Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends!

Wishing you all a Happy and Blessed 2017!

Completing the Nuclear Pipeline

The Naval Nuclear Power Program (aka Nuclear Pipeline) consists of three training periods – In-Rate “A” School, Power School, and Prototype Training, and typically takes about 2 years for a Sailor to complete.  It’s the most academically challenging enlisted program in the Armed Forces, and requires an incredible amount of hard work, determination, and perseverance to complete.

Last Friday, about 3 weeks after completing the requirements for qualification in the program, Nicolas graduated from Prototype Training, officially becoming a Qualified Nuclear Mechanical Operator, MMN3.

We were thrilled to be able to attend this final graduation ceremony, held at the Patriots Point Naval Museum in Charleston, SC.

It was a chilly morning in Charleston, as the families made their way onto the WW2 Aircraft Carrier, Yorktown.

The graduating class took their seats in the back of the room,

as we waited for the Official Party to arrive – the Captain, The Command Master Chief, and the civilian Technical Advisor.

 

The ceremony began with one of the National Anthem sung by one of the graduates, followed by the Command Master Chief’s and Captain’s comments to the graduates.

 

I thought Nicolas might be towards the beginning of the group since he was on Alpha crew, but the Navy typically does things in alphabetical order, so we were a little confused when Nicolas showed up first at the side of the stage.

He said he was confused, too!

 

 

 

 

We soon understood why he was there when the XO explained that one student from each crew was selected to receive the Personal Excellence Award for their demonstration of integrity and professionalism throughout their training. 

Nicolas was the recipient for Alpha crew, and we were so proud of him!

 

One of Nicolas’ good friends was another recipient.

 

Following the presentation of the awards, each graduate received their certificate.  I tried to catch pictures of some of Nick’s friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a quick ceremony – only about an hour – and we spent just a little bit of time taking pictures of Nicolas and some of his friends before they said their good-byes.

The majority of the graduates were leaving Charleston to take their assigned places in the fleet, but Nicolas will return to Charleston after Christmas leave to begin his next training session – Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT), which is a specialty within the Nuclear Machinist Mate rate.

 

It was a wonderful graduation ceremony, and we are so proud of all that Nicolas has accomplished in his first two years in the Navy. 

This was not an easy program for him, but he rose to the challenge and gave it everything he had, always keeping a positive attitude for himself and his shipmates.  This is just the first step in a long and successful career for him!

James Island Festival of Lights

Nicolas heard about the Festival of Lights at James Island last year, and went with a few of his friends in Power School. 

This year, when he knew we were going to be here, he wanted us to see the show.  James Island County Park is just a short drive from Folly Beach, so it made sense to combine the two events into 1 big day of fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although the distance between Folly Beach and James Island isn’t much, we were not the only ones on our way to the park, and we were in a LONG line of traffic as soon as we turned off Folly Beach Rd.

We drove the Jeep so we could put the top down for maximum viewing, and to counter the cold temperature, we stopped for cappuccino at the BP on the way to the park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traffic came from 3 directions and met at the entrance to the park, where we all filed into two lanes of traffic that slowly made their way towards the rows of huts where Santa’s elves waited to collect $20 per vehicle.  They take in a LOT of money from this light show!

We finally made our way past the payment booth, and filed into the two lanes of traffic moving along the 3-1/2 mile loop around the park.  Still lots of cars, but at least we were moving steadily . . . and spaced far enough apart most of the time to have a good view of the lights and get some good pictures.

We drove past the campground, where there were quite a few people camped . . . I think many of them are volunteers for the light show.  With just one road into and out of the park, I know I wouldn’t want to be camped here during this time of year!  On our way out at the end of the night, we saw a guy pulling a trailer trying to get into the park . . . and he was just sitting in traffic.  He couldn’t have been a happy camper!

Across from the campground, in the middle of the park, was Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Village.

There were Gift Shops, photo ops with Santa, a train, food booths, fires for roasting marshmallows, and a walking trail through the lights.

We browsed through the Gift Shops, warmed up at the fire, and walked through Santa’s Village,

and along the lighted path through the woods.

Returning to the Winter Wonderland,

we got back in the Jeep and continued around the loop.  Nicolas continued to enjoy the lights through the open roof, even though he was freezing out there!

We kept the heat cranked up and enjoyed the view!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We passed through Candyland and Toyland,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and soon reached the end of the loop.  We could have circled around and gone back through the show, but we had been there for a couple hours, so we were ready to go.

The line of traffic coming into the park was still just as long as when we had arrived, and the line getting out was just as long!

It was definitely worth it, though, and worth the $20 admission fee!  We had a lot of fun!