(*Ahem*) The other Nords finally ERs

[samclem]

Well, now the collar is gonna tighten up a little! If I were in your flippers I'd do everything I could to make sure this volunteering gig works out well for her.

Congratulations to your whole family, and best of luck as you turn the page.

(sound of "bosun's pipe" as she departs the bridge . . .)

[Fireup2025]

Originally Posted by Nords

It'll be interesting to see if she gets treated differently when she's retired and no longer wearing a uniform.

Odds are VERY good she will be treated VERY differently!

Originally Posted by Nords

Hey, I thought of you this morning when they towed the ex-USS TRIPOLI by White Plains Beach after its last missile test and started getting it ready for RIMPAC. Sorry about the sideboys but the offer of surfing lessons still stands!

Wish I had found this board in time for RIMPAC '06! Hopefully this year will be a safe and sane one for those involved! Your surfing lessons are still on "the LIST"

[Nords]

She faxed in her request yesterday, and in a stunning coincidence this turned up in my weekly e-mail:

Next Generation of Navy Uniform Arrives

The Navy responded, and commands are preparing to adopt the new uniforms in waves according to region. Reserve Sailors can expect to wear them later this year or early next year. The new Navy working uniform (NWU) replaces the utilities, wash khaki, coveralls, woodland green, aviation green, winter working blues and summer whites.
With a digital print pattern incorporating Navy blue, deck gray, haze gray and black, the NWU is a wash-and-wear 50/50 nylon and cotton blend. The majority of Sailors surveyed preferred a BDU-style uniform, one that doesn't show spots, stains or heavy wear like a solid color uniform and allows mending of small tears in fabric, saving money in replacement costs.

Even as the Navy introduces these changes, others are still on the drawing board. Last fall, selected officers and Sailors began limited wear testing of new service dress khaki for chiefs and officers and the new service dress blue and white jumpers for E-6 and below.
The service dress khaki uniform is in a traditional style, last worn during the Vietnam War era, while the E-6 and below service uniforms have hidden zippers and new piping for service dress white. The service dress blue will be for men only.
A Navy wind suit also is being considered to complement the new PT uniforms.

The total projected cost of Task Force Uniform is $433 million over a two-year outfitting period, spread over fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

Of course in a "tactical environment" (read "land combat zone", not "at sea") they'll still be wearing woodland/desert BDUs.

BDU envy has hit the Navy just as badly as it bit the Air Force, and coveralls/khakis are no longer "good enough". I'm sure REWahoo! will join me in simultaneously laughing and crying.

The military is never the same one you retired from. Most of the time that's a good thing but...

[Dreamer]

Congrats to Mrs. Nords! I hope that you two have a great time in your retirement. No schedules, no worries, just do what you want. Enjoy!

[Puzzley]

Cangratulations to you, (I think) and to Mrs. Nords. You are the model for all of us for FIRE....