Members of GPS were invited to participate in the “Navy Day’s L.A” ship-ride on the USS Spruance (DDG 111), an Arleigh Burke–Class Guided Missile Destroyer, on August 6, from San Diego to Los Angeles (San Pedro).
The adventure for Jeremy and Stella Cowley and me started at 03:30 AM with a bus ride from San Pedro to San Diego where we boarded the ship just in time for breakfast. It was a smooth ride and we saw a lot of Dolphins and several Whales. We had maneuver demonstrations, from Full Speed Ahead to full Reverse, several Sharp Turns and Full Circles.. We also enjoyed the firing of the 25mm gun which very loud.
On Saturday evening Aug. 9, I met Jeremy and Stella on the USS Anchorage (LPD 23), a San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Dock Ship, for a BBQ on the landing deck, after which we toured the ship. In the Well Deck we saw the NASA prototype Space Capsule which was recovered from the Pacific a few days before.
For those of you who missed it, there will be another Navy Days LA next year with different ships. I will keep you informed. Vince.
