Susan went into town today to go to the Tongan Cultural Center; I stayed with the boat to read and do some projects. I decided to print several of the photos I took last night of the McCain in the sunset; they turned out to be terrific. I put them in a plastic sandwich bag, with a CD containing the files, and a Surprise boat card, picked up Linda and Colleen (boat babes) and motored over to the McCain in our dingy (visualize a 10' inflatable with an 8 hp outboard approaching a destroyer).

As I predicted we were met about 100 yards off by a picket boat patrolling the ship; the picket boat was manned by Tongans and after trying to talk our way by them without success, I gave them the photos, CD and boat card and asked that they be delivered to the Commanding Officer.

Back on the boat about 30 minutes later they called and invited us over for a tour. We were met at the steps by the Captain and Executive Officer who were delighted with the photos and said they would be in their operations report. The McCain has a crew of 280 and is powered by 4 large Allison turbines; she'll do 30+ knots. One 5" gun forward, and lots of missle silos. The Operations Officer, Susanne, gave us a 3 hour tour of the entire ship.

I hope Susan had fun today.