GRADUATION DAY

 Chase said I should get to the base around 7:45-8:00 this morning. He didn't think the traffic should be real bad as most the commuters should already be there and not a lot of family attend this graduation as they come home right away. Well, traffic was backed up for miles. Not sure what the issue was as there were not a lot at the graduation ceremony. 

The traffic moved fairly quickly, gave my name at the security check point, and found the correct parking lot (thanks to the helpful sailors standing outside directing you along the way). My go to when looking for Chase is to look for the tall white kid. Not so easy in a room full of young men and women all dressed the same, plenty of them tall... I managed to find him though!

The ceremony started promptly at 9:00 and lasted about an hour. I really appreciated that none of the speakers were more than 5 minutes and they were all quite good. I really look forward to watching it again when it's posted as I was a little distracted and couldn't always hear exactly what the were saying. I did like that they began and ended with prayer and the chaplain prayed to Our Heavenly Father.

The graduation started with the frocking, promotion to the next rate. Chase is now Petty Officer Third Class.

Frocking ceremony

There were three graduating classes with Chase. A MM (Machinists Mate) class, an EM (Electricians Mate) class, and Chase's ET (Electronics Technician) class. Chase graduated with honors and was the 5th in his class of 30. I am amazed every day at how he has taken to his military life. The nuclear field is already super competitive to get into and he graduated with honors!!! So dang proud to be his mom!!!

Class 2517-T along with a few of their instructors and his SLPO. The classmates in their dress blues started with his class but did not graduate yet. Three didn't pass Comp (their final test and have to retake on Monday), one got in some trouble so was held back, and one had to take time off for brain surgery (but is fully recovered and started again).

Chase and his good friend Pretrick. He is a MM and graduated a week or two ago. They have been together since bootcamp.

Proud Mom!!! 

After graduation Chase had some papers to turn in, needed to change and put away his dress whites, and pack a bag. He is flying to his Dad's tonight. He is just taking a backpack with a change of clothes as he has clothes at Brians. I went to the NEX, then the coffee shop while I waited. Had this delicious treat - a strawberry banana smoothie.

Left base and went to Benny Rinaldi's for a slice of pizza. They have New York style pizza, so big it takes two paper plates to hold one slice. Really wish I had gotten a picture. 

After lunch Chase chose just to go to the hotel and hang out. We played some Gin Rummy (he won but it was close) and relaxed. Decided we didn't need a big dinner so just went to the drinks and appetizers at the hotel for a light bite. We had tacos, some nachos, and chicken tortilla soup. It was just right as we weren't super hungry and it was free! 

Drove Chase the 3 miles to the airport. Was easier to say good-bye as we will see him on Wednesday. Before I even got back to the hotel he had texted me that he was at his gate. He has TSA PreCheck through the military, so he walked right through. His flight was delayed a half hour but he has plenty of time in Atlanta so should make it just fine. We will pick him up on Wednesday in the Cities then he flies back to Charleston on Sunday morning.

I just came back to the hotel to make a couple calls and do my blog. It was such a great day. I truly feel blessed I was able to come!!!