Mark and Robert Skinner
Retire from the Navy
August 5, 200
6

Robert and Mark have been a part of our family for more than 15 years. They came into our lives when the girls lived in Mira Mesa and the boys were stationed at NAS Miramar. We have watched them get married, have children and serve our country. We are so proud of them that we cannot express our gratitude for everything they do and have done.

Saturday was their last day in the Navy. We were invited to the ceremony in Pt. Mugu and I think we surprised them because we all came. Rachael drove up that evening because she had to work during the day but we wanted them to know how much we love and respect them. We had to be there.

To them, we say, "Congratulations on a job well done. All the best to you both, now and in the future."

Here are some photos from the ceremony. All I can say to the Navy is, "Wow... you sure know how to give your men a send-off. I am most impressed."

(As usual, click on the little picture to see the big picture.)


They leave the way they joined... together.

All the usual suspects came to wish them well. Rodney flew in from the East Coast and Jeannine drove down from SF.

Damian drove a truck for 14 hours before driving another 5 to get in on Friday night. The kids slept the whole way.

We are very proud of the next generation of Navy men.

(I just hope I'm around to take pictures of your retirement!)


Imagine me on right rifle thirty-six years ago.

This is a big hanger. It was a big ceremony.

The Navy really values its wives. After it gives them citations, it gives them their husbands back.

The family gets citations. It is only fitting... behind every good man...

Mom gets flowers.

Everybody leaves the Navy together.

Just a few of the certificates and citations you get when you leave the Navy. (I think all the Marines give you is a wave goodbye and a wedgie.)

The even park planes outside for you to look at while you wait.

Alex did his part to record the event, too.

What ceremony would be complete without a bell?!

For a moment, I thought the Navy hangs you from the highest yardarm, whatever the heck that is.

I was wrong... they just scare you on the way out. Well, not the guys... they weren't scared. I, however...

"Hey honey, wanna spend the rest of your life with a civilian?"

Getting the shadow boxes was a ceremony in itself.

They got shadow boxes commemorating their years of service.

When I got out of the USMC, I got some paper. This is way, way cooler!


There is a very funny story to this but I couldn't hear it from where I was sitting.


One of the Skinners gets the last word. They should enjoy it because as civilians, they will never again get the last word.

Ashley was so happy for the boys that she danced.

No event would be complete without a cake, either.

Alex counted 50 flags.

The last command.
 

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