Early in the morning today USNS Seattle refueled us. The water had this "dead calm" look and the only thing making it move was our ships out here, like the waves you get while stirring pancake mix.

(Below)The scene on the flight deck before the sun set was pretty active with guys either running, or working. On watch for Crash & Salvage was (L to R) ABH3 Jeremiah Balknap from Buffalo, NY; Airman Chad Atwater from Midland, TX; and Airman James Waldrop from Gainesville, FL. They said the best part of their job is being outside all the time. "It can be scary sometimes since we're close to the action," said Balknap. "But this is a chance of a lifetime job." They all agreed that since joining the Navy they've been able to experience a variety of cultures they would have never seen with another job, or another life. "Would you have ever thought this is where you would someday be when you were back in High School?" "No." "Nope." "Uh, no."

(Cont. - photo right) AMS AA Eric Runell from Meridian, ID; and AMH AN Josh Winters from Fort Ashby, W. VA.

Out catching some rays and some well deserved rest was VF 154s' (photo right- from L to R) Lt Greg Keithely from San Diego, CA; Lt Nigel Atkins from Tacoma, WA; and Lt Cmdr Dave Richter from San Diego, CA. "This is out first 'real' day off since departing Yokosuka," they said. When they are not flying they're planning the next time they will, or eating, they said. For those aspiring pilots out there, they said don't ever give up. "Stay away from drugs, study hard, and be persistent," said Keithely. "We're just like anybody else, and if we can do it, so can they."

(Above) The closeout for Black History Month was held in hangar bay one later in the evening today. More than 2,000 Sailors and Marines were waiting anxiously for the guest speaker, Montel Williams, who challenged the Indy crewmembers to take what they've learned this month and continue to build on it. RADM Charles W. Moore, Jr. presented Williams with a "People Make it Happen" photo from the I-FIVE team. The photo represents the diversity of Indy with her numerous work uniforms and the people who wear them.

(Below) MS1 Ronald Hoks from Neenah, WI was passing out the "dishes" for the night, a plastic ballcap with various teams' logos on 'em.

There were 20 acts in all and they each had four minutes to prove their worth before the judges made their mighty assessment.

(Below) OS3 Lorenzo Davidson from Birmingham, Ala. was the mighty dancing midget.

"The Band" (below) took first place with their smooth guitar, bass, sax and drum rhythms.

After the talent show, Montel took time to shake hands, sign autographs, and take photos with a line of Sailors that reached the length of the hangar bay.

"Hi Hiromi Washington, Hiromi Bascom, Tracy and Kisara. Terry, Tony and Montel Williams wishes Brandy, Nishiki, and Asuka a very Happy Birthday."

The Montel Williams Show containing interviews from Indy should air this Monday in the states.

I'm not sure which is harder, trying to write about a day when it feels like everything is going on, or writing about a day that feels like nothing went on. In days that seem to span a week, it's funny how fast the time goes when it feels like it's moving oh-so-slow. Already we are in the last week of February - and I could have sworn we just got underway last week, or was that last year?

So, Indy had another no-fly day today, which allowed for a little relaxation, and more maintenance. Montel Williams was conducting more interviews with Sailors today, and even grabbed PAO's own JO2 Henry Rice (left) from Pine Island, NY. Rice viewed a tape of his wife and children who are back in Yokosuka, Japan. Montel also re-enlisted 18 Sailors (below) in the Foc'sle this afternoon with the Sailors shipmates standing by. "I'm truly touched and honored to be able to do this," Williams said. "This has helped me remember my Navy experiences."

(Below) Working on replacing an arresting hook on one of VQ-5's birds was this group. I waited until they had just picked the hook up before I asked if they wanted to be "on the web." You know, like waiter asking you how your food is after you just stuffed a mouthful in. "Sure..." clunk! Noooooooo, they didn't drop anything. Pictured below is AO2 Jose Flores from San Antonio, TX; AMS2 David Vinson from Palace King, TX; AD1 Fred Raney from Harriman, TN;

Working on a Helo for squadron HS 14 was Airman Apprentice Ben Arbacauskas (left) from Seattle, WA. "Being out here is alright." he said. "I'm sure it's something I'll appreciate more when I'm a little older and look back." Arbacauskas has been aboard Indy seven months and said he keeps in constant touch with his fiancée, Angela, through email.

(Below) Also out enjoying the last of the sun on today's no-fly day was part of the Hangar Bay crew. (L to R) ABH3 Derrick Berg from Bemidji, Minn; AbH3 Zimmerle Alejandro from Bakersfield, CA; and Abh3 James Bencomo from Albuquerque, NM. "Sometimes I just wish for some aspirin," said Berg. "There's a lot of pressure on doing twenty things at one time, all the time." These guys are part of the crews that move aircraft around in the hangar bays, with about three-inches of space to work with. "On a slow day we'll move 20 to 30 aircraft and on a busy day the number rises to 50 to 60.

(Below) It was standing room only as Black History came to a close with songs from the Indy's Gospel Choir. I know these aren't the greatest of photos, because of the way-low light, but I wanted you to see how full the hangar bay was tonight. In the same area these Sailors and Marines are standing, you could fit close to three or four F/A-18's.

Right after the closeout ceremony there was an ice cream social and a talent show contest. (Left) Fireman Samuel Salts from New Caney, TX was pouring the toppings on thick as (below - L to R) HT1 Donald Grimm from Steuben Mill, OH; AMH1 Anthony Zarbo from Olongapo City, Philippines; and DS1 Joseph Sturgell from Seattle, WA were scooping up the three flavors.

The talent contest brought out all acts: singing, rapping, dancing, juggling, comedy, bicycle tricks, impersonations andddddd the winner out of all these acts was in for a $1,000.00 treat.

(Below) "Indy Pride"

Airman Gene "The Juggler" Magee (below) from Stone Mountain, GA had the front row a little nervous when he began juggling three aluminum bats. "I haven't tried to juggle bats for two years," Magee said, "I guess it's just like riding a bicycle though, you never forget!"

The celebrity judges were generous for deserving acts, but a few acts lacking focus were not so lucky.