Blogging 365, Day 5: On A Ship

Getting ready to board the USS Iowa in San Pedro, CA.

UPDATED 1/5/13
Should you ever be in the area or have plans to be, do not pass up the opportunity to see her. Volunteers are extremely knowledgeable about this battleship’s history and the ship itself is in incredible condition considering all she’s gone through. You will not be disappointed.

While the tour is self-guided, we had the luxury of having our personal guide, Ann’s dad, who served on the USS Myles C. Fox for four years. He also was our guide on this tour back in 2008. It was great hearing his stories about his time on the ship and getting details on everything inside the USS Iowa.

And at 75, I can’t tell you how amazing it was to see him practically run down the ladders with such little effort. Keep in mind this man had a quadruple bypass just a few years ago. Well, he did also have four years to perfect his ladder-descending skills but it was still fun to watch.

I also have to admit that I got a bit emotional when I heard Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade” playing while we were in the Gift Shop located on the ship’s second level. It’s a beautiful tune that strikes a nerve with anyhow but hearing it on board this ship and considering the time it was active sort of brought it all home.

While I took over 100 pictures (including the bed where FDR slept), I think this one pretty much sums up everything: a statue of the well-known V-J Day photo of the sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square.

Just an absolutely fantastic day.

Read more about the USS Iowa here. She has quite a history.