I was excited to learn that the US Navy has a program called the “Tiger Cruise” where civilians related to sailors can take a cruise with them. Excited because my brother Brian, is assigned to the USS Enterprise, the first atomic powered aircraft carrier and he was my key to such a cruise! The carrier was returning from a mission in the Middle East supporting war operations and I was approved to accompany the ship on the final days of its deployment.  After spending a few days with my Dad in Charlotte I flew to Jacksonville, Florida where I met the Enterprise in Mayport and departed on a three day trip.  Luxury cruise this was not – we “Tigers” got a real taste of what is is like to be stationed aboard this huge naval ship.  A cramped bunk, close quarters, constant activity, hard work and the cafeteria style food made me glad I was being deployed for 3 days and not the 6 months these sailors had seen!  The crew put on quite show for us, launching and recovering aircraft, demonstrating the ability of the fighter jets, providing tours of the ships operational and functional areas and pretty much let us have free range of the ship.  I recorded the cruise with over 3000 photos – this situation was a photographers dream.   We arrived in Norfolk to a huge crowd of family and friends of the crew on the pier to welcome their loved ones home with cheers, music, banners and balloons.  What a thrilling adventure!  I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and although I really now appreciate the job our sailors are doing to keep us safe I think I will keep my job on terra firma as a photographer.

My grandparents let me stay at their place the night before the cruise and then drove me to Mayport. They were excited to see brian home safe also.

This is the hanger deck which is below the flight deck. It is amazing to think that this is all onboard a moving vessel!

I was in the top bunk because it had “more head room” since there wasn’t a bunk above it. Those bars over top of it however made it impossible to turn over since my shoulders are wider than the space is tall. Thankfully I only had to sleep there two nights!

By brother, Brian

Leaving Mayport

This was Brian’s workspace for his 6 month cruise. He shared this area with 4 other sailors.. it was cramped with the three of us in there!

These are the escort ships. They were always around even though most of the time they were way off in the distance. The came in close for the air show though, it was really cool.

Brian is assigned to the “Screwtops” and works on the planes between missions.

Once we landed in Norfolk there was a bit of down time before we were able to leave the ship. With so many people on board (5000 sailors on average) I was actually surprised how quickly everything went.

My sister brought my niece Katherine along to surprise brian.

Mike Lesnick – Washington, DC Wedding Photographer