From the Skipper of the San Francisco == Update

Since 02-25-05

From: Kevin & Avril Mooney
Date: 02/20/05 20:47:16
To: mooney@guam.net
Subject: Update

Greetings family and friends,

Thanks so much for your continued support – we have been unable to respond to all the e-mails and phone calls but rest assured, they all have been received with gratitude and appreciation.

With most of the uncertainty behind us, we are now planning for our future. I expect to receive orders to the Bangor/Bremerton area in Washington state, where I’ll report in the May timeframe. I’ll then be retiring from the Navy in May 2006. This will work out well because it gives me a year to continue recovering and work on my transition to civilian life. We hope to remain in the Pacific Northwest for the long haul.

Avril and the girls are doing very well. Laura will start a fast track plan that will allow her to finish the sixth grade by the end of April. Tara turns three in just a few days and she charms everyone she meets. Avril still has unlimited reserves of energy and optimism, which should surprise no one. In addition to the kind words many of you have sent specifically to her, Avril has found great solace from chocolate as well! Truly I am blessed to have such a wonderful family.

While I greatly miss my crew on SAN FRANCISCO, I have been honored by their assurances of continued loyalty and support. Suffice to say, they are the tightest knit crew in the Navy and they’re all heroes in my book. Included in this group are the families here in Guam – they have pulled together and carried each other throughout this crisis. Numerous SAN FRANCISCO Sailors are still recovering from their injuries, so please keep them in your prayers.

Please know how much we have appreciated your efforts to comfort and pray for us during this challenging time. While many tough days no doubt lie ahead, I feel as tough I am in the twilight of my grief and dawn of my recovery. Let’s hope so.

Kevin