A Tiger Cruise is not what it sounds like

There is this thing called a Tiger Cruise where the Navy allows family of deployed Sailors and Marines to spend time on the ship with them. Randy's brother Butch is a Marine serving on the USS Okinawa, and he invited Randy to join him. Randy would have to board the ship in Hawaii, then sail to San Diego with Butch. Great!! So Randy and I drove oer to San Diego, Randy got on a flight to Hawaii, and I headed back to Lina's house to relax with her for a week. And that was a lovely week, we shopped, visited, and generally  had a great time. 

Randy met Butch in Hawaii. The schedule did not allow them to spend much time there. Apparent there was time for a few frilly drinks though... 

The next day Randy got to see the memorial to the Arizona from the deck of the Okinawa  We need to go back there sometime. 

Then they were out to sea! Randy told me it was a wonderful trip, although I don't have any details. I do have a couple of photos of how they spent their time. Seems like a pretty sweet deal to me.

Randy got to explore and lear about life on a military ship.

When the Okinawa sailed into port, Lina and I were there to meet them. The ship was scheduled to stay in port a couple of days. One of those days was Christmas so Butch offered to take us to the on-board Christmas party for the children of the crew. What a good idea! They had clowns for entertainment but the star of the show was, of course, Santa Claus! With presents for all the boys and girls!

Those of us who had outgrown the title of  'girls' were more than happy with the meal. Very good!