I got official word this morning - San Diego watch out, I'm headed your way! I've got about six months left in DC, then about a six month training pipeline (Newport, RI; Dahlgren, VA; Norfolk, VA - maybe; and San Diego, CA). After the training pipeline, I'll take over as Executive Officer for about 5 months, from June to November. This is optional for me, but I figured after four years ashore punctuated by two years on a small, differently propelled Coastal Minehunter, I could use a few months to knock the rust off while someone else is in the driver's seat. I'll probably regret that decision as I know full well that I like to be the one in charge, but it will be good for me.
Anyway, sometime in November of next year, I should be taking command of USS DECATUR (DDG 73).
I couldn't have asked for a better ship - Flight II DDG, San Diego, outfitted for Ballistic Missile Defense, ship named for a legendary naval hero...I'm walking on air, even if I do have to wait.
CONGRATULATIONS!! It's going to be great having you on the West Coast. WooHoo!!
Wasn't one of your old "boyfriends" on that ship? It really sounds familiar. :-)
Posted by: Lynne Engelbert | May 28, 2009 at 02:09 AM
CONGRATS!!! That is SUCH wonderful news!
Posted by: maeve | May 28, 2009 at 07:40 AM
I'm thrilled for you!! Bold and Daring indeed.
http://www.decatur.navy.mil/
Posted by: Cathy | May 28, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Hooray!!!!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Sylvia | May 28, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Wow Shanti, that's fantastic! I am so happy for you. Congratulations!
Posted by: ann | May 28, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Jasmine | May 28, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Great news - congratulations!
Posted by: Marci | May 28, 2009 at 05:00 PM
Woohoo! Congratulations! That's excellent news.
So sorry I missed you in NYC. I took the Scouts to Fleet Week - they were in HEAVEN! Maybe we can host you for some time when you're in RI and need a little getaway.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 28, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Congratulations! It all sounds very exciting. What is the longest you have lived in the same city??
Posted by: Susanne | May 29, 2009 at 08:50 AM
I am seriously, seriously impressed with you. What an achievement!
Posted by: claudia | June 01, 2009 at 09:47 PM