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Personalized parts of the story are highlighted in RED.

"My Navy Adventure" was created especially for

Barbara Benton at the age of 6

To Barbi

Love, Mom

Barbi Benton was up early in Chicago, IL.  She was so excited!  "Today, Bill is going to take me for a cruise on a real Navy ship." she thought.

At that very moment, a helicopter landed in the back yard to carry Barbi away on her adventure.  Just as the helicopter lifted off the ground, the pilot said to Barbi, "Why not invite Hugh, Bluto and Susie along?"

The helicopter flew straight to the ship and hovered until the landing officer cleared it to land.  The pilot then touched down carefully on the gently pitching deck.  As soon as she was told, Barbi and her friends jumped out.

Barbi was met by Bill.  The commanding officer of the ship said, "Welcome aboard, Barbi!  We certainly do have a fun-filled day planned for you."

Barbi and the commanding officer began the tour on the main deck where the helicopter landed.  While they were there, the Navy Blue Angels flew overhead in their famous delta formation.

Next they went below deck.  Barbi was very cautious going down the steep ladders.  She saw the crew's working and sleeping quarters.  Barbi and her friends were invited to eat hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries in the mess area.

There was so much for Barbi to see and do inside the big ship!  All the officers and crew were more than happy to show Barbi around and answer all her many questions.

Then the commanding officer walked up to Barbi and said, "Barbi, would you like to steer this ship?"

Bill said, "Hugh, Bluto and Susie can watch you with me!"

They immediately proceeded to the ship's bridge.  As they entered the bridge, they found themselves facing the steering console.  it looked impossible to understand.  Barbi asked, "Can I really do this?"

Barbi steered the ship to starboard (right), back around to post (left). and then dead ahead under the watchful eye of the skipper.  It was so much easier than Barbi thought it would be.

"You did an excellent job, Barbi!" said the commanding officer.  "According to the radio room, there is quite a group assembling for our return.  Take us home."

With this command, Barbi brought the ship around starboard to a heading of 15 degrees.  There dead ahead, was the home port.

The tugboats came out to escort them to the pier while porpoises darted in and around the enormous Navy ship.  They appeared to be racing with them.

The call to "colors" was sounded.  As the sun set, it signaled the end of an exciting and happy day for everyone.  That night in Chicago, IL, the very last thought Barbi Benton had was, "Now I know what I want to be when I grow up!"

                       Barbi Benton

In MY NAVY ADVENTURE, you visited a ship.  Do you know the meaning of the following boating terms?"

1. bow            2.  port           3.  starboard          4. aft

1. back of a ship, stern

2. forward end of a ship

3. facing forward, the right hand side of the ship

4. facing forward, the left hand side of the ship

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