Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to all. Since I have written, we have been to Abu Dhabi, UAE and back. We are enjoying some rest time for the holidays. We have tried to have a Christmas experience as well as we could, but it just isn't the same out here. At least I have facebook to keep me a little closer to Christmas at home. I appreciate the letters I have received and apologize for not responding to them individually. Just know that they are appreciated.
I got a major qualification this week, so I feel pretty good about that. Ready to stay engaged for the next qualification. The Lord continues to be good to me, even though I am not faithful to him. His mercy is great. I am really out of things to say. Keep praying for me and letting me know how you are doing.

Week 5/40

I had a good week. We finally got to go to sea and do our primary job -mine countermeasures. It was good to be underway after six months of being stuck pierside. I am continuing to learn a lot and stay busy as time keeps flying by.
I got to shoot an M240 automatic machine gun mounted on the ship. Unfortunately I didn't get to see how I did because they had already sunk our target. But I'm sure I would've hit the target every time. We also watched the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team detonate an underwater bomb and make a huge splash in the water.

Week 4/40

One more week. Now I've been here a month.We're tired of being in port and ready to get underway and do what we do. The more I learn about my job, the farther I realize I will have to improve. I have been working until ten about two out of every three nights when I get a break and take off at supper time. I'm doing well, I just hope I get enough experience under way to get my qualifications quickly enough. Nothing interesting this week just a lot fixing what is broke.