Bye, Eric!

Today I sat in the cold confines of my watch space and watched a live video feed of the flight deck.  Revving up on the catapult was an aircraft that would launch my best friend on the staff off the ship for good.  Thankfully, it had a safe launch and within the hour I was given the news that the plane had landed safely at North Island Naval Air Station, putting him within minutes of his favorite gelato stop in Coronado, CA.  It was a bittersweet day as I will of course miss having him around to chat with at work, but he's off for the better life as a distinguished Olmsted Scholar.  I'll miss you, Eric!!