Visit 2006/7 - December 26
We are invited to visit a ship that is on charter to the US forces as part of it's pre-position supply fleet belonging to the Military Sealift Command. The other parts of Sealift Command are Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force or NFAF, Special Missions and Sealift.
The USA have a number of these that are almost permanently based at sea either in transit or off-shore for a few days here and there. (A write up, albeit a bit old now, on the role of pre-position supplies can be found on this page)
The journey out to the ship provides an offshore picture opportunity which is too good to be resisted.
This picture shows how Cross Hill (864 m) in the centre clearly dominates Georgetown which is on the right of the picture.
Once we get a bit more off shore Green mountain comes into view and is clearly more green than the surrounding landscape
This picture, taken just after 16.00 (or so the time recorder by camera says) shows how the cloud is often centred around Green Mountain as it mainly generated by the moisture laden trade winds approaching the island from behind Green Mountain are forced to climb above it's 2617 meter summit.
Finally we arrive at the TSGT John A.Chapman and are shown round, followed up by a meal on board. Unfortunately the ship is "dry" so only Pepsi and sodas to accompany the meal, which was a shame as it had been quite hot in some parts of the ship's innards and beer would have gone down a treat.
Time to return to shore and the cloud around Green Mountain has clearly built up as by now it is past 18.00 and the temperature is beginning to drop.
Once on shore time for a final walk along the beach to enjoy the sunset before adjourning to the bar for a well earned beer.
