Morning Report

This morning when I woke up I was provided the following After Action Report (AAR) regarding the evening previous (edited to make it somewhat understandable to non-Navy types):
 
Captain, we picked up unidentified contact bearing 310, 35NM, speed Outrageous and heading inbound. The Tactical Information Coordinator immediately issued queries and requested permission to warn the
contact. Air Warfare Coordinator, in a state of shock, commenced making his reports to the Air Warfare Commander. Based on the contacts speed and maneuverability, the Air Warfare Commander directed us to cease queries and denied warnings, he evaluated the contact to be St. Nick. We held track until about 5 miles and suddenly, out of nowhere, we heard “DECATUR this is St. Nick, request Green Deck.” No flight quarters were required. As we all looked at the flight deck camera, he safely landed on deck.  The Officer of the Deck, amazed like an 8 year old boy with a new train, immediately raced to the announcing system and passed 12 Bells and “St. Nick, arriving” topside only, of course. Within seconds Santa was in Combat with a huge smile on his face. We offered milk and cookies (what was left, because Weps was the TAO) and also provided him with his favorite ice cream (we’ll apologize to Suppo later, it was for a good cause.) We told him how great the Commanding Officer and her crew had been and all the hard work we have done. As he stood there with his hand on his nose and rubbing his belly, he handed the Watch Supervisor a note. The note said “To CDR Sethi and her crew, You have done a fabulous job and I am glad to have made this stop. You all have been extremely nice and dedicated. I wish you Happy Holidays, a safe return home, and thanks for serving your country; especially during this time of year. Signed, St. Nick.” Unfortunately, the note smelled like gingerbread and peppermint so it was eaten by one of the watchstanders. The Engineering Officer of the Watch and watches in Central Control provided the reindeer with a hot pump of snacks, bug juice and milk (we ate all the pizza and wings last night.) Within a matter of minutes he was on his sleigh and airborne again. His final words as he gave us a sparkling fly-by were “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

Comments

[Shanti's Mommy]

I love it! Someone has a great sense of humor and a wonderful way with words. Loved the watchstander eating the note. You have an awesome ship Cdr. Sethi ... just like their new CO.

Merry Christmas!

[Timmie]

Love the story and enjoyed the pics of the crew in the hats. I thank you and your mom for allowing me the opportunity to serve your crew. Thanks for keeping us safe.

[BlondiKnits]

Oh Shanti -- I haven't cried once since the Little Sailor left for boot camp. But this made me cry-- a good cry, but still! May I add my best wished for a quiet day and safe return to home port.

[Abby]

Thank you, Shanti for posting the Christmas photos so quickly (and thanks to BlondiKnits for mentioning them otherwise I'd have missed them). I see at least two of my hats--lookin' good guys!

Happy holidays to you and your crew!

[Account Deleted]

shanti!you have done a courageous job.It inspires all women around the world.