle the "brass" around in certain ports...

TV lounge connected to our berthing area. There were several of these on the ship

Liz keeps finding all these cool places to watch the sea.

As Crystal would say, "these binoculars ROCK!!!"

These canisters (approx 3'x5') are the life boats. When released and dropped to a depth of about 12 ft below the surface, a sensor pops the whole thing open to make a rubber raft that will hold 25 people. Oh ya... and enough food and water to last 5 days. Both sides of the ship have lots of these since the Stennis can accomodate over 5000 Sailors.

We are closing in on a resupply ship 40 miles offshore. Once both are side by side and maintaining 13 knots, the supply lines are "shot" across to take on more provisions.

Ships hanger bay full of (dress white) Sailors, ready for the END of their nearly 8 month deployment

Tug spraying water in honor of the carriers return

Hard to imagine the emotions here as these Sailors line the flight deck. The boat is making its way through Puget Sound just minutes before seeing the crowd gathered at the Bremerton dock.

With the Stennis just pulling up to the dock, a sailor and his very proud mom...

What a nice SURPRISE!!! From left Verda, Lis & Gary, Faith & Larry all from Ryans adopted church in Bremerton. They made a very special effort to come out and welcome him home from deployment. They have really taken to Ryan, and he likes volunteering and being a part of their congregation.