#ussbenfold

The Navy Commendation Medal I was awarded on Monday. So incredibly humbled to receive this award and to have been a part of such an amazing ship. This tour has been intellectually stimulating, personally fulfilling, and a total adventure. I can only hope my department head tours are half as amazing as this tour!

Tried to look thru my camera for the SUPER COOL photos of my navy experience in the last 5 years... and while there definitely are some, this is the kind of photo that depicts my life for the last 5 years. I’ve seen more of the horizon at sea than I ever thought possible, spent days, hours, even months grappling with boredom on watch, interspersed with terrifying moments of uncertainty and responsibility. I’ve lived at two different addresses, traveled to 8 different countries, voyaged over thousands of miles of open sea, lead 3 divisions, and worked with some of the most inspiring, interesting people I’ve ever met. I thought I would serve out my initial commitment and get out, that’s initially why I chose SWO (tbh) — but something about this life swept me up and I haven’t been able to give it up since. I’m not saying I’m for sure making a career with this navy life, but I’m enjoying it (mostly). Thanks to my husband and to my family for supporting me. I know it’s not easy, but having your support constantly gives me motivation & strength. #usnavy #hazegrayandunderway #ussbenfold https://www.instagram.com/p/B0EQzo_Bq82X_sCFyyhfSET2vpGi3BNdk9BNpk0/?igshid=1raz210ke73im

In a complete coincidence, all the BENFOLD “navigators” happened to be in the same place today! Between the three of us, we are going on to WTI school, take command, and go on to do a tour with industry at Amazon. Loved working with these two, and so glad you both got to work with BENFOLD’s amazing navigation team! Thanks for taking over while I was laid up with a broken hip — we make one great team. #justnavigatorthings #ussbenfold #ddg65 (at Tacos House YAS) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwB1cZvBPkg8_1BeIa5YiXqTD8xPvC-q-9K2cg0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14q25jfsnc27e

A lot to process. Excited to be on shore duty and to spend more time with Paul and other hobbies for the next couple of years.

My last inbound transit into YOKOSUKA, and it happened to be manned by an all-female team! So proud to be the Officer of the Deck to this team of incredible women! #usnavy #womenshistorymonth #fdnf #ussbenfold #ddg65 (at Yokosuka, Kanagawa) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv1bfSyhVagxnYThcfpspouXkJ-Yt_jDBbz7Sc0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11ej1c5ux8t8v

Re-enlisted my Senior Chief for another 4 years in the navy! Doing re-enlistments underway is the only way to do it — thanks for your service QMCS! #benniebook #ddg65 #fdnf #ussbenfold (at East China Sea) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvIdI3FhSuaBrXFpCFFxp4pschQxnZtO4jb3940/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2tyrtu5tnbd3

USS BENFOLD Holiday Party last night. I really need to find formal wear that is not Navy-related... #ussbenfold (at Club Alliance, Yokosuka Japan) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bszdkp-hg1M-1dYTAT3OfJquDTFdLf-OjKs-vo0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y9yq6mtfge5u

USS BENFOLD Change of Command — even through multiple date changes, venue changes, and etc, this event went off without a hitch! Even got a band from the Air Force to join in on the festivities! Congrats to CDR Mitchell on your command tour! Thank goodness this is the last Change of Command I have to plan... #ussbenfold #usnavy #changeofcommand #fdnf (at Chief Petty Officer Club Yokosuka) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrTwP1tBwOf-pIbkde8B_wwftZe1IFusanWEI00/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15353h0wv1g8p