James Sorensen:  

Life Joined the Navy back in Aug 1975.Spent about 12 yrs at Nas Mirmimar San Diego Ca. working on F-14's as a Mech.Made 5 cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (2),USS Constelation(2)and USS Ranger(1) while attached to VF-2 and VF-154.Then spent 4 1/2 yrs in Wash. D.C. as a Detailer. Then went to NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville Fl. where I made 3 cruises with VFA 136 which flew FA-18's aboard USS Washington (2) and USS Stennis (1) Presently stationed at VX-1 in Patuxent Md. where I plan to retire in Aug 2001(actually the end of June) and then plan to head back to Jacksonville for work. I've looked at this experience as an extension of High School (more like an extended stay at college). I have literally been around the world and seen things most people only see on T.V. or see in a book. Trust me there are places in the world far worse than in this country. It seems to me the countries that had the warmest people were the ones that did not measure there life's worth by the amount of riches they possessed or things that they owned.UPDATE:Retired from the USN today (29th June 2001) and it feels great--just like graduating from high school.Back at home in Jacksonville Florida,working for On-Site Aviation. It feels great to be back in the civilian world, although I will miss the free world trips to the different countries. Update: left On site Aviation and got hired as a civil service employee, doing the same stuff as before. Working in the Jet Engine sho...Expand for more