Steel Beach Picnic

I stole this letter from the GW's facebook page, but I thought it was a nice glimpse into a day in Glenn's life on the boat. Today of course was not a typical day, but anyway, I thought you might enjoy it. Maybe Glenn even took some pictures?!?

Hello GW Families and Friends!
     Today the crew participated in a completely NAVY unique event commonly referred to as a STEEL BEACH PICNIC.  For the day, we turned the 4.5 acre flight deck into a picnic ground complete with BBQ grills manned by the Chief's Mess and Officer Wardroom.  You could smell chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers from bow to stern.  Our SUPPLY department did a great job themselves preparing all the side dishes and drinks.  Remember, this isn't your ordinary picnic; we're talking about 5,000 hungry guests!  And then there was our team from Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department who planned all the fun events.  There was music, basketball games, inflatable pools and yes... sumo wrestling!
     After five long, hard months at sea, seeing everyone relaxing and enjoying a much deserved break from the day to day business of carrier life was very gratifying.  We were able to juggle the watch bills to ensure everybody had the opportunity during the day to change out of uniforms and get to the flight deck to enjoy some fun in the sun.
     The pictures we're posting today show your loved ones enjoying food, fun and friendships and just plain relaxing away from their work centers during a gorgeous, sunny Saturday at sea.  The work very hard together as a crew and today, they had the opportunity to relax as a crew.  They are a true team in every respect.  The only thing that would have made today more perfect, would have been to have you all here with us.
     Thanks for your continued support for all of your Sailors while we are underway.  Your letters, email and packages do mean the world to them... and... yes, I constantly remind them "PHONE HOME!"

Warmest regards

"TOO TALL"

CAPT D.A. LAUSMAN
COMMANDING OFFICER
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON