You may be wondering why a DIY blog is posting the “USS Essex Prepares for Deployment.” Well, it’s because the very best little sailor in the world is on board the USS Essex and preparing for deployment in the next week. Lenny, her brothers and sisters and I could not possibly be prouder of her and I just had to take a moment to brag about out sailor girl (while trying to hold back the tears). In the picture below, she’s receiving an award on the flight deck of the ship. 
Lenny and I were very fortunate to take a road trip from Ohio to California (and back) last summer to visit with our sailor. We even got to tour the “Iron Gator”. It was and is amazing!
From this mom to all the young men and women who so willingly serve our great country on the USS Essex, I wish you fair winds and following seas. And to our sailor girl, we send you hugs and love unending!