Our trip to Hawaii was to watch the change of command ceremony as my son Commander James E Fulks was relieved as captain of USS Topeka by Commander Christopher W Clevenger. Our navy is in the best of hands.
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Our trip to Hawaii was to watch the change of command ceremony as Commander James E Fulks was relieved as captain of USS Topeka by Commander Christopher W Clevenger. Our navy is in the best of hands.
After our flight was weather cancelled, we managed to get another flight from OKC to Honolulu. It was five hours longer than our original flight.
Tired but Happy. Lei's from Jess.
Looking toward Wakiki Yacht Club from or hotel.
Nighttime view looking in the other direction from our hotel.
I am with Matt and Lisa at the Hale Koa Hotel where they were staying. What a beautiful place.
I was getting under the weather so we went to a club so I could enjoy a martini with Tanya and she had a wine.
This is also at Matt and Lisa's hotel ... the Hale Koa.
This was our last day there. We ate a very nice meal with Jess, Atticus, James, and Ruth.
USS Topeka SSN-754 in dry dock 2021
USS Topeka at sea
USS Topeka with the stage on top for the change of command ceremony.
There was a quick get together prior to the change of command. Matt, me, James, Tanya
The ceremony begins. The boatsman pipes the Captain aboard and rings the bell four times announcing "Topeka arriving". James is looking sharp.
And the band plays on.
Tanya and I receiving lei's.
James is receiving a Navy Commendation medal.
On the left is the Chief of the Boat (COB). He is the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and the executive officer. James is in the middle. The second in command on the boat is the executive officer on the right.
James is departing USS Topeka for the last time as the commanding officer. He was piped ashore with the announcement "Commander departing". The new commanding officer will now be referred to as Topeka when arriving or departing his ship.
After the ceremony with Jess, Atticus, and Ruth.
The kids and their dad.
Our last day there, James gave a speech for a retiring Senior Chief Petty Officer. His mom Joan, and I joined him aboard the the battleship USS Missouri. He gave a great speech.
