Helicopters and Jets

There was very cool opportunity that presented itself last weekend...so of course I jumped at the chance and now have a cool story to share. As most of you know, living on ship means that we are docked in the port. Well, this port is very active; ships are always coming and going. 

Right now, there is an Italian Aircraft Carrier that is docked in port across from us on a humanitarian mission. One day a question was posed...if it could be arranged, would anyone be interested in touring their ship. Lots of people were interested, over 200 people wanted to go on this tour. 

The aircraft carrier across is docked in port across from us

Saturday evening this tour happened. They had it set up so that 30-50 of us were in a group and then we were escorted around. We got to see the bridge, tower control, hospital, and walk out onto the flight deck next to the helicopters and jets. It was very cool, and the best part...they didn't care if we brought cameras and took pictures. 

Still in the bridge, our guide is explaining the compasses and rudders

Looking out on the flight deck from the control tower

There is the runway

Now we are out on the flight deck! 

Helicopter!!

It's a jet!

And finally, the picture of me in front of one helicopter. 

 All in all, it was a really cool experience, and over the last couple of days they have been coming to tour our ship in slightly smaller groups. One really cool thing that I want to mention, as I said before they are on a humanitarian mission and so they have offered to help us out by donating their time and some supplies!!! How amazing is that?