Oh boy, where to start? If you read “Day #7” you know that today was the day that I went to Pearl Harbor to see the USS Arizona Memorial. Before coming to Hawaii, I was told by someone that I would spend a little while there, but then should have a plan of other things to do. Well, I arrived at the USS Arizona Memorial “park” (as it is more than just the AZ memorial) at about 8:45 a.m. and left around 3:45 (had to get back to the airport, you know) – and still felt like I was rushed, and didn’t have time to see everything. In fact, there were at least 2 exhibits that I said, “I have to come back to this” and never made it back. Today was the absolute high point of my trip to Hawaii!
Apparently, my excitement was visible to all on-lookers. One of the store sales people, when I told her that I would be back later, said, “Yeah, I’ll recognize you. You look like a kid in a candy store.” I was so thrilled to be there (still in a reverent way) – that I sometimes had to remind myself why this was all here, and that it wasn’t the same as a Valleyfair rollercoaster. That being said – it was so much better than any Valleyfair ride.
I started out getting a ticket for the 9:45 movie and launch out to the Arizona Memorial. Before that I just poked around, seeing what all was where, and vowing to come back to things I didn’t have time for before the movie (big mistake – I never got back to them!). The movie and trip to the actual memorial over the Arizona was just wonderful (again, in a reverent way). I could’ve stayed for an hour just looking out at the wreckage of the ship and reading the names of the more than 1100 people who were lost in one short blast.
After that – I went to on a tour of the USS Missouri. The Missouri was the last battleship ever built for the US Navy – and the last one built in the world. It is impressive in size, being only 9 yards shorter than 3 football fields. The Missouri (or “Mighty Mo”, as she is called) was the ship where the Japanese surrender papers were signed in Tokyo Bay to end World War II. After a tour, we got to roam the ship (within the “allowed” areas, of course). That was a real treat. I broke from the group and headed up to the highest point on the ship (that was allowed), and then worked my way down. It was great fun. A quick note about the ship – if you look at my pictures – you will see the big battleship guns. The guns (each barrel) is about 66 feet long, and weighs more than the Space Shuttle. Each gun can fire 2 rounds per minute, and can fire the 2200 lb projectiles up to 25 miles. With a total of 9 guns (3 per turret), the Mighty Mo, can fire a shot, and then fire off (I think they said) 16 more shots before the first shell hits its target (81 seconds later). That is some serious firepower.
After completing the Missouri, I went to the Pacific Aviation Museum – which is housed in 2 old hangers that were under attack on December 7th, as well. The glass in the doors actually still has bullet holes from that day. It was never replaced, to serve as a reminder. Anyway –at the Aviation Museum – I struck up a conversation with one of the guys, and ended up getting a personal tour of both hangers. I also got to go into an “authorized personnel only” area to see one of the planes they are rebuilding.
Have I mentioned how cool my day was?
So – after all of that – I was out of time, and had to catch my flight back to my hotel (bummer!!!). I seriously could’ve stayed another couple of hours. They had a WWII submarine (the USS Bowfin – that was launched on Dec 7, 1942 – and called the Pearl Harbor Avenger) – that was also available for tour, plus the sections that I never made it back to, AND all of the things that I wanted to read, but just didn’t have time. It was an amazing day
So – now, I have to finish packing, and get to bed, so I can make my way home on Saturday. One more Skype call from the hotel, and then I am out the door. I am looking forward to seeing the family. One good thing about this is that Grace has expanded her vocabulary. She can now say, “Hawaii!!”
Thanks for reading all of this, and taking some interest. From both a work and personal standpoint – it has been a good trip, but it’s time to go home.
Be well, be safe.
JBD
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