Lost My Identity- Kai's Ma'ma: What to do on a rainy day? PLAY on Torpedos!

Approaching the shipyard to see the USS Hornet.
Feb 2, 2008 Saturday
Needing a place for Kai to play on a rainy day, we headed off to Alameda where the naval ships were docked, and to meet the Brown family.

The USS Hornet, the aircraft carrier, was definitely worth the visit. Kai was at an age where he could easily go up and down stairs, bunks, counters, planes, etc. I just had to worry about him running on the flight deck, as a simple trip can rip up his knee due to the metal terrain.

There were several planes and helicopters housed under the flight deck on the Hangar Deck. I was impressed by the massive elevator that can tranpsort aircraft to and from the flight deck lifting up to 46,000 pounds. The Hangar deck itself is made of 2-1/2 inch thick steel that can stop a 500-pound bomb or falling aircraft... wow!

The twins and Kai with their parents.

The ships logo.

The ship's logo for the woman's restroom. Funny huh?

Folding propellers on the helo.

I wouldn't be confident in riding a helo with folding propellers like this one.

That's me breaking rules as usual. The aircraft is labeled with "Do Not Push"

The Apollo capsule which is used for water-egress training.

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldridge were brought back to the USS Hornet and they took their first few steps to the quarantine quarters, after their return from the moon. (Kai is stepping in their footsteps).

Memorabilia found in the Apollo exhibit on that floor.

The kids got on stage and began to do their little people show...

We later headed down to the Second Deck and saw the CPO Mess, Chapel & Library, and berthing.

Kai tests out a triple bunk. I had slept in one of these for 3-months on the ship in the Persian Gulf. It took about 3 weeks before I would stop hitting my head on the bunk above me every time someone would yell out "Revelry, Revelry!" as our wake up call.

The twins try to break through a portal.

Kai wearing the appropriate military gear, flight jacket and Army helmet?

We are such great parents- we allow our kids to play on torpedos!

This torpedo is hidden under the floor at the Torpedo Shop, which could pass for a kitchen to me. Hmmm...what's that in the pantry?

Dr. Ian makes a call on this ancient phone. This thing has its own bells and whistles.

Sick Bay. You never ever ever want to go here! Look at how old and cold the treatment room and equipment is? I remember the surprised look on Ian's face when he saw the operating room. (Ian, you are just spoiled by the plush and updated hospital equipment in your operating room!)

Aye, tear her tattered ensign down

Long has it waved on high

and many an eye has danced to see

that banner in the sky

This flag became a tattered ensign in Wakayama, Japan when it withstood 150 knots of strong wind in 1945. Now part of the museum on the Hornet.

and of course, the Navy Hymn

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm doth bind the restless wave,

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

We take the non-functioning escalator to the flight deck. The flight deck is interestingly made of 3-1/2 inch teak wood over a thin steel base. Part of it was replaced with aluminum plate during the jet era to prevent setting the wooden deck on fire.

The Island, where the Navigation Bridge is located.

One way to stop Kai from running was just to grab him- he of course did not like this.

~Other stuff about the USS Hornet

Built during WWII, it took 16 months to complete it and a quarter of the construction crew were women. Go Rosie Riveter!
It participated in the Vietnam War and moon missions.
Attacked 59 times, she was never hit by an exploding bomb, torpedo or Kamikaze aircraft.
Hornet pilots shot down a record 62 enemy aircraft in one day and 255 in one month.
In 1969, Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule and the first men to walk on the moon. She also recovered the Apollo 12.
In 1998, she became a public museum. There are some news she may be moved- so you better see the Hornet while you can!

Sierra shoves a handful of rice into her mouth.

After recharging my car battery, as Kai played and left my car lights on, we had a late lunch at the Sushi House in Alameda. Despite the grey weather, it was still nice to get a view of the water from the restaurant...