Zulu Meets the Gulf of Mexico

It's pretty obvious that I've become a little bit of a crazy dog lady since Zulu came into our lives, but seriously, I've been amazed by how much joy a little creature can bring to a human's life. So, I'm sorry if you're getting bored of hearing about our dog or seeing the million pictures I take of her, but I simply can't help it. She's the most exciting part of our lives. ;)

On Tuesday, we decided to take advantage of a sunny (and fairly warm) day and took Zulu to the beach on base. We've enjoyed visiting this particular beach because it is quiet, relaxing, and because it reminds me a little bit of the beach in Anne of Green Gables...


This was Zulu's first time on the beach, and it was obvious that she loved it. When we let her off the leash, she ran as fast as she could, kicking up the sand, and chasing birds. She even got brave enough to take a dunk in the water- unfortunately, she was a little shocked by a cold wave swallowing her up. She got out of the water as quickly as she ran in.

It was nice to get outside and enjoy a little sun. We enjoyed sitting, relaxing, laughing at Zulu, and watching planes and helicopters fly around. Being on a military base is fun. Keagan is very anxious to start his next phase of training, but hey, getting to enjoy afternoons like this makes the wait a little less unpleasant.

Battleship Memorial Park

One thing (of many things) that is awesome about being married to someone in the military? Gaining new interests. Before Keagan and I started dating, I rarely set foot in museums, much less military museums. Military history was just eh to me. Sure, I thought it was alright, but I would have never gone out of my way to learn more. Now, thanks to Keagan's interests and career choice (and always living close to military installations), I've developed a whole new appreciation for all things military. Marriage is cool like that.

Last weekend, we got in the car, turned on NPR, and journeyed to Mobile, AL (we only live15 minutes from the Alabama border) and visited Battleship Memorial Park. The park is free to visit for active duty military and offers a discounted rate for any guests of an active duty military member. The biggest attraction of the park is probably the USS Alabama, but the park also offers a hanger filled with military planes, an old submarine to tour, and military aircraft and tanks scattered throughout the outdoor portion of the park.

Walking into the USS Alabama was like taking a step back in time to the WWII era. We were able to tour both the outside and inside of the ship. The rooms were set up with props (and original memorabilia); it was almost like we were on the ship as it was in the 40s.

 We were able to see sleeping quarters (some just in the middle of the hallway), cafeterias, bakeries, doctor offices, dentist chairs, chapels, and post offices. It's amazing how ships can be their own floating villages. I decided that as much as I appreciate that time period and find it fascinating, living on a ship would get old fast. I don't think one could survive as a claustrophobic sailor.

 As I mentioned, we were also able to tour an old submarine. If I thought it'd be hard to be claustrophobic on a ship, a submarine would be way worse. I couldn't believe how tight everything was packed. Yet, it was still very interesting to see what life on a submarine would be like.

 The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering through the park as Keagan quizzed me on the names of tanks and aircraft (I failed...). Nevertheless, it was interesting to hear stories about the different models and when they were used. My husband's knowledge of the military always surprises me. Someday I'll remember which tank is which, Keagan. Someday.

Up Next

Image via Google Maps

We have known for awhile that we would be heading to Pensacola, FL after our time here in the Quantico/Stafford area, but we have a timeline now! We recently received news that Keagan is to report to Pensacola at the very end of November- only 3 days after his graduation from TBS. He will go through several phases of flight training at Naval bases in the area.

1. IFS (Naval Air Station- Pensacola)- This is a about a month long and we think he will be starting as soon as we move.

2. API (Naval Air Station- Pensacola)- After completing IFS, we're looking at a 4-6 week wait until Keagan can start the next phase of training. During the break, we hope to take leave and head home to the Midwest for awhile. API is approximately 6 weeks long.

3. Primary (most likely Whiting Field, Milton)- After an unknown wait period, Keagan will head over to Whiting Field for Primary. Whiting Field is close to an hour away from NASP, so as of now we are looking at temporary housing options near NASP, with a move to the Whiting Field area when the time comes. It is possible (but unlikely) that he may be sent to Corpus Christi for Primary. Primary is approximately 6 months long.

4. After Primary, Keagan will know what aircraft he is assigned and will complete flight training.

We're going to try our best to stay flexible, as we never know what could change and when. Tis the nature of the military. :)