Episode 17: Lily
My Best Seaman
Lily is one of Host Tess’s best friends from high school who has been serving the public since before she graduated high school. Lily is the 2nd child born out of 5 and has always had a passion for taking care of those around her. Lily’s first job was a lifeguard for the community pool, and her first schooling was for emergency medical training (EMT). She currently works as a Fire Control-man for the Norfolk Virginia Naval Base, the largest naval base in the country. Her flavor is Tomahawk missiles, integrity, faith, and family. Come along with us as Lily speaks honestly about the Navy, boot camp, deployments, suicide prevention, port of entry, and traveling the world with her ship full of sailors to keep our lands and seas safe.
Lily and her team under the ‘gun’ of the ship which is similar to a cannon and shoots a projectile that is 5 inches in diameter. Scroll down to see the missile launch deck.
The Ship’s Navigation Team
“My equipment (the brains of the launch) is in the tomahawk equipment room, but we would launch( fake big red button) from a console in the Combat information center.” -Lily, giving a photo example of what her top secret work area looks like ~
This is the launch deck that holds the missiles on board. Each little door has missiles beneath them that are ready to fire at any given time through her control room. Lily’s boat carries around 96 missiles.
Deployment Departure
Hawaii, leaving for deployment, a launch system tech and a fellow tomahawk tech
Flag Staff Erect, sunrise and sunset
Formal Arrivals
Peru port of entry with formal arrival in uniforms
Lily and her crew in formal uniforms for arrival
Chilean Mountains, on deck on Lily’s deployment
From the Bow Looking AFT (Outside Chili South America)
Veteran Burial at Sea
“Burial at sea: Veterans can elect to be buried at sea. They will be cremated and their ashes sent to sea with a US Ship like mine. We hold a full military funeral service at sea for them. Because their family cannot be present we film and send the footage to the families.” - Lily, during deployment
Chile Arrival
Lily in Chile
Lily and her dear friend Will, Chilean mountains in the foreground
Helo Fire Drills
Fire Drills
Helo Landing On-Deck
In-Flight Helo Refuel
Helo On-Deck Maintenance
Lily Getting Maced
Before and after mace drill - What a champion!
Mooring to the Pier, connecting ship to port
Practice fire on-deck
Ship Fire Drill
Ship Fire Drill
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Thailand
Lily’s favorite out-of-country stop during deployment
Lily feeding an elephant bananas
Lily and some friends feeding an elephant
Lily and her friends with some workers bathing with an elephant
Will, friends, and Lily making poo paper
Lily and Will with their poo paper popsicle craft projects, nice work!
Community Relations
Lily with Korean Elementary School Students
Underway Replenishment
United States Naval Ship Deliveries
Attaching ships together by cables
Sending the replenishment across to Lily’s boat
Underway Replenishment Received!
The beautiful blue waters Lily talks about in her episode.
“You’ll never see anything like it.” - Lily
Underway Replenishment, United States Naval Ship Deliveries
Welcomed fresh veggies
Lily’s crew receiving much awaited mail, all smiles!
Find a local support group near you for substance abuse at Alcoholics Anonymous. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
This has been a Push Diaries Podcast.
I’m creating a collection of stories showcasing resilient people who overcome unimaginable hardships while finding beauty in the ups and downs of life. Every moment is significant. Please visit our Patreon to support the show and have access to exclusive content.
This is your podcast too. I want to hear your stories. Email me at pushdiariespodcast@gmail.com.
Thank you so much for listening!