Hanger Bay #2
I reported to my first ship in October 1997 in Norfolk, VA. It was still being built. I saw this massive skeleton of an aircraft carrier which was breathtaking and overwhelming, all in one shot. On July 25, 1998, the USS Harry S. Truman was commissioned. It was ready for sea.
Each time we left the pier, it meant that your daily life routine was about to change. How you ate, dressed, and found time to relax became taxing and monotonous. You waited for emails or letters to come, but who knew if they would and at what interval. Finding time to read, write, exercise, and just be able to collect yourself was essential. During most of my time on the Truman, I lived on the ship, so when we did go to sea, all my stuff was already there, so I had a few books, TPBs, and tons of music to help satisfy the urge to relax and realize you're not going anyway anytime soon. Which was okay because I thoroughly enjoyed being on the open water. It was peaceful.
When I needed a break, I would walk around the hangar bay (where the planes are parked when not on the flight deck) and just look out at the open water. Birds, dolphins, and every now and then other ships. It was so serene. The breeze, the waves, it was so peaceful.
As time and my career went on, I would always make time for Hangar Bay #2. It was great medicine for the soul; I still think about my time looking at the sea and all that she has to offer. When I met Nicki, Hangar Bay #2 took on a completely different feeling. I could be thousands of miles away, but when I was in Hangar Bay #2, it would seem that we were right next to each other. Knowing she could be looking at the same moon, sun, and the sky did amazing things for my soul.
Hanger Bay 2 was unique. We shared moments that will last a lifetime, and I'm ever grateful.
Hanger Bay #2 became its own entity as life continued its path. It became the chow hall, the lonely speck on the wall, or if the mood was just right, it could be a picture in a shop in a foreign land. Regardless, I always thought of my family. I hated being alone and was always searching for memories to keep me company.
As time went on, I learned that Hanger Bay 2 wasn't necessarily on a naval ship. It became a comic book, a song; it became an emotion. When I retired in 2017, Hanger Bay 2 became life. On March 15, it became 5.5 lbs. It became 20 years of marriage.
Even today, I still take time to walk around my building on campus. Sometimes I'll take a few minutes to sit on a bench, and those memories come rushing back. Memories of the different ports. Memories of coming home. Memories of being homesick. Then the memories shift to the comics, books, care packages, and mail from home. While I will always get emotional when they come up, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love hearing that song or reading a book that was a cornerstone of mental peace while I was away. That's so important, even when I don't deploy anymore.
Peace of mind is essential. I guess I want people to find their Hanger Bay #2. Be it comics, a book, a sketch pad, etc. Find your Hanger Bay #2. Find what brings you peace. Find what brings a smile to your soul. Love it, embrace it, and make it a part of who you are. Thanks for reading.
*Song lyrics are from Widespread Panic's song Vacation
