Aloha to the USS Nimitz!

On Monday, July 2, the USS Nimitz was scheduled to arrive in Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC 2012.   Since I have seen the USS Vinson enter the channel and the USS Stennis leave the channel, I decided to watch the USS Nimitz "salute" the USS Arizona Memorial.   My youngest son and I drove over to Ford Island and parked on Nob Hill.   Above left is the USS Essex, an amphibious assault carrier, docked at the Hotel Pier.

Here comes the USS Nimitz!

The sailors are manning the rails as
the tugs guide the carrier.

  

Two sailors (left, on duty, and right, off duty)
join our viewing party.

  

What a day to be on the USS Arizona!

We could hear the ship's whistle call
the sailors to render their salute.

  

The sailors explained that all ships have to slowly pass
the memorial to prevent stirring up the silt
which could damage the sunken Arizona.

Pictures cannot capture this unique experience.

  

The wind cooperated and the
flag flew proudly for these pictures.

The sailors even man the rails in the crow's nest.

  

I kept clicking away with pictures.

What is the biggest "thing" you have seen?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through Saturday, July 7, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 8.


Mahalo,


Kim in Hawaii
  

The tugs help the carrier move towards the pier.