Graduation into the US Marine Corps.

Jon leaves for Boot Camp. Does he realise what is about to hit him ? We all had confidence but still wondered if he will make it. Is he doing the right thing?

Well he did it and we are Proud.

Here are the photos from the Graduation days.

Mick and Helen , Hazel Tim and I flying to San Diego on South West.

We approached San Diego and the southern most fires across California could easliy be seen from the air.

As we flew into San Diego airport we had to fly past smoke from the fires.

The ship from Master and Commander docked along San Diego. We headed to the docks for food...No where was crowded. Everyone staying away because of the smoke. 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen, out in the mid day sun'.....

GRADUATION MORNING:

The Sun rising through smokey skies. Fires still burning around San Diego but the winds dropped.

Sun rising as the graduates practice for their day ahead.

It was early for us, but these guys had been up and parading around. Smoke in the air so they were wearing masks during their practice drills.

We arrived early for a good breakfast on the base.

Waiting for the ceremony to start.

Yes Im a proud Dad. Tim captures everything on film as the Marine Graduates parade around...

We spotted him eventually. They all looked the same....

Jon received the black emblem for his cover. ( hat)

A smile, you allowed to do that?

Proud moment, you did it Son.....

His first hug for 3 months, unless you didnt tell us everything about the drill Sergeants.... :)

...This hug was in line with official guidelines on how to hug your new Marine....

Now Jon is officially a US Marine. He achieved the goal he set himself. Get through Marine boot camp.

Brothers in Arms.......

The two uniformed. Marine and Navy...

The family after good food at the Marine buffet.

Jon and I, the proud Dad.

Jon's Head Drill Instructor.

Jon and Drill Instructor

The Marine makes a call to Nana in the UK

Mick drew a lot of attention in his Royal Navy Uniform.

Can't walk when on the cell phone......

Jon and Mick address Uniformed stories.....

Mick and Helen.

Look no hair. Covers ( hats ) off inside.

Let that be a guiding principle for all, including baseball caps.....

The final moments fo day One before we have to leave having spend half a day with Jon.

FINAL GRADUATION DAY

Day Two .

The Flags of the US States

The Marine Band.

Impressive display by the Graduates.

Speaches and addressing the troops followed by a rousing response from the 600+ graduates.

Jon at the Front.

Private 1st Class

In perfect line. Jon at the front of photo

One final parade around the grounds.

Jon at the back in the Flat top Cover...( hat)

The three Drill Sergeants of Platoon 1006.

Sir yes Sir.......

Fall out.......

A welcome Congratualtions Hug.
We can take you home this time.

Giant Status by the Aircraft Carrier Museum, 'Midway'. Why is it that everyone had to take a look up the skirt. Mick and Jon in uniform underneath the skirt, resisting the temptation... for a quick photo.

Jon reluctantly mimmicking the statue with his Aunty Helen...










Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk...

We all took a walk on the beach. Jon and Tim share a moment.
Jon finding everything a little unreal after 13 weeks of intense bootcamp.

The sun begins to set behind clouds over the Pacific Ocean.

After a walk of freedom along the beach it was time for some food.

Micks birthday was close and Jon well he just graduated so Balloons were brought to the table.

DAY THREE - Freedom - Jon gets to come home...

A Smokey view over San Diego Harbour. Fires still burning in the distance.

War heroes Cemetary. Many here had survived the wars and died in old age.

Reflective maybe. War Cemetary overlooking San Diego harbour and MCRD.

Time for a snack before departing for the airport.

In and Out Burger. Why is that ? In one end and out the other?

On arriving home we find some of the neighbours have decorated the house for Jons arrival home late Saturday night.

Welcome back Jon, and Congratulations.