Shipmates,

I finally hung up my anchors in April 2004 after 24 years of service. I retired as an FCCM(SW) and the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) was my last command.

Of course none could compare to the mighty warship. I also did four years in the German Navy as part of the PEP program. Yes the weather sucked. Yes German is a tough language to learn. No the German babes are not all big busted and beautiful.

After my retirement ceremony I hopped on a plane for Vladivostok, Russia and took the Trans-Siberian Railway to Eastern Europe. I am hanging out in Romania and the Republic of Moldova while I wait for the State Department to finish my security background check. I have been accepted into the Foreign Service and start sometime in the near future. From warrior to diplomat.

I still wonder where the hell Dave the Wave and the rest of the Surf Punks have gotten off to. Possibly they are MIA with Rex the Wonder Horse. If anyone knows their whereabouts let me know.

I wish all of you well.

Tom Lohr

The Moondog