“One can only be proud in knowing that this is a special honor, especially when the Captain of the ship ordered Mike to be both “bonged aboard” and “piped aboard” with all of the enlisted men salute him.  As a previous submariner in the U.S. Navy, I had never seen – or heard of – an enlisted man saluting another enlisted man.  Looking back on the ceremony, I know that there was a tear in my eye for my son and his 15-year journey to achieve this milestone in his career.  When I pinned his anchor upon his collar, I knew that he has become the person that I always knew he was.”

I wish that I could have been there to have witnessed this event, but was definitely there in spirit.  Mike’s wife Liz pinned the other “anchor” to his collar with his sponsor placing his cap on his head.  Other family members consisted of his daughter Sam, brother Tony (also an active duty navy member) with his wife Stephanie and their son Ayden Michael, and other brother Patrick (U.S. Army).   

Mike and Tony are also supporters of the Starship Farragut project, as well as their two friends and fellow shipmates Bill Worden and Jason Mann (Bill and Jason also serve onboard the Samuel P. Roberts).  Reflecting back on the event made me realize that we have a lot of folks involved in the Starship Farragut project have Navy ties.  As for myself, I was in the Navy from 91-95 and my Dad served during the Vietnam era on both submarine and surface vessels.  Other U.S. Navy “Farraguteers” include Bob McDonough who plays Transporter Chief Galway, Kevin Palm (strong supporter and active member on the Starship Farragut forums), Royal Weaver (retired Master Chief).

For my brother, I am most proud of him and this important milestone in his life.  Congratulations Mike!

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