Challenger Away Team sees plenty of green at 28th St. Patrick’s Day Parade

It was a sea of green today during the 28th Annual Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Seaside Heights.
Chief Engineer Ken Diehl, Medical Officer David Singleton and I did enjoy the sights and sounds and the many shades of emerald we observed during the event.

The two hour parade kicked off at noon and ended a little after 2 pm. Great weather, if a bit brisk at times and I personally enjoyed one of the best corned beef sandwiches I ever had and it was not from one of themany delis in the borough that was selling them but a local Cub Scouts group.

It helped make the day more enjoyable and that green iced brownie that I should have avoided was just too tempting. I found solace in the fact that while the ship was not in the parade this year, I still managed to walk the parade route and also enjoyed spending some time with fellow Challengers in watching most of the parade.

Ken wore some green beads and I had a green shamrock cap and the chill in the air led me to purchase a pair of “I’m Irish” green gloves that came in handy as I started the day off in Seaside Heights at 9:30 a.m. and spent most of that time outside.

It was great seeing Dave, Ken and their family members present at the event which has some real history with many of us on Challenger.

Adm. Bob O’ Vosseller
CO USS Challenger