by Alyssa Day
To send e-mail here, you have to use the official address I gave you and put my name in the subject line. If you don't put my name on the subject line, I won't get it, since they sort the e-mail that comes into the one computer that does e-mail by subject.
There is absolutely nothing to do but study, eat, exercise, and fly. Which is probably good, because that's all we have time to do.
I got another box today. Yaay!! More stuff!! I love getting stuff (especially because it makes everyone else jealous of my beautiful wife and above-average, superintelligent, and amazing children).
Thank you again for sending all those wonderful things. I shared the chocolate-chip cookies with the crew during our flight tonight. They were VERY appreciated! I'm saving all the brownies for myself, though. The boxes have never taken longer than a couple of weeks to get here, so the cookies are sometimes a little bit stale, but still great!
Trust me, with some of the unfamiliar foods I've been eating, stale cookies are the least of my worries. Thanks for the Tums.
In our squadron, we have a tradition called "Adopt the Single Sailors." This means that we divide up the men and women who aren't married and "adopt" them for purposes of sending them care packages during the deployments.
I always felt sorry for the guys who got me.
It's not that I didn't try. I bought little gifts and sent lots of food. Food that I didn't actually cook, preferably. It was better for everybody that way.
The problem is that the crews move around so much. It's not like the different flight crews in a squadron are in the same place at the same lime. It may take quite a while for a package to catch up to its intended recipient. You don't want to send chocolate, for example. But receiving a box of (nonperishable) goodies from home can make a big difference in morale. We kept "Daddy's box" in the corner of the kitchen and filled it up with treats, the kids' artwork, magazines, mail, and love as the week went by. When it filled up (about once every week or ten days), we shipped it out and started the next one.
Sometimes the cookies were too stale to eat by the time they reached Judd, or they were crumpled into tiny bits from rough handling of the box. He didn't care. He was just glad to know we were thinking of him.
It was the chocolate-chip equivalent of hugs.
19
Over the Hump
September
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: We’re halfway there!
And please let it be spring soon! I think we are all going to go insane if we're stuck indoors because of the rain much longer. I was literally ready to hang the children upside down by their toenails. But WE'RE HALFWAY THERE!! Now, it's all downhill!
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: Only halfway there
It occurred to me this morning that we still have three months to go. Three long months. You know, the Prowler squadrons only have three-month deployments. Is it too late to change sides? To be fair, they do have to go out every six months, so you're all gone the same ridiculous amount of time.
To: Alesia
From: Judd
Subject: Over the hump
Did you go to the over-the-hump party? Did you have fun? Did you pick up the lawn mower attachments? Have to get some sleep; flying tomorrow. We're halfway there!! Just a few short weeks until we come home. I'm at the library and the kind person behind the desk has informed me that I have 5 more minutes, which I find VERY annoying. Five minutes is not nearly enough time to tell you how much I love and miss you and Connor and Lauren.
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: What is this unnatural obsession you have with the lawn mower?
It's past mowing season, anyway. We went to the park yesterday and walked around the lake, and Lauren practiced sitting up on the blanket. Then we came home and had a "picnic" in the living room and played more, and I read the ENTIRE 92-page Disney book to Connor (over an hour and a half, even with my much-abbreviated version of the stories; nobody dies or loses any parents in my world). Then bath for everyone and finally bed.
Take care. Your lovely wife, whom you adore, and who is now going to go get the LAWN MOWER ATTACHMENTS.
p.s. Did I mention I can't wait till you're home, and I will never bathe another child for at least a year? That can be Daddy's job (along with the mowing, the car-to-the-shop trips, the fix-computer-stuff jobs, the grocery shopping, the cleaning . . .), oh, sorry, where was I? Oh, right, on my way to the store for the LAWN MOWER ATTACHMENTS. Don't think I didn't notice that you won't be home till December, and there won't be any more mowing going on, then.
Over the Hump. Halfway there. At the halfway point, I first started to believe I could make it. After all, we only had to get through another chunk of time the same size as the one we'd just managed. The middle of deployment is the easiest, I think. The first weeks are a flurry of getting everyone's routine restructured into life without one parent; without your spouse. The anguish of freshly minted loneliness.
The final weeks before homecoming are filled with anxiety about seeing him again; the stress of trying to get everything done before he gets back. Those last weeks last forever.
But the time in between is like the middle trimester of a pregnancy. You've settled in for the long haul, and know you can make it. The early pains and nausea have subsided, and you've come to terms with the changes in your life and routine. You can even eat again! It's smooth sailing on calm seas. And the exact middle point— over the hump—buoys you with the excitement of knowing the hardest part is over.
Halfway there. I can do this. We can do this.
Ninety-one more paper chain links to go.
20
Chasing Children, Running After Raccoons, and Other Aerobic Exercise
October
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: Where do they get all that energy?
I am worn out. We went to a fall harvest party the squadron held down at the pumpkin patch. There was a big corn maze (I kept saying a "maize maze" and getting strange looks; nobody thinks I'm funny) and we hiked all through it. I wonder who had that brilliant idea—"Hey, let's mow some paths in the cornfield and get a bunch of dumb city folks to pay us $5 to walk through it!" Sheer genius. The farmers must be laughing all the way to the bank, as they say.
We bought pumpkins to carve and had ice cream. Lauren was in baby heaven; she went after my ice cream cone with the face-first method. Not really efficient, but she was ecstatic about her first ice cream.
I thought they'd be worn out, but no such luck. We are watching the new Toy Story video. "Buzz, I AM your father!" I was cracking up, and Connor looked at me like I was nuts. (The kid just doesn't get Star Wars references.) Lauren climbed all over me and drooled. She thinks I'm her personal teething ring. I had to clean up the bird poop in the house, but I think the raccoon scared the bird away.
To: Alesia
From: Judd
Subject: WHAT raccoon? BIRD POOP???
You drive me nuts. What raccoon? How did a bird get in the house? What are you talking about??? I will call you as soon as we get back from flying. Deer, dog-eating coyotes, birds, and raccoons. Unbelievable.
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: Miscellaneous wildlife
Sorry I ended that last e-mail so abruptly; had to go get the baby. You know the mail slot in the wall (next to the door) that doesn't close? A bird apparently got into the house through there. (There were a couple of feathers caught in it.) But he must have gotten out the same way, because there was bird poop on the floor but no bird. The bigger surprise was when P.J. went nuts when we got home, barking like a wild dog. He zoomed into the bedroom and was just freaking out. I followed him in there, and he had a raccoon "treed" on the dresser.
After closing the dog and the kids in the bathroom, I got the broom and "encouraged" Rocky Raccoon to leave. We can't figure out how he got in, which is not very reassuring. One
more Close Encounter of the Animal Kind, and I am moving to the city.
Any city.
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: busy day; no raccoons
We played Indy 500 with the stroller and tricycle today. Connor careened around and around your truck, and I chased him with the stroller. Lauren was squealing with baby joy. Mommy was panting with postnatal exercise-avoidance distress. It was good for all of us. Connor got very upset when I caught him; I was only supposed to pursue him and never catch up, apparently. (He also gets ticked off when he loses at Candy Land. It's not my fault I always get Queen Frostine; you have to play these games to win.)
He must get this unpleasant competitive streak from you. He cheats at Chutes and Ladders, too.
p.s. There is a package on its way to you. I found the dress medals you need and wrapped them in some of your underwear for padding, so don't open the box in front of everyone or you might get teased a bit. After the whole nipple thing, I don't want to make that mistake again.
21
ThreatCon Delta
October 18
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: ThreatCon Delta for Bahrain
I saw on the news that U.S. Central Command officials have declared Threat Condition Delta, the highest threat level, in Bahrain and Qatar. I know we went to ThreatCon Charlie immediately after the attack on the Cole. Evidently the latest recent threat assessment forced the Pentagon to raise the threat level in Bahrain "where about 1,100 U.S. service members are stationed, and in Qatar, where fewer than 50 U.S. service members tend pre-positioned equipment," according to the DOD website. In other words, precisely where you are.
I need to go find out exactly what ThreatCon Delta means. My shorthand version has always been: ThreatCon Alpha: Mildly scary; ThreatCon Bravo: Moderately scary; ThreatCon Charlie: Extremely scary; and ThreatCon Delta: Completely terrifying.
I know there are more technical definitions, but I'm betting that they add up to the same thing. I love you, and I am completely terrified. Please be safe.
The Terrorist Threat Conditions, as defined on the DOD website in October, 2002:
A Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-approved program standardizes the military services' identification of, and recommended responses to, terrorist threats against U.S. personnel and facilities. This program facilitates interservice coordination and support for antiterrorism activities. Also called ThreatCons. There are four ThreatCons above normal:
* * *
ThreatCon Alpha:
This condition applies when there is a general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel and facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable, and circumstances do not justify full implementation of ThreatCon Bravo measures. However, it may be necessary to implement certain measures from higher ThreatCons resulting from intelligence received or as a deterrent. The measures in this ThreatCon must be capable of being maintained indefinitely.
ThreatCon Bravo:
This condition applies when an increased and more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. The measures in this ThreatCon must be capable of being maintained for weeks without causing undue hardship, affecting operational capability, and aggravating relations with local authorities.
ThreatCon Charlie:
This condition applies when an incident occurs, or intelligence is received, indicating some form of terrorist action against personnel and facilities is imminent. Implementation of measures in this ThreatCon for more than a short period probably will create hardship and affect the peacetime activities of the unit and its personnel.
ThreatCon Delta:
This condition applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is likely. Normally, this ThreatCon is declared as a localized condition. See also antiterrorism.
I still like my definitions better.
22
When Bad Things Happen
On October 12, 2000, at around noon in the Persian Gulf, terrorists bombed the USS Cole as she refueled in Aden, Yemen. Seventeen sailors died and many more were injured. Nobody knew who or what would be the next target. Judd's squadron was based in Bahrain and right in the line of fire. Credible threats were made against U.S. forces in the region.
October 12
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: Are you OK? I can't believe this!
The news keeps changing—first they said four sailors died; then maybe 12, and now they're just not sure. Where are you? Are you safe? I keep crying for those poor families wondering if their son or daughter, husband or wife, or Mommy or Daddy is among the dead. What if they try to bomb the base where you are? Please get in touch with me as soon as you can. We are all going insane.
October 14
To: Alesia
From: Judd
Subject: We're OK.
Sorry not to have written sooner. We have been a little busy lately. On our way to Qatar, everything broke loose, and we ended up helping to evacuate people. We had other planes taking investigators and medical personnel to Yemen. Our crew ended up in the Sheraton Downtown with orders to pretty much stay in the room and wait for the phone to ring. We flew a regular mission today, and have the Ready tomorrow, when we will move back into the barracks. We're pretty tired, but working on. We are all fine, although I miss you very, very much. I'll try and call you once we get moved back into the barracks tomorrow. I love and miss you all VERY VERY much.
October 22
To: VP-40 Marlin Families
From: Carrie Ryan
Subject: Important news from Commander Ryan
Dear Marlin Families:
CDR Ryan just called this morning and wanted me to pass on the following information to you:
They are taking all our guys out of Bahrain today and moving them to Diego Garcia. There has been no threat to our guys but they are doing it for precautionary measures.
Everyone is fine.
We do not know how long they will stay there at this time.
Everyone in Masirah is fine and will stay there on the military base.
That is all the information I have at this time. We'll keep you posted if we hear of any news.
October 22, later
To: VP-40 Marlin Families
From: CDR Ryan
Subject: Update
To our Marlin Families:
Here is an update on our Bahrain detachment: Last night we got word that there was some concern about the security of our P-3s in Bahrain. The Vice Admiral who is in charge of the Navy for the Persian Gulf, VADM Moore, felt it would be best to move our planes back to Diego Garcia until he could assess the situation better. I want to make it clear that there was no threat made to our people or our aircraft; this was purely precautionary.
Since we were given the direction to move the planes, I decided to move a number of people that are detached there. Our 3 planes have left Bahrain, two are in Diego Garcia and one is in Muscat, Oman. Our one plane went to Muscat because it had an in-flight emergency and had to divert there. Everyone is OK and the crew did a great job handling the emergency. The plane is being fixed and should be on its way to Diego Garcia tomorrow.
I want to make it clear that there was no threat to our people in Bahrain. The families that are permanently stationed there, many live out in town, are still carrying on with life as they have for the last several weeks. The local school is still in session. I kept 19 people behind in Bahrain to prepare for our return and assist the Admiral's staff with our operations. All 19 are living on base. Attached is a list of people that stayed behind.
I hope this helps clear up the picture of what is going on over here. I am sure you have a lot of questions and it must be frustrating being so far away and hungry for information. Please don't hesitate to contact me. I will try to keep you informed as I get more information.
Sincerely, CDR Bernie Ryan
To: Judd
From: Alesia
Subject: I am so worried about you
I had a horrible dream that you were dead. It upset me so much that I kept waking up, and every time I fell back asleep, I had the same dream.
It was your crew that had the emergency, wasn't it? You really have to call me at the earliest opportunity, or I am going to lose my mind.
I got a message from CDR Ryan that you are being evac'd to Diego, so at least you'll be able to call me from there. We are all praying for you and for everyone on the Cole and their families.
October 24
To: VP-40 Marlin Families
From: CDR Ryan
Subject: Update for 24 Oct.
To all Fighting Marlin Families:
I can only imagine the questions you must have about what is going on over here. First, I want to say that everyone is fine and doing a fantastic job under some very challenging circumstances. As many of you know, two nights ago, we were told to evacuate our P-3s located in Bahrain. Bahrain was put on a heightened alert, and Admiral Moore felt it was best to move some of his assets away, ships and planes, until this passed.
Once we received this order, we immediately got our people together and flew the majority of them back to Diego Garcia on our 3 P-3s. As I mentioned on the previous note, CAC 6 diverted into Muscat, Oman, to take care of a malfunction on their aircraft. That aircraft and crew are still there and probably will be on their way to Diego Garcia within a day or two. The other two P-3s arrived here early yesterday morning.